Chicken Tortilla Soup in the Instant Pot

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Busy weeknight?  I've gotcha!

Some nights I get home and cooking is the last thing I want to do after a long hard day at work.  We are all busy these days, running around doing errands, and a million other things that our days are full.  Getting a dinner that's healthy and tasty on the table just isn't always the easiest thing to do on weeknights.

I have a wonderful solution to that...the INSTANT POT!  This gadget is going to be your new best friend.  If you haven't gotten one yet, let me tell you it has enhanced my life so much in the last year, that it's becoming one of my most used appliances to date.  This is the one I use, and it works perfectly for me.  

The Instant Pot is the perfect tool to make soup, and on a weeknight soup and salad is just what the doctor ordered.  In 30 minutes you will have a filling and healthy dinner on the table!  The Instant Pot not only cooks your food faster it also concentrates the flavors, which makes for very delicious meals!

Bursting with Latin flavors, this healthy soup is one that you won't feel guilty about eating seconds!  The soup has tender pieces of chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and Latin spices to create a mouthwatering soup.  

So get yourself an Instant Pot and enjoy the freedom of cooking with a pressure cooker.  The dishes you can make are truly outstanding, just like this soup!

Enjoy!

Chicken Tortilla Soup in the Instant Pot

serves 6

1 Tablespoon of olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced 

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast

1 quart chicken broth, low sodium 

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, with their juice

1 cup corn, frozen or fresh 

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 lime

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 

Turn on your instant pot to saute and allow to heat.  Add olive oil and heat for 1 minute.  Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened slightly, about 3 minutes. 

Add the remaining ingredients except the limes and the cilantro.  Cover the pot with the lid and set the dial to pressure.  Press the manual button and set the time to 10 minutes.  When it has finished do a quick release.

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred.  Replace chicken in the pot.  Turn off Instant Pot.

Squeeze in the juice of the lime and stir in the cilantro.  Serve.

Farmstyle Pumpkin French Toast

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The most amazing winter morning breakfast! Perfectly sweet and spicy using leftover canned pumpkin that will melt in your mouth!

Welcome to Part II of my leftover canned pumpkin recipes.  Last week we made my delectable Small Batch Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and today we are going to use up the remaining pumpkin in my recipe for:

FARMSTYLE PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST

A lot of times I struggle between choosing French toast and pancakes.  My mom made both all the time growing up and I think I lean toward pancakes, but every now and then I get a hankering for luscious, decadent French toast.

So I pulled out my mom's old recipe for French toast that she got from her Aunt Grace and tweaked it a bit to create a pumpkin version.  Wonderfully pumpkin pie spiced bread that's dripping with warm cinnamon syrup will make your breakfast irresistible.  You'll have this pile of deliciousness on the table in the time it takes you to say "I'm hungry"!

My great aunt lived on a farm in Oklahoma and she came up with some great homestyle recipes.  I treasure those dearly.  To keep in that tradition use a good country bread that's on the thick side.  It's preferable if the bread is slightly stale as it will soak up all that deliscious custard better.  

Enjoy a great winter breakfast this season using leftover canned pumpkin.  It's a great staple to have in your house, and one the whole family (especially the kids) will enjoy!






Farmstyle Pumpkin French Toast

Yield: 2- 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:


2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 loaf Country bread, thick sliced 

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 

Syrup:

1/2 cup maple syrup 

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Dip bread slices into the egg mixture, allowing to soak for at least 20 seconds and coating both sides.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread slices to the skillet, working in batches, and cook until evenly golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use additional butter and repeat with remaining bread.

Meanwhile in a small pan add maple syrup and cinnamon and simmer over low until heated through but not bubbling.  Stir to combine.  

Serve immediately with maple syrup, garnished with powdered sugar, if desired.

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Stew

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Whenever the weather change to fall then toward winter I love, love, love making soups.  

There's something about a comforting homey meal when you get home from work after a long day that gets me right there. (Pointing toward heart)  It soothes the soul, if you know what I mean.  

So to make these wonderfully tasting soups and stews during the week I turn to my slow cooker for help.  It gives you that cooked all day flavor without the effort.  So what to make?  I'm feeling like a comforting chicken stew is in order.  I have a French chicken stew that I make but I'm actually in the mood for Italian flavors.  Something with a tomato base.  So a Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Stew was in order.

Wonderfully simple ingredients such as onion, celery, and carrots are the base of the recipes as with many soups and stews.  What makes this special are the addition of Italian ingredients such as tomatoes and Cannellini beans along with Italian spices such as basil, oregano, add the zest this Italian stew deserves.  

What equipment do I need to make this?  I have several slow cookers but my favorite is this one.  It has a sauté feature that I love along with it being a multi-functional cooker.  Another standard slow cooker I have is this one.  It has a good price point but doesn't have timer functions.  Other items you might like are some wonderful spices such as this one, or this one. Staples such as these long lasting measuring spoons and this necessary ladle for soups and stews are great to have as well.

Warm and inviting, this thick and hearty stew will have you rubbing your tummy and going back for more!  The spices blend together beautifully throughout the day and give this a wonderful flavor. This is a stew that you will want on rotation throughout the winter this year.

Enjoy! 





Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Stew

2 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts about 1 - 1 1/2 lbs.
28 oz crushed tomatoes
15 oz tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 14.5 oz cans of Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups celery, sliced
1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced
4 Tbls. Italian seasoning

2 tsp garlic, minced

1/4 parsley, chopped

1 tsp. kosher salt 

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Add all of the ingredients to a 6 quart slow cooker placing the chicken on the bottom with the other ingredients over the chicken.  Stir to combine seasonings. 

Cook on low 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred or chop chicken.  Place the chicken back in the slow cooker.  Stir to combine.  Serve immediately.

This post contains affiliate links to items you can purchase, in which I get a small amount of compensation for at no cost to you.  I bring you items that I actually use that are of great quality that I can pass along suggestions to you.

Game Day Winner: Spicy Turkey Chili

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Need an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for game day?  

Make a batch of my Spicy Turkey Chili.  Ground turkey along with black beans and a few pantry staples is all you need to make a batch of the BEST TASTING, healthier version of chili.  This has become my new favorite chili dish and it is comfort food heaven on a cold day.

Spiked with cayenne pepper and jalapenos for heat you can amp it up to another level or mellow it out by adding more or reducing the amounts used.  We like a little spice so I put about 1/4 tsp instead of a pinch in our batch.  Bam!  it was soooo good!  

I love that this is a healthy version of chili, reducing the fat by using turkey.  I also love that this is a little soupier chili, it creates a soupy broth that is full of flavor.  If you like your chili super thick then I would reduce the liquid by a cup.  This is comfort food heaven (Did I tell you that already?).  Easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, and one your family and friends will love!

Don't be surprised when everyone gathers around on game day for this chili, and comes back for seconds.  So make a double batch to feed the all the sports fans!

Other chilies you might like:
Lightening Fast So-Cal Chili
Southwest Chicken Chili

Spicy Turkey Chili

serves 4

1 Tbsp canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper (more for increased heat)
1 lb. ground turkey
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed
1 28 oz  can diced tomatoes
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth

Garnishes:  (optional) cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, tomato chunks, slivered onions 

In a large stockpot, over medium heat, heat oil.  Add onions and cook until tender and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno and cook 1 minutes more, stirring frequently. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.

Add turkey and cook, stirring, until fully cooked browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add black beans and canned tomatoes, stirring to combine, then add the chicken broth.

Increase heat to high until chili comes to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.  Serve immediately in bowls and garnish if desired.

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken (Mexican Style)

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Last year I brought you a great semi-homemade way to make Shredded Chicken Taco Meat using a slow cooker.  It's super simple and tastes great in a pinch, but now we are going to explore an even better version.  A totally, made from scratch version.

From scratch?  Yes!  You will be using all your own spices rather than taco seasoning and adding in some flavors and textures that will produce a chicken dish that is outstanding!  You'll still get to use the slow cooker and therefore the benefit of hands off cooking.  Here's the one I use.  Prepare your food in the slow cooker in the morning, and when you get home from work the house will smell like your favorite

taqueria!

SLOW COOKER SHREDDED CHICKEN (MEXICAN STYLE)

So what can you do with Mexican Style Shredded Chicken??  Well, how about filing for tacos, burritos, chimichangas, tostadas, flautas, chicken tortilla soup, enchiladas....it's endless I tell you!  And there is another plus to this recipe.  Make a big batch and freeze the shredded meat in portioned batches for future meals.  How great is that!

We ended up making street tacos with our chicken.  I found really small flour and corn tortillas at our Smart & Final store and they were the perfect bite sized vehicle for our tacos. 

This chicken meat is so versatile and has the BEST flavor you will want to keep this recipe handy because you'll be making this one often!

Enjoy!





Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken (Mexican Style)

1-1/2 - 2 pounds chicken breasts
1/2 cup medium salsa
1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies
1 14.5 oz. can low sodium diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garlic powder 

1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp dry oregano

1/2 tsp black ground pepper
1 tsp chipotle chili pepper seasoning (I used Mrs. Dash, no salt)

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.

Add the remaining ingredients and place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.

Remove chicken and place on a cutting board and allow it to cool, enough to handle.  Shred chicken and return to the slow cooker so it absorbs some of that seasoned juice.  Strain the meat from the juices to use.

adapted from Carlsbad Cravings, Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken

Outrageous Oven Fries

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Have you got your Memorial Day bash main dish picked yet?  If not, take a look at these Attention-Grabbing Jalapeno Mushroom Sliders or Baja Chicken Sliders they are easy to make and both make outstanding entrees.  

And what better side dish to go with some yummy sliders than fries. 

OUTRAGEOUS OVEN FRIES

These fries are healthier since they are not fried in oil but baked in the oven.  It's the only way we do fries now.  They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. 

I jazz up our fries with a spice mixture of paprika and garlic powder.  The combination is a winning formula and it's become our basic recipe.

Who doesn't love fires with their burgers or hot dogs?  And ones with a bit of spice just make them irresistible and additive.  Don't say I didn't warn you....as I can neither confirm or deny sneaking 1 or 5 from the baking sheet, hot from the oven.  Shhh! don't tell anyone! They really are outrageously good!

Enjoy!!





Outrageous Oven Fries

serves 8

4 large russet potatoes, washed and peeled
2 Tbls olive oil
3 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut each potato into planks and then cut the planks into sticks.  Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with oil, tossing to coat.  Sprinkle on paprika and garlic powder.  Toss to coat.

Place potatoes on a baking sheet, making sure they are level.  Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown, turning over once half way through the cooking time.  Serve warm.

Grilling Time: Rubs

 

With grilling season in full swing one of the best ways to jazz up your steak, chicken, fish, and pork is with a rub.

I use rubs or marinades 99% of the time when I'm grilling.  I'm all about serving themed, flavorful food and rubs make it easy.  Want southwestern flair?  Got a rub for that!  How about Caribbean? check!  Wanna go Italian?  Piece of cake...

There is a rub out there for every flavor profile you want.  An array of spices and herbs awaits your imagination, begging to be mixed together.

Rubs are mainly dry, but you can also make a wet rub or a paste which works equally well.  Rubs provide intense flavor since you rub it generously into the meat.  The rub adheres to the meat well and forms a nice crust on the meat as it it grilling.

I've brought you some of my favorites in addition to some new ones to try.  I hope you get adventurous with your grilling and try a good rub!

Enjoy!




Cowboy Rub
source: Slice of Southern

1 T paprika
1 T ground coffee
1 T onion powder
1 1/2 t ancho chili powder or regular mild chili powder
1 t smoked salt or regular salt
2 t packed light brown sugar
1 ½ t coarse black pepper
1 ½ t garlic powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Rub into steak prior to grilling.


Herb Rub (wet rub)
source:  Slice of Southern

1 t dried thyme
1 t dried oregano
1 t dried parsley
¼ t lemon zest
1 t garlic powder
2 t olive oil

Mix together in a bowl. Apply to steak, fish, or chicken.


Terrific 10 BBQ Rub

source: Ladies Home Journal magazine


7 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
5 teaspoons dry mustard
5 teaspoons ground cumin
5 teaspoons chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 1/4 teaspoons celery salt
1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and rub on steaks, chicken, or pork. Will keep in sealed tight container up to 2 months.


Chili Rub
source:  Slice of Southern
 
2 T coarse salt
1 T Brown Sugar Splenda (or 2 T regular light brown sugar, packed)
1 1/2 T Smoked Chipotle Paprika  (if you can't find this use smoked paprika and add some chipotle powder as well)
1 T Black smoked pepper (or regular black pepper)
1 T garlic powder
1 t dry mustard
1 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1 t dried oregano

Blend all spices together in a bowl.  Use immediately, or cover tightly and store for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.  Makes 1 cup of spice rub.

All Purpose Spice Rubsource: Martha Stewart
Ingredients

1/3 cup coarse salt
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients, using your hands to break up the sugar.