Chicken Tortilla Soup - slow cooker method

There's a few weeks of winter left yet, and it's still that time of year when the comfort of a bowl of soup is the perfect choice for lunch, or dinner.  There's just nothing better than a bowl of soup when the temperature drops, and it always feels like a big warm hug!  Chicken Tortilla Soup is like that for me, and it's a favorite of mine when I go out for Mexican food.

In seeking the perfect recipe so I could make Chicken Tortilla Soup at home, I put together a recipe that has just the right ingredients and all the flavor I was looking for.  And, since I cooked it in my crock pot/slow cooker it was almost effortless with it being so easy to make, and all the while it cooked it was filling the house with the delicious smell of homemade goodness! 

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is hearty and filling.  A tasty blend of spices adds just the right amount of flavor, and the additional toppings added before serving gives it that extra something special that would surely be missed, if not there!  You can leave them off, but I strongly recommend reconsidering that if you do!  I mean, how could you do that, seriously?  It's even better with the extras!

I added some crushed tortilla chips around the rim of my bowl, then some diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, a nice mound of shredded monterey jack cheese, and for added heat- a sprinkle of diced jalapeno.  It was ... Perfect!  You can also kick-up the heat of this soup by adding a bit of red pepper flakes or hot sauce, too! 

The richness of the broth is a delicious blend of all the flavors within!  And, I think it is a nice color and overall the soup is appealing visually.

Also this soup is a great next day 'left-overs' dish that might be even better then!

Give my Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe a try, I hope you will find that you enjoy it too.  I think it's delicious!

Chicken Tortilla Soup - slow cooker method

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained
1/2 medium yellow or sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced
3 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
salt and freshly ground black, pepper to taste
1 (14.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained or 1 1/2 cup frozen corn
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

Additional ingredients for topping before serving:
tortilla chips-pieces, or strips-(see recipe below to make your own.)
Monterrey jack cheese, shredded or a Mexican blend
fresh avocado, diced
fresh tomatoes, diced
fresh jalapeno, seeds and veins removed, then chopped
sour cream
red pepper flakes, tabasco or hot sauce

Directions:

Pour diced tomatoes into slow cooker, add the chicken broth.  To that add the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, and mix together  Next, place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker with the other already added ingredients, cover with lid, set to low heat and cook for 5 to 5 1/2  hours, or until chicken is fully cooked.  Carefully remove chicken and chop/shred into bite sized pieces, then place back into slow cooker, along with the corn, black beans, and cilantro.  Stir gently and allow to cook further until thoroughly heated.

Serve topped with a squeeze of lime,  shredded cheese, tortilla strips or pieces, and other optional ingredients.




Baked tortilla strips

Ingredients:
corn tortillas
cooking spray, or canola or vegetable oil
salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. coat both sides lightly and evenly with oil.  Stack a few tortillas on top of each other, then cut into approximately 1/4 inch strips.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper  or a silpat, arrange strips in a single layer, season with salt, then bake in preheated oven 12-15 minutes, toss at  once or twice during cooking, and continue until golden and crisp.  Let cool on paper towels, then store in an airtight container.  

These could also be fried in oil on the stove top, or in a deep fryer.

Enjoy!...

Thoughts and Things - This week ... A Florida-Birthday-Weekend

We took a little trip to Florida over the weekend!  

It was a beautiful day for a drive, the sky was clear and blue, and a stop for a frappuccino made the ride that much better!

~*~  ~*~  ~*~

We had a great reason for making the drive to Jacksonville, FL for the weekend.

To visit with family!  We arrived at my Sister and BIL's house late Friday evening, and our Parents would arrive the next morning from Melbourne, FL, so we all could spend the time together...

Celebrating Dad's 80th Birthday!

Hubs prepared one of his specialities, an awesome and delicious Pork Shoulder Boston Butt to take with us, and Sis made all the fixin's to go with it for our dinner celebration on Saturday.  She also made that delicious coconut cake (a favorite) for Dad!

A bit of LOVE & Hearts for Valentine's Day

There was once a time when I may have added just a wreath or perhaps something with hearts on it to the front door for February, and in celebration of Valentine's Day.  With so much available these days, and so many creative ideas floating around, I have been more into adding some hearts and love, and yes, even a touch of red to my decor when February rolls around. 

I love my display shelf, it is my go to spot for holidays and in-between seasons.  I enjoy changing the look of it and seeing something different, since I often get the itch to change my decor.  I also like to change up my fireplace mantle too, but mostly prefer to do that for the change of seasons and Christmas.  My display shelf was something I wanted to add for those other holidays that come around throughout the year.  It gives me a space where I can be creative by changing the look of it using different themes and items, and I always like to challenge myself to do it in a cost friendly way.

I put together a heart and love display with a few things I already had and a few inexpensive items I recently purchased, all for under ten dollars. -The burlap heart in the middle (it has a clip/photo holder on the back), the rock with "Love is patient" on it, the "Love lives here" sign, paper doilie hearts, a Valentine's Day card, and the cute little red hearts and beads necklaces which I used for a garland along the front.-

I got into my craft stash and used some rubber stamps, a red ink pad, and a plain piece of card stock for the "I (heart) U" and then placed it in a pretty photo frame.  The wooden clipboard holds an actual Valentine's Day card, I liked that the front of it is a large gathering of heart balloons all forming a heart, some of them are raised red hearts.  I love hearts!

Since I love all things "hearts" this was a fun project for me!  And, I'll admit that I am a bit of a heart-gushin', sappy romantic when it comes to love, too!

X O

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!...

Celebration of "World Nutella Day" today!

"Chocaholics know that there is chocolate and then there is Nutella. The creamy and delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread has been around since the 1940s, and despite the many imitations that have appeared in the market, Nutella continues to be the favourite guilty pleasure of chocaholics around the world. It is not surprising that die-hard Nutella fans decided to start the Nutella Day tradition back in 2007. This sweet celebration was launched through social networks by a blogger and Nutella fan, and soon tens of thousands of like-minded Nutella devotees showed their appreciation for the chocolatey delight online.

So, Nutella fans of the world unite! Celebrate the existence of this delicious chocolate spread by grabbing a spoon and getting creative with hundreds of Nutella recipes. Start your Nutella Day with a classic Nutella-on-pancakes breakfast and follow with a shaken espresso with a dash of Nutella. On this day, add Nutella to your cupcakes, ice cream, mousse, or even to savoury dishes. Your imagination is the limit!"

source

image source

Happy "Nutella" Day!

~A day to celebrate Nutella, well, that's my kind of day! ...Yes, Please!  This chocolate loving woman most definitely, and happily, is all in for joining in a day of celebration that's all about Nutella.

I love Nutella!  I discovered it late in life, and I must say I have been making up for lost time.  I search for new and exciting ways to use Nutella in recipes now.

I've featured a few recipes here on the blog using Nutella: 

     

    * Banana & Nutella Crepes

         ~This is impressive and delicious!  Enjoy for breakfast, as a dessert, or anytime!

    * French- Toast Stuffed with Nutella & Banana 

         ~Want to bring french toast to a whole new level?  Try this recipe!

    * Nutella Brownie Bites
       ~This recipe has been very popular.  The Nutella Brownie Bites are so easy to make, are made using three ingredients, and they're a must try!

~Here's the latest recipe I have found that is a delicious and decadent dessert idea that's out of the ordinary.  A Dessert Panini. a Nutella-Dessert Panini!  This is something else, and something delicious!  I altered the original recipe that called for marshmallow creme, and used mascarpone-(a sweet Italian cream cheese) instead.  The choice is yours to do whichever you prefer.

Nutella Dessert Panini

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons sliced almonds

2 slices sourdough bread

2 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread

1 tablespoon mascarpone 

4 strawberries, sliced

2 tablespoons salted butter, softened

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Directions:

Toast the almonds in a pan over medium heat until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Spread one slice of the sourdough bread with a thick layer of the chocolate-hazelnut spread. Spread the other slice of bread with the mascarpone. Layer sliced strawberries on top of the chocolate-hazelnut spread, then top with a sprinkling of almonds. Next place the other slice of bread on top, mascarpone-side down. Press the 2 slices together.

Butter the top side of the sandwich and then put it on a hot panini maker butter-side down. Butter the other side that is now facing-up.  Close the lid and cook until the sandwich is toasted and warmed through. (If you do not have a panini maker, you can grill the sandwich in a skillet, laying another heavy skillet on top of the sandwich to press it together, or use a grill press. Turn to grill the other side of the panini in the same way.)

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, cut in half and serve!

Recipe adapted from: http://www.foodnetwork.com 

Enjoy!...

Here are some interesting facts about Nutella: Nutella facts -Things you dont know about Nutella

There is also a book: Nutella World: 50 Years Innovation

Gift ideas for Valentine's Day!

Make something for your Valentine!

I put together a few ideas of the hand-crafted gifts for Valentine's day that I have featured before, which you can make for your special Valentine.  They are sure to love them!

These are so easy to create and give to those you love.

~*~    ~*~    ~*~

This is one of my more popular posts here on the blog.  And, one that has been pinned a numerous amount of times!  These are a special kind of roses, they're made using Hershey's Kisses.  It's truly a sweet gift!

Hershey's Kisses Roses <~ See the tutorial.

~*~    ~*~    ~*~

How about a gift of Hugs & Kisses and add them to a pretty recycled jar?  Personalize it to match someones decor, or their personality!  They can also reuse the jar for other items after the Hugs & Kisses have been enjoyed.

Chocolate Hugs & Kisses-in pretty recycled jars <~ See the tutorial.

~*~    ~*~    ~*~

Another creative gift you can make and give, is a reusable note board.  I made one using a beautiful photo frame.  I could leave a daily message to my Valentine.  And, he often reciprocated a message to me, too!

Message to my Valentine - Create a reusable note board <~ See the tutorial.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner!  Use these sweet and fun ideas to make something special for your Valentine!

Happy crafting...

Thoughts and Things - This Week ... Where does the time go?~Birthdays, Babies & Brownies

Where does it go?  It seems unreal that our first grand is nine already.  She is growing up so fast!  We were supposed to celebrate her birthday with her last weekend, up in Greenville, SC.  However, due the winter storm that stole our plans, we had to postpone.  We managed to try again with great success today, I'm happy to say!

And just look how happy she was about it.  Two birthday-days aren't so bad after all. 

I treated her to my special, fancy Brownie (I prepared two, one with walnuts and one without), instead of the typical birthday cake.  She was very pleased about that too!  A few candles added, along with all of us singing her the "Happy Birthday" song, had her smiling as well.

A wish was made, and then out went the candles!  I think she may have wished that she could eat the whole thing!

She and little Sis posed for a moment, so I could capture their beautiful smiles!  I'm quite sure they were babies just a minute ago!  Nine and five now, how did this happen?

Their momma was just my little baby not that long ago, as well.  Now she is over 21, and like her mother she also enjoys a nice glass of wine.  And now we both can enjoy a glass together!  But, I'm not gonna state our ages!  Well OK, she is uhhhh, 29 ... and me, I am not much older!  OK?  Got it?  

That's our story and we're sticking to it!  ;)

Where does the time go?...

A touch of "Winter" decor

After the holidays are over and all the holiday decorations are packed away until next year, that is when the winter really sets in, for me.  It's cold outside and warmth is what I seek.  I will admit that I'm not a huge fan of winter, that's no surprise if you know me!  But, it is a part of life and so I find a way to struggle on through it with immense anticipation of the first signs of spring.

This is also the time when there is a clean slate to work with when it comes to home decor, a starting over point, of sorts.  There's definitely a noticeable change in the scenery outside and winter is clearly visible.         

I gave my display shelf a "winter" make-over.  I think it is a reflection of what I see outside, and what I'm feeling on the inside.  Brrrr!  

Over at the 'Bar area' I added this warming message to my  fancy chalkboard.  I think curling up by a nice warm fire and having a "toast to warmth" is a perfect idea!

I hope you are warm, wherever you are!...

You may also like these links:

Fall

Summer

Celebrating our LOVE for others

With having a day next month that is all about hearts and love, I got to thinking about the things we do in celebrating our love for others and the many ways of showing and expressing it, not just in February, but all throughout the year.

~Giving a "just because" gift to someone you love is always nice.
I like it when I find an item that reminds me of a loved one and I just have to get it for them, and seeing the joy on their face upon receiving it!
Baking something yummy and delicious that I know they love, maybe using a favorite recipe.
A bottle of wine or bubbly to enjoy after a long day.
Surprising them with some of their favorite candy, sweets, or chocolate.
A plant or flowers to add to the home or garden.
A card that expresses my love for them.

~Some just 'because gifts' are not actual items at all.
I find it rewarding to do something special for someone.
An invitation to meet and enjoy lunch or dinner, perhaps at a favorite restaurant.
Offering to give a couple with children a night out alone together, providing child care for them.
A phone call to catch-up, to lend an ear and just listen, or simply to say "I'm thinking of you!"
A big HUG.  I am a hug-ger, hugs can always be expected from me!
A smile, it doesn't cost a thing, and it's very contagious.  And, laughter is too!
Show your appreciation for what others do for you, with gratitude.
Compliment their efforts, achievements, and also their appearance.
Be thankful, kind, and considerate.
Say the words "I love you" out loud, and often!
Small simple gestures with big impact that can brighten someones day.

 ~*~  ~ *~  ~*~      

I enjoy decorating my home and also re-decorating it, too.  That is very apparent for anyone who visits or reads my blog.  I like sharing ideas and tips on home decor, and helping others with what I have learned over the years, both personally and through my blog.  I enjoy sharing my home with my family and friends, and hope they feel a sense of warmth and welcome when they are here.   I feel that my home, and my home's decor, is a reflection of me and my tastes.  It's a part of me, part of the things I love, and part of my heart.  I put time and effort into making my home something I love, and I share it with those I love.

When family and friends are in my home I want them to enjoy being here and have the feeling of wanting to stay a while, being comfortable, relaxed, and most especially, loved!  Having them be a part of my life is important to me and worth celebrating, any day or anytime.  Sharing my home with those I love and care about is one of my favorite ways of showing them my love and appreciation for them.  Whether it's just relaxing on our porch together with beverages and good conversation, or preparing and sharing a delicious meal to enjoy together.

To add to our dining experience, I enjoy setting an inviting table in our dining room, with candles and a beautiful floral arrangement as a focal point.  I love flowers and using them in my home, so I've always enjoyed making my own floral arrangements, often using artificial or faux flowers.  But, I also use fresh flowers, and occasionally combine both fresh and faux.  Fresh flowers make an ordinary day extraordinary and add a special touch. Sometimes I find fresh flowers at the local grocery, it's hard to pass them up once they catch my eye and I literally "stop to smell the roses!"

I recently learned of a flower delivery service.  They reached out to me with the idea for this post.  Upon visiting their website you can enter your zip code to find local florists and unique floral designs that are available.  They also have a blog with a vast amount of information on flowers, and lots of inspiration for those like me who like to make their own arrangements.  But, if you want a professional to do the job for you, or you are planning to send flowers, check them out!  BloomNation, "Unique blooms that are always hand delivered and always local."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~  

I believe flowers are another way of expressing love, whether growing them in your garden to share with those that visit and view them, having them on display in your home to enjoy their beauty and fragrance, making something crafty using flowers for your home or someone else's, giving or sending flowers to lift someones spirit, celebrate their birthday, special occasion, or just to say..."I love you!"

Like flowers, love too, should always be blooming!

Winter Centerpiece

While wondering what to use for a centerpiece on our breakfast table after the holidays were over, I knew I wanted something to dress up our table for the winter season.  So, I went on the hunt around my home for inspiration and ideas.  I like a "use what you have" approach when doing quick change decorating.  That is what I did here for my winter centerpiece.  I put a simple one together in just minutes and I'm happy with what I came up with.

I used one new item though, but it was a gift!  My daughter gave me the bronze hammered tray for Christmas, and I'll tell you I hinted pretty hard that I wanted that beautiful tray, plus it matched another smaller half tray I already had.  Funny thing is, she told me after she gave it to me that before knowing I really wanted the tray, she had already gotten it for me!  So, it was truly meant to be! 

I like the winter feel of this simple centerpiece, and that it has a bit of a tone on tone look.  A sparkly cloth napkin is tucked beneath the wire basket holding a glass candle holder, a sparkly candle inside serves as a base, and lift, for the glass votive candle holder with votive candle.  I like to layer items, I believe it gives more interest.  And, using items to heighten or lift other items, adds interest as well.

I often use flowers, whether fresh or faux, I love flowers and using them throughout my home.  I realize though, there are some who choose not to use flowers in their home decor.  So, I thought putting together a centerpiece without flowers would be doable and also give an example idea for those preferring to not use flowers.
    

I added some cotton around the base of the basket for a wintry snow effect.  I placed some of my lightened pine cones around the basket because I thought they worked well with the over all color and I like to include them in my decorating.  Pine cones especially work well when using them around the holidays and during the winter.  Visit my post on "How to lighten pine cones" if you want to learn how I did mine.  Adding sprigs of greenery gave it a bit of color and worked well with the pine cones, and added to the winter look.

You may have already seen and remember my Christmas centerpiece...

   I shared it in the Christmas Decor 2015 post, I used the smaller half tray for that.

This close-up shows the tray a little better.  I thought about keeping my reindeer out a little longer to use for winter, but instead they were carefully packed away for next year!  Originally a plain white salt and pepper set, I added some sparkle and dressed them up for the holidays.

Yesterday while shopping I was happy to notice, and quickly score, another of the square trays (the last one), so now I have three of them, two large square trays and one smaller half tray.  *smiles*  

In doing something different, I went with my quick and easy winter centerpiece.  I achieved my desire for a centerpiece that didn't cost me a thing and took only a couple of minutes to create.   That's my favorite kind of decorating!

Happy decorating!...