Chicken Enchilada Soup

We've really been a roll this year so far in trying new recipes.  I made this one on Sunday for dinner and the kids said it was a keeper.  It comes from Alison at Some the Wiser.  Sorry no picture, it was gone before I could snap a photo.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

4 corn tortillas -  cut into thin strips   (I actually used more than that-my kids love them)
2 teaspoons oil (I used Olive Oil)- divided
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite sized pieces
1- 8oz pkg. cream cheese
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can corn w/red and green bell peppers, drained (I couldn't find any so I used regular whole kernal corn)
1 can diced tomatoes, drained (I used Rotel with green chilies)
3/4 cup enchilada sauce
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I used dried)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place tortilla strips on a baking sheet.  Evenly distribute 1 teaspoon of oil over strips using a spatula to gently toss.  (I brushed the oil on before cutting them.)  Spread strips into a single layer and bake approximately 10 minutes or until crisp to your liking.

Meanwhile, heat remaining teaspoon of oil in large nonstick saucepan and add chicken.  Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly browned.

In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese and enchilada sauce with a handmixer until smooth.  Once chicken is done cooking, add cheese and sauce mixture to the sauce pan with the chicken. (I transferred it to a small stock pot.)  Stir in milk, beans, corn and tomatoes.  Frequently stirring, simmer over medium-low heat approximately 7-10 minutes or until heated through.

Spoon into bowls and top with tortilla strips and cilantro then serve. 

Makes 6 servings.

Converstaion Hearts

We normally don't have a lot of Valentine decorations around and have absolutely none this year.  I surfed the web for simple but inexpensive items that could be whipped up real quick.  I came across some really cute conversation hearts and thought "hey we could do those".  Since I was going to be out running errands yesterday anyhow, I thought it was a good time to swing by the craft store - haven't been in a while.  Found some cute heart shaped wood plaques and bought the last four on the shelf.  I knew I already had everything else at home - so there - inexpensive. 

Alexis picked out the colors and worked on painting them, then she helped me with the vinyl lettering.  Here's how they turned out:

Total cost:  $4.00

A few of my HEROS..

I've been writing this post in my mind for some time now.  I meant to have it ready to post back in October but time seemed to get away from me.  I wanted to be able to take the time to do it right - still not sure if that is the case.

As a lot of people know, October is a very "pink" month.  By that, I mean it's Breast Cancer Awareness month so everywhere you go you see pink.  I'm sure you have been affected by it personally or know someone who has.  The last several years we have been ones that have been affected.  My cousin's wife, Hollie, has battled it, I have a sister-in-law, Kris, who was diagnosed last spring and has had multilple surgeries as a result.  My husband's Aunt Betty battled it but lost her battle in October. 

So in honor of these wonderful women who are my HEROS,  I started surfing the internet for ideas and came up with a wall hanging.  I've had it done for sometime (just needs to be quilted) and would like to dedicate it to those who have battled it and won the battle and to those who put up a courageous fight.  You are true HEROS.

I love you and only want the best for you.  I admire your bravery.

This is for you !!!

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours.

My favorite Christmas drink

One of the many Christmas memories I have from my childhood is the hot drink that my Mom used to make for us.  There was nothing better than being outside playing in the snow then coming in and finding a hot mug of Mom's special drink for me.  To this day I still look forward to making it and wrapping up in a warm blanket with my mug of hot punch.  I thought I would share in case anyone wanted to try it:

Hot Punch

1 lg. can Pineapple Juice (46oz)
1- 12oz can frozen Orange Juice concentrate
1 cup lemon juice
4 to 5 cups water
1/4 tsp. cloves
several cinnamon sticks

Mix together & simmer for 45 minutes.  Or you can simmer in crock pot on low.  Great for parties.

Our Simplified Christmas

Because of some decisions that we made earlier this summer we have had to really simplify Christmas this year.  This would be the extent of our Christmas decorations around the house - these trees stay up all year but they just got a little dressed up for the holiday.

Needless to say it definitely does not look or feel like Christmas around here.  We don't even have stockings to hang this year.  Instead we will be using gift bags decorated with our initials.  I do miss having the Nativity set up this year since that always seems to help remind us of the true meaning of the season.

Hopefully the decisions made this year will make it easier for us next year.  Some know of those decisions and some do not.  Those decisions caused us to put alot of stuff in a storage container this past summer- 540 miles away.  That would be why we have simplified this year - no possible way to get to my stuff right now.

May the joy of the holiday season be with those you love now and throughout the next year.

Merry Christmas.