First, here is a recent picture of Ben that I took at my friend's house. She knitted this hat for her baby and it was so cute I couldn't resist putting it on Ben and snapping a picture.
Okay, now to share some recipes. These are a few of my favorites that have been requested often throughout the last few years. I like to cook from scratch and use my crock pot as often as possible.
Tortilla Pie-1 two layer pie crust
3 TBSP olive oil
1 C chopped onion
1 gr bell pepper
15 oz can black beans
1/2 cup salsa
1tsp chili pepper (optional)
8 oz shredded cheddar
3 eight inch flour tortillas
Prepare pie crust
Heat oil in skillet. Add onion and pepper. Saute 5 min. Add beans, salsa and spices. Simmer 7-10 minutes.
Layer 1/3 mixture into crust. Top with 1/3 cheese, top with tortilla. Repeat twice and end with cheese. Top with 2nd pie crust, seal edges and bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes.
I like to serve this with salsa and sour cream.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry3 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 tsp gr cumin
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken
2 cups peeled and chopped potatoes
1 1/2 cups bias sliced carrots
1 cup coarsley chopped cooking apple
2 cloves garlic
1 fresh jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped (I do not use this because it's too spicy for my kids)
1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules
1/2 cup water
1 13 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
Hot cooked brown rice (optional- I use basmati rice)
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
In a large plastic bag combine the flour and spices. Add chicken, and shake bag to coat.
In your slow cooker combine potatoes, carrots, apple, onion, garlic, pepper and bouillon granules. top with chicken. Pour water over all.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hrs, or high for 3-4 hrs.
If using low heat, turn to high setting. Stir in coconut milk and cover and cook for 30 minutes more. Serve over hot rice and sprinkle with peanuts.
My FAVORITE ever turkey chili recipe-This is sooooo good and tastes different than most other chili recipes. I love it because it's good for you!!! I make it in the crock pot- high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours. Top with sour cream and/or shredded cheese.
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey- cooked
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 (7 ounce) can salsa
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or coarsely chopped tomatoes packed in puree
1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 bunch green onions, chopped
Smoky Black Bean and Vegetable Soup-I make this in the slow cooker as well but I have no idea how long....I just put it in sometime during the day and we eat it for dinner...maybe 6 hours on low?
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup carrot
3/4 cup sliced celery
4 garlic cloves
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
2 bay leaves
2 cups water
3 15 oz cans black beans
2 14 oz cans vegetable broth
2 14 oz cans plum tomatoes, undrained and chopped
The recipe says to saute the first 4 ingredients until tender, then add the spices, cook for 1 minute, then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 2 hours. I've been known to just toss it all in a crock pot on a busy day and it turns out fine. Top with yogurt, lime wedges and fresh cilantro. I keep a small pot of cilantro growing on my back deck because I use it so often.
