Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

So I have to admit that the title "Chicken Tortilla Soup"  never sounded very appealing to my Husband or I.  I really couldn't tell you why either, maybe thoughts of soggy tortilla in a soup.  My Husband isn't a fan of soggy bread of any sort, so soggy corn tortillas-a no go.  Even though it has never sounded very appealing to either of us, I have really wanted to make it, weird I know.  So I did!  And boy am I glad I did.  My Husband even LOVED it!  I am really glad that I didn't let the thoughts of soggy tortilla bother me to not make this.  They tortillas soften, but I wouldn't say they get soggy.  Mine stayed a little chewy which was nice.  This soup has VERY good flavor!  It is totally different than any soup I have made.  It has it's own unique flavors, that are awesome!  I love how simple this recipe is, and by the looks of it, people would think you slaved in the kitchen all day! I will definitely make this again, and share with my whole family. 

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

I don't have a final picture of this soup :( I actually made this a while ago, and searched for the recipe forever, come to find out it was in my drafts waiting to be published on here! I'm publishing it now, so I never lose this recipe again!

Superbowl XLVI

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???  Today is the day!  Many people are so excited for the big game today, the commercials, half time, and the FOOD right?!  I really don't have a team I will be rooting on...yet.  I will be watching the game for the most part, but only in between my trips to get more food. :) definitely my favorite part about the Superbowl. :) Go figure.  I hope you have all planned on making delicious food today, or at least eating it. :)  I am headed up to watch the game with my family, and I am taking all the fixings for a Nacho Bar!  Yum! So easy too!  Here is what I am serving:

Tortilla Chips-not homemade(making it easy here, remember)
Ground Beef with Taco Seasoning
Shredded Chicken with Taco Seasoning
Black Beans
Sliced fresh Jalapeno
Salsa
Chopped Green Onion
Sliced Black Olives
Chopped Avocado(maybe quick Guacamole)
Sour Cream
Freshly Grated Medium Cheddar Cheese

Doesn't that sound delicious and EASY!  It will be a self-serve Nacho Bar, with plenty for multiple(if desired) trips back to get more.  I hope you all fill your tummies with good snack food today! I hope you enjoy the game with friends and family, and be safe! Enjoy!

Potato Crisps(NO Fat!)

Hello all! I had another little computer issue, but nothing bad, I'm just not a computer whiz and couldn't figure it out for the life of me.   I'm back though, and ready to share some more delicious recipes!

We all like potato chips now and then right??  Some like them more often then others, but what if we could make them at home, fairly quickly, and without the FAT?! Alright I know you are listening now. 

I had a craving for potato chips the other day, but knew if I went to the store and bought a bag, it would mean bad news.  I'd most likely eat more than the serving size...by a lot, so I decided to make my own at home!  With these not having any fat added to them and potatoes are VERY low in fat(if any at all) anyways, makes these potato crisps FAT FREE!  Can't get any better than that, can it?  My Dad is a lover of potato chips, and kettle cooked potato chips, he was a little leery about trying these, and seeing if they compare, let me just say he asked me for a BIG bag of them! These are THAT good, and if you cook them long enough they resemble Kettle Cooked potato chips almost to the T, but without all the fat!  Try these!



My Favorite Breakfast Sausage Links

This post does not contain a recipe, but I wanted to share a food that my husband and I really enjoy.  These Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Links are amazing.  They are lower in fat then most packaged sausage links you find at the grocery store, and they taste awesome. 

They are packed with so much flavor it is hard for me to eat the serving size(3) which means even less fat I consume!  I usually eat 2, and get enough sausage flavor that it satisfies me, and that's all I need right?  My husband really enjoys these also, and you can't tell that they are lower in fat, I swear.  I usually buy a big box of these bad boys from Costco, and they last us a LONG time!  They come in individual packages of 6 which is really nice.  If you are looking for a breakfast sausage that is a little more on the healthy side, I really suggest these!  You can buy a small box at most grocery stores to try them out, but I bet you love them like we do!! If you try them, let me know what you think, and if there are others out there that enjoy these like we do, let me know, and we can chat about their tasty goodness. :)

By the way this post was not sponsored in any way.  This is totally my opinion, and Jimmy Dean did not contact me in anyway to support their sausage links.  What can I say? I just love these :)

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Mmmm...garlic cheese biscuits-that's all I need to say right?!  How about I add that these biscuits taste darn close to the delicious melt in your mouth biscuits you get at Red Lobster...nuff said now.  Who doesn't go to Red Lobster just for the biscuits??? They have some pretty good other food too, but man oh man they are good, and these are so close it's not even funny.  Now I can stay home, whip these up, sit on the couch and have my biscuits for dinner...ha just kidding, but that's what I want to do.  These are unbelievably simple too!  I shared(surprisingly:)) these with my family, and they all LOVED them!  Huge hit.  I bet these would even be great at a Super Bowl party!  These definitely don't fall on the healthy side, but it's alright once in awhile, so go ahead, whip these out, and thank me later. :)

By the way, if you have leftovers, store them in a Ziploc bag, or container-throw them back in the oven before serving, and they will crisp back up on the outside, and be amazing.

Say it with me "OH MY GOODNESS!"

Winter Garden Polenta

This blog is really helping me try new foods and recipes, I'm thankful for that, and thankful for all you won
derful readers out there!  I have never made Polenta, nor eaten it.  I wish I would have tried this gem earlier, because I really do like it.  I love the texture.  I wasn't sure how it would taste or if it would turn into a pile of mush which it sort of is, but definitely has a texture to it.  I want to try more recipes with it for sure.  When I first made this recipe I thought it was a "girl food" as in something men wouldn't want-thinking that way because it doesn't have any meat in it.  Men I know like meat.  Surprising enough my husband really enjoyed this meal!  I'm lucky that he will try(and most of the time like) anything I make. Thank goodness.  This is SO easy to prepare, and most of the work is done in the Crock Pot! Score!  It takes very little time, and has great flavor, give this a try!



Naked Chicken Burrito(mock Qdoba's)

I'm finally back in business! Just got my computer back today, and I hope I never get a virus again. Ugh, what a pain.  I am happy to be blogging again that's for sure!
The day is finally here to share my homemade mock Naked Chicken Burrito that I LOVE from Qdoba Mexican Grill!  My husband and I love this Naked Burrito which obviously means everything that Qdoba packs into a burrito but without the tortilla.  This is the closest I have come to their recipe, and it is so darn close it's not even funny.  I now will stick with this recipe every time, because you can't tell much of a difference.  I'm proud of myself. ;) If you have ever been to either Qdoba or Chipotle's and have fallen in love with their burritos, be sure to try this recipe at home.  It does take a little bit of time because of the few different recipes that go with it, but it is worth it, and I ate a naked burrito here at home for over a week.  I didn't get tired of it either, and I am ready to make it again.  Let me know if you try this, or any of the recipes, and let me know what you think!



My Poor Computer

I'm sad to say that my 100th post will not be a tasty recipe... I'm writing this from my cell phone because last night I tried to finish up my blog post for today when all of a sudden my internet screens were gone and a pop up showed up and said my computer had a virus that was attacking everything, and I pretty much need to get out my credit card and buy this "Win 7 Internet Security 2012" to protect my computer and my information. Ha, right. Whatever worthless individual that created that virus did a good job because it looks legitimate for the most part. Sorry to use that sort of language but when someone is trying to steal anything and everything they can from me it just doesn't go over too well. Not to mention me having to take my computer in and have it fixed which will cost me money, and this really boring post for you all to read when I was so excited about it being my 100th post. :( Anyways I don't want to ramble on but thought I would let you know I won't be posting for a few days until I get my poor computer back. I also wanted to let you know what that virus is called but the name will be different depending on what window program you have as in mine is Windows 7. If you have windows vista for example it will have that in the name. Be careful out there in the internet world because this is becoming a big problem as the computer fix-it man said. I'll be back shortly and be back in business. :)
Ashleigh

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

First off let me just say that I do not have a final picture of this recipe...BOO I know, BUT I HAD to post this recipe because these bars are to die for, enough said. PLEASE take my word for it(without a picture) and make these, they are so good.

 I like my desert at night, not all the time, but most of the time.  I had some left over chocolate chips in the refrigerator and decided to whip up a batch of these, and boy am I glad I did.  These are definitely on my top ten "cookie" bars recipes.  Amazing.  Nothing goes together like chocolate and peanut butter right?!  I searched online and ran across this amazing recipe.  I shared these with family and they were a huge hit.  I know that next time I have a sweet tooth, this is what I will make until I am sick of them, which most likely wont happen.  My hubby fell in love with them also.  They are a perfect thick, chewy, chocolate, peanut butter, bar.  OH MY, take my word for it, and make these, you will love them too!

Chipotle Pepper Marinade for Chicken

I am a spice lover all the way.  I would add spice to every dinner if my hubby wasn't the complete opposite.  He is getting better though, and is slowly making his way to the spicy side of life-so happy!  I am kinda weird, I'll admit, I like when food is so spicy it makes your mouth burn.  I just keep eating, my favorite is the HOT salsa at Mexican restaurants.  It makes me down a glass of water while I am eating it, but I can't stop.  SO GOOD.  Chipotle Peppers are HOT, and when they are in Adobo Sauce they are amazing.  Such a nice smoky flavor, it is delicious.  When I made this marinade to put over chicken, I was hoping the spice would calm down a bit for my Husband, and it did!  This is such a great marinade, I can't wait to make it again!  This is still spicy for all of you spice haters out there, so beware! Delicious though! 

OH MY GOODNESS I want more...

Simple Guacamole

Guacamole is a dip made from Avocados, and is originally from Mexico.  It is delicious, and can be made so many different ways.  You can use it as a dip, a topping, a spread(great on sandwiches) or even my mock BLT(BTA wrap) which by the way is made with an avocado cream(with sour cream) which is amazing!  A very popular way to make Guacamole is by adding tomatoes.  We don't do that around here.  When I eat Guacamole, I want a big mouthful of Avocado, and that is what I want to taste the most.  Plus my Husband has sort of sworn off tomatoes for a little while-no idea why, but that is alright with me, for NOW.  If you are looking for a great tasting, quick guacamole, try this out.  It's our favorite!

MmmMMM good!

Plus this goes into my mock version of Qboba's burrito...stay tuned!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Anyone else out there a white rice lover?? I totally am.  I just love the stuff.  I tend to eat brown rice more often though, even though white tastes so much better. :)  We have a favorite burrito place in our town called Qdoba Mexican Grill, and from what I have seen around the blog world, I think it is just like a place called Chipotle's.  I need to look online for Chipotle's, and see where the closest one is, if it isn't too far, but I am guessing it is either near California, or East.  For now I will stick with Qdoba which is pretty much amazing.  I have tried to duplicate their naked burritos at home, and haven't come close to the flavor until a couple nights ago!  I will definitely be sharing the whole recipe with you, but I have to share all the recipes that lead up to it first!  Cilantro Lime Rice being the first one.  I LOVE Qdoba's rice, I literally eat it by the spoonful.  It is perfect, and the rice I made last night came REALLY close! Read on for this delicious recipe!



Homemade Flour Tortillas

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope you all had a great New Years Eve, and I hope this year will be the best yet!  Let's start the new year off with a simple recipe shall we?! And a great one at that! Like I have said before my hubby loves flour tortillas, and we have always bought them at the store.  Truthfully, I've never even thought about making them at home.  I am so glad I ran across this recipe while I was browsing online.  I literally read the recipe, jumped up, and whipped them right out.  So few ingredients, and easy to make.  I didn't even know what I was going to make with them, I just knew I wanted to eat one warm right out of the pan, so you will see at the end of the recipe, what I did with my first warm tortilla!  By the way, we loved these.  Of course they have a totally different taste then store bought tortillas, and that is the best part, not to mention fewer ingredients(as to which you can pronounce).  I am determined to make these whenever I need tortillas at home.  I can't wait to stuff these full of all sorts of food!  Try them!

Don't mind the tortilla on the bottom that has pieces missing...I couldn't keep my hands away! NOM!

New Years Eve Party Appetizers

I can't believe this year is almost over, where did it go??  They seem to go faster every year, ugh.  I always look at it as this next year will be the best yet, and it keeps getting better. :) A good thing to look forward to as the time flies.  This is sort of the "in-between week" after Christmas we have a week until the New Year.  I know that Christmas has so much planning and preparation, this week in-between gives us a little break before the last party(if you have, or go to one) before we get a break, and life slows back down.  I know I really haven't been blogging for too long, so I don't have a ton of different holiday recipes, but I am getting there!  I thought I would make a list of some appetizers I have made this last year to give you all some ideas for the big New Years Eve parties that are just a little ways away.  We all have to get planning now, if you haven't started already, don't worry the break is coming! I hope this will help with planning, and make life a little easier, I know it will for me, because I plan on making at least a couple of these for the party we are having.  Enjoy, and let me know if you make any of these, and if they are a hit at your party!

Tuna Noodle Casserole

My family has been making Tuna Noodle Casserole for as long as I can remember.  It is such a quick and easy casserole to throw together, and most of the ingredients everyone has on hand.  I didn't know what to make for dinner the other night, and decided to open the cupboard, and use up some some canned goods.  My stack has been getting way to big, so I decided to make Tuna Noodle Casserole packed with extra veggies.  You can add just about anything to this casserole.  Get creative! This would probably be good without the tuna too-a veggie noodle bake! Yum! Have fun with this recipe, and try all sorts of different concoctions!

MmmMmm Good!

Chicken Pot Pie with Homemade Crust

Hello readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Holiday.  I hope it was spent with as many loved ones as possible.  Now that most of the excitement around Christmas is over, we prepare for the New Year.  We are big kids at heart, and we always have an annual New Years Eve sledding party.  It is SO much fun, and everyone seems to love it, they plan on it before we even plan it ourselves every year.  It's great, and we can't wait.  We just hope there is snow on the ground, and by the looks of it so far, we may not, but we always have fun no matter what. 
Since we are SUPPOSED to have snow by this time of the year, I wanted to make(in my eyes) one of the biggest comfort foods, and that being Chicken Pot Pie.  Truth is, I have never made Chicken Pot Pie, and I can't believe it myself.  Growing up I didn't really like the stuff, so I sort of stayed away from it.  Why wouldn't I like it, is what I recently asked myself?? What is there NOT to like really?? That is why I made it.   I cannot NOT make this and try it when I haven't eaten it for years, and still think I don't like it, no way.  I made it.  I ate it.  Every bite.  Every lick of the spoon.  What does that say...I like Chicken Pot Pie.  Go figure.  :)  You will too.

This crust is amazingly flaky! LOVE!

Christmas Day

 

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a great Holiday with the ones you love. 

Enjoy the company, the food, the gift giving, and receiving.

Have a wonderful day,

Merry Christmas!

Classic Risotto

I have heard that Risotto is hard to cook.  I wouldn't really know that because I made it for the first time a few days ago, and it turned out great!  I believe this recipe I found is very simple, and basic, and it's hard for anything to go wrong.  My husband and I really enjoyed this Risotto.  It almost doesn't sound all that appetizing(to be honest) because it doesn't have much to it, but it turns out great, with a nice subtle flavor, and it's creamy, you can't pass that up!  I am very excited I tried this recipe because having heard so much that Risotto is hard, this at least got me in the door, and I am excited to try more exciting Risotto.  You should really try this recipe though! If you want a simple, quick, but delicious Risotto, definitely try this, or if it's your first time making it, like me! 

A little note that was with this recipe I wanted to share:

Here is the most classic of all Risottos!  It's called Risotto Alla Milanese and is authentically made with saffron and veal marrow.  This version is made with all the basic ingredients-no marrow or saffron.  Since you probably have the ingredients on-hand, stir up a batch anytime the mood strikes.



Coconut Macaroon Bites

Alright I may have a little bad news, maybe?? This recipe is the last sweet treat I have planned to make for the Holidays...there I said it.  My family and I have enjoyed way more treats then usual around the Holidays, and Christmas isn't even here yet!  This blogging has done it to me.  If I gain weight I'll blame it on the blogging, and being REQUIRED to post yummy fattening sweets around the Holidays.  At least I will have something to blame it on rather than just having a sweet tooth. ;)  But seriously, who could pass up a Coconut Macaroon??? And to make myself feel better I made them BITE SIZE! Which means fewer calories and fat because they are smaller, but then again makes you think you can eat more, am I right?! Anyways I'll stop talking about the inevitable weight gain from me baking too much in the kitchen, and I'll show share this amazing recipe!  OH and one more thing, Coconut Macaroons will forever hold a special place in my heart because my Husband and I enjoyed one of these every morning with our coffee in Maui last July sitting on our patio, looking out at the beautiful ocean.  We went for our 4 year anniversary, and loved every minute of it, and these cookies. :)

SO very good!

Gingersnap Oatmeal

Oatmeal is such a quick healthy breakfast with so many variations.  You can practically add anything to a bowl of oatmeal.  It can be sweet or savory because it has such a versatile light flavor.  I have yet to make a savory oatmeal, but maybe one day?  It is also good for you, and a healthy breakfast is the best way to start a morning.  I love oatmeal but I usually get on kicks where I eat it for awhile, then I don't want it for awhile, anyone else like that?  I made this Gingersnap Oatmeal for breakfast this morning, and fell in love, it is SO good, and really tastes pretty close to a gingersnap, just not as sweet.  All the same flavors though, and quite delicious!  If you like oatmeal and Gingersnap Cookies, try this!!

Mmm tasty!