Sep 30, 2010

Taco Soup


This is a great soup for any time of year. It is perfect to dip chips into, or to crumble chips on top, or to just eat with out the chips!

You will need the following along with 1 lb ground beef and any toppings you may like:
-sour cream
-cheese
-chips (tortilla or fritos)
-peppers
-hot sauce
-etc


Brown the hamburger and drain off the grease. Add in 3 cans of tomatoes (I used Hunts Fire roasted), two cans of beans (I used one each of pinto and black),  one packet of taco seasoning and a can of corn drained. Cook until the mixture is hot.


Serve with chips, cheese and any other topping you may have in your fridge or cupboards!


Enjoy,



Sep 23, 2010

Homemade Croutons


Homemade croutons are amazing. They can be as crunchy or as soft as you like, as seasoned as you like, as big or small as you like, and you can use any type of bread you like.

Cut any type of bread (I recommend sourdough or french bread) into little cubes. Toss with olive oil, seasonings, salt and pepper. I used Italian seasonings.

 

Cook the croutons on 300 degrees for up to an hour. I flipped them over every 15 minutes and did a little taste test to see if they are crunchy enough.



Serve on a salad or just eat straight out of the oven. (I prefer the latter) 

ENJOY!

 

 

Sep 15, 2010

Bruschetta


Bruschetta is a Italian appetizer made up of small circles of toasted bread, tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil.
First take a loaf of bread (a thin baguette French bread or similar Italian bread) and cut into ovals.
Place on a cookie sheet or and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake at 300 for about 5-10 minutes depending on how crispy you like your bread.


 Cut up 2 medium sized tomatoes, a small handful of basil and 1-2 cloves of garlic. Drizzle with a little olive oil. If you put too much olive oil you will have very soggy bread. I added a bit of salt and pepper and mixed it all up.

  

Rub the cooked bread with a pealed clove of garlic to give it a little flavor. This step is optional - if you don't like garlic then you may skip it. We forgot this step and it was still very good! You may also add in some mozzarella cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top, spicy red peppers, etc to spice it up a bit.

Serve right away or the bread will get soggy and fall apart. 
 Enjoy as an appetizer, a side dish, or just an afternoon snack, with some pasta, with some chicken, or with anything that would go good with bread and tomatoes.

Sep 13, 2010

Steak Fajitas


Fajitas are very easy to make and are great any time of year.


Saute together in olive oil:
1 green bell pepper
1 red pepper
1 medium onion

Remove from heat and set aside to rest.


In same pan brown together a steak or two cut into strips. I just bought one from the grocery store with no bones and it was perfect. I also added in some cilantro and garlic while it cooked for additional flavor.


Warm up small tortillas. You do not want to skip this step because if the tortillas are cold they will crack when you try to eat them.


Once the beef is done add back in the peppers for a few minutes to let the flavors combine. Serve with some lime wedges, sour cream, guacamole, etc.







Sep 3, 2010

Slushy Julius

 
This is a great smoothie that can be made quickly. No washing fruits, no cutting or pealing involved. I also like this Orange Julius because there is no raw egg involved!

Materials Needed:
-ice cream maker



Orange Julius
Recipe adapted from Cuisinart Ice Cream Recipes

Ingredients:
-2 cups water
-1/3 cup sugar
-12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)
-2 1/2 cups milk or coconut milk (can use lowfat)
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 1/2 of pure vanilla)

Combine water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.



Stir in remaining ingredients. Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened and slushy, about 12 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness preferred.


Transfer to tall glasses and serve with straws and a maraschino cherry garnish.

Related Posts with Thumbnails