So I'm waiting on my new san disk to arrive since I broke my old one=(...perhaps I could take a pic with my camera.
There are few things in my life that let me go somewhere else and forget about my daily stress level and just focus on the moment, one of them is cooking. I love love love to cook, the only problem is finding time for cooking but the moments I do find I relish. I find Rachael Ray a huge inspiration, not here 30 minute meals but the actual daytime show meals she puts together. Not that her 30 minute meals aren't fantastic but I like to plan an execute a whole feast, something that took time to create by hand, lovingly served with pride. I am by no means a world class cook but I hope that one day I can be one, I want to take classes and learn how to do the most difficult of tasks. Not even a year ago I wasn't able to eyeball olive oil measurements, it would stress me out so much I would over do it and ruin the whole thing. It's just who I am, I over analyze to the point it affects my ability to get the job done. I can proudly say now though that I am confident that 1 turn of the pan is a tablespoon and a palm full of spice is too, don't worry about measurements for chicken broth because if you buy stock in a box and the recipe calls for 3 cups you can just feel when the box has a 1/4 in it and if you're using wine to cook with eyeball it!!! And if it's a little bit more than it calls for it will just taste better! Salt and pepper? Well you know how you like it to taste to add it that way and ALWAYS THROW SOME OVER THE SHOULDER FOR GOOD LUCK AND WHAT THE HECK!
Yesterday was Cobb salad pasta (which Preston left out overnight and ruined half the batch but it was still great)
Today is Quiche Lorraine (My fav)
But I have a great recipe for everyone, this is a Rachael Ray but it is very close to Cafe Rio's Tortilla soup, I have changed a few things to suit my liking and if you're brave don't be afraid to add another jalapeno for spice!!!
Anyway my point is...don't be afraid to try new things, I found that something as simple as cooking had improved my life dramatically and given me so much happiness and things to look forward to in the future!!!
Mean Green Tortilla Soup:
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 can of corn
- 1/2 can of black beans
- 1 package corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 4 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
- 1 package (3 pieces) chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3-4 tomatillos, husks removed
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 2 cups jack cheese, shredded
- 3 avocados, chopped (optional)
Place the corn tortilla strips onto a baking sheet and spray them with some cooking spray. Transfer to the oven and bake until crispy, 10 minutes.
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with some EVOO about 2 turns around the pan. Add the chicken, browning on all sides, then place into the oven for about 7-8 minutes, until juices run clear and no pink remains in the center. Once the chicken is done cooking, remove from oven and let rest before cutting into strips.
Preheat a heavy-bottomed pot with remaining 2 tablespoons of EVOO. Add the onion, garlic and cumin, and cook till soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the black beans, corn kernels along with the jalapeño.
While the veggies are cooking, puree the tomatillos in a food processor until somewhat smooth. Add the purée, stock and chicken to the pot along with the veggies.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and add in the cilantro, lime zest and juice, and serve it up garnished with a big handful of jack cheese, tortilla and avocado.
