Chicken Tortilla Soup

I can honestly say that during the cold months, I make at least one large pot of soup a week.  A good soup is satisfying and filling, plus, you can use your favorite vegetables, proteins, and spices to make it your own. Click here and here for a couple of other soups I like to make.

Recently, I was inspired by this recipe to make Chicken Tortilla Soup; it was my first ever attempt at this soup.  It turned out so great, albeit a bit spicy, that I've been yearning for another bowl ever since I ate my last spoonful!

Here's my recipe:

1 lb cooked chicken breasts, shredded

1 green pepper and 3 jalapenos, roasted (skins removed and chopped)

4-5 corn tortillas

5-6 cups chicken broth

1 28oz can whole tomatoes, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cloves, finely chopped

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1. Saute the onion in olive oil until translucent, add the garlic and saute one minute more.  Add the tomatoes and their juice; cook 2 minutes over medium heat. 

2. Add broth, peppers, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper (or add to your taste).  Bring to a boil; then, reduce heat and simmer.

3. Crumble in the toritillas.  Then, puree about 60-70% of the soup in a food processor or use an immersion blender.  Return soup to pot.

4. Add shredded chicken and simmer approximately 20 minutes. 

5. Serve with fresh fried corn tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream and shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese. Enjoy!
 
Any soups on re-run at your house lately?

Sharing with...

Tasty Tuesdays at 33 Shades of Green

Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog

Paint Chip Wreath: Shades of a Valentine

On Tuesday, the unexpected snow delay forced the kiddo and I to come up with some creative ways to spend our day.  We passed a bit of time by making this 100% free wreath from cardboard and Martha Stewart for Home Depot paint chips.  I really like the colorways in this line and the paint chips are a perfect size for cutting 2" circles. 

How we made this is super-straightforward.  

First, I collected 1 paint chip for every shade of pink-red in the Martha Stewart paint (don't be too greedy on the paint chips...you don't want to alert the Home Depot folks to your crafting ambitions *wink-wink*).  Then, we cut 2 2" circles from each paint chip and ended up with 2 circles per shade.  Next, I cut a wreath shape from a piece of scrap cardboard; I used a decorative bowl to trace the outer circle and a pot lid for the inner circle.  Now, it was only a matter of adhering (we used some kid-friendly Elmer's) the circles to the cardboard; I overlapped the circles in "rows" of two and arranged them by shade.  Lastly, I punched a small whole at the top of the wreath and pulled through some red satin ribbon in order to attach my new wreath to the wreath-hanger on the front door.  

Easy-peasy and it actually really looks good from the street.  It's bright and festive!

I have been inspired by so many crafter's/blogger's paint chip projects to make one of my own.  Paint chips are such great options for emphasizing hue, shade, tint and/or tone.

Sharing with...
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest
Strut You Stuff at Somewhat Simple
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It's in the bag...

Hello and welcome to the It's in the bag blog crawl organized by Ashley from A Hasty Life. 

This is what is in my bag as of right now....seriously. 

 

Pretty standard stuff, huh? Makeup...I definitely recommend the organically derived products from Physicians Formula.  Anti-bacterial wipes and gel...I'm a bit of a germ-a-phobe, plus I have a 2.5 year old boy. Keys...standard. Self-made headband...just in case. Wallet...gift from my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas, a welcomed upgrade from my previous credit card holder wallet. Toddler socks...just in case. Pens and Advil. 

This The Sak bag is what I'm carrying today...it's great for travel because the straps and rings allow the bag to adjust from large to small to clutch quickly and easily.  Plus, the copper color is super versatile.  Lastly, I've become addicted to hands-free carrying.

Thanks for taking a look inside my bag tonight, and thanks to Ashley for organizing us to all share our treasured possessions! Visit Sydney at her lovely blog, The Daybook, and check out what's in her bag!

P.S. The winner of the $50 J.Crew giftcard was #66, Helen from Helen's Corner. Congrats!  Thank you so much to all who entered and for all the wonderful well-wishes on my blog-a-versary!!!

Do you like my hat?

Well, I made it through the snow and arrived safely in Chicago today.  Even after getting up at 3:30a, I still managed to make a quick stop at Anthropologie after work...you know because I could sans child.  I even managed to make it out of the store having spent $0...that may be a first. 

 

I enjoyed wondering the streets all bundled up.  You know, I never thought I would say this, but sometimes I miss the snow and brisk cold in Chicago.

Here's what I was wearing under the coat...

Coat: Tulle

Hat and Wool Scarf: Gifts from Itatly

Silk Scarf: Talbots

Cardigan: Gap

Turtleneck Sweater and Skirt: Banana Republic

Tights: Hue

Boots: Steve Madden

P.S. I just got a hair cut and chopped off four inches...I think I look more 31.5, ugh, but that's a good thing.

Snow Delay...

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Alas, I had planned to leave the afternoon for my monthly work trip, but it seems the weather had other plans for me. 

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Instead, I spent the day watching the snow fall with the kiddo; isn't it awe-inspiring how all kids love the snow, even before they understand the concept of "snow days".  We didn't make it out of pajamas until after noon, we drank hot chocolate, watched Madagascar 2, and made a fun craft with cardboard and paint chips that I can't wait to share with you. 

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The snow was a welcomed unexpected surprise.  Last night I was dreading the impending snow as it was sure to ruin my travel plans, but today I embraced it and took advantage of some snuggle time before my trip.  The down side is that I'm now leaving at 4am tomorrow morning...ugh.  Luckily, I have a 5 hour drive to prepare myself for working in the office.

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Wish me luck as tomorrow I'm giving an important presentation that has been in preparation for one year and Thursday I'm presenting front of 200 people for 2.5  hours.  I hope they like the sound of my voice. 

I'll be back tomorrow to share some of the exciting things "we've" been working on as of late.

Enjoy the calm of the snow, if you have some...and don't forget to enter to win the $50 J.Crew gift card, the giveaway ends tomorrow night!