Chicken Tortilla Soup

March is almost here, which means the start of Spring, but over here we are still dealing with some wintery, cold weather.  What's better to end one of those days with a nice warm bowl of soup.  I have never made Chicken Tortilla Soup, but saw thought I would give it a try.  This recipe is great if you are short on time (about 45 minutes to make) and is one of the best Chicken Tortilla soups I have tasted (my husband agrees).  The best part are the garnishes at the end....avocado, tortilla strips, cheese...perfect!  

Chicken Tortilla Soup

8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 cups Hot Water
• 1 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• FOR THE GARNISHES:
• Sour Cream
• Diced Avocado
• Diced Red Onion
• Salsa
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cilantro
• Tortilla strips

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and and cook 3-4 minutes or until pepper are tender.   Add the rest of the spice mix, stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.
Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Ladle into bowls, then top with tortilla strips, sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, salsa and grated cheese.   Enjoy!

adapted from Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Enter to win over $600 in prizes!

Today I am happy to be a part of Sugar and Dots raffle and giveaway to help another blogger in need.  Every $1 entry gets you a free print from Sugar and Dots and go towards helping a blogger who lost everything in a home fire.  With each raffle ticket you will be entered to win over $600 in prizes including a $15 credit to my shop Smitten Image.

If you feel like doing something good today, go check it out.  Enjoy your Sunday.

it's time...

We put off putting Jack in a big boy bed.  Part of the reason was that Jack never tried to climb out and he liked being in there.  It was his little safe place.  The biggest reason though, that we didn't switch was because everyone would tell us "Once you put them it the bed, they will never take naps!"  or "Once you switch they will be coming in your room every night!"

So we waited.  Well the time finally came we decided to switch.  Before we did I went over the rules for the new bed.  

1.  You can read/play/etc in your room, but no leaving your room.

2. If you want to leave or it's time to wake up let Mommy or Daddy know

I was praying that he would follow the rules and off to the big boy bed we went....

It has been a success...he is being such a good boy.  At night we watch him in the monitor (it's so funny!) and he gets his books, jumps around a little, and then turns off his light, turns on his star turtle and goes to sleep.  I can't believe it was this easy.  He still naps, and in the morning he yells "I'm ready to wake up!"

Let's hope this lasts. I think it will...I have to say, when given rules, Jack is very good about remembering them, and following them.

How was your transition?  Easy?  A nightmare?

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

 

 

Chocolate is my downfall, I can't say no. So when I saw this Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake on Two Peas blog, I knew I had to make it. I just needed a reason. So what better reason than a Sunday dinner with family.  This recipe was so easy (no mixer required!), and even though I was a bit scared, came out flawlessly from the bundt pan. 

It tastes...AMAZING.  It is now my go to cake and is for sure going to be a favorite in our family.  Now find a reason to make this cake. .....like that it's a Tuesday in February!!! 

(Please excuse my cake picture...it's a bit messy...)

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

Yield: Serves 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

 

Ingredients:

For the cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1/3 cup cocoa powder (we use Dutch processed)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour, plus more for the pan
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the chocolate glaze:
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup (or agave nectar)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, salt, and water and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring, just until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add half of the melted butter mixture and whisk until completely blended. The mixture will be thick. Add the remaining butter mixture and whisk until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until completely blended. Whisk in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then invert onto a rack. Let cool completely before glazing.

5. While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate glaze. Place the chopped chocolate and corn syrup (or agave) in a medium bowl and set aside. Combine the heavy cream and sugar in a small saucepan and put over medium heat. Stir until the cream is hot and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth.

6. Generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Cut into pieces and serve.

photoraphy

So I have been into photography for years.  In high school I took a class and was really into it. I even won some district awards for some things I did.  For years after that I didn't do much with it, but when Jack was born I decided I needed to buy a nice camera and start at it again.  To me a good photo is essential when having kids.  Photos capture so much and I love looking back at all of them.  Since I got back into photography however, I have not taken any classes; I just sort of learned on my own..reading blogs, youtube, etc.  

Well finally I went ahead and signed up for an online course from Clickinmoms.  Shooting 101.  It is great.  I knew the basics of manual, but this really helps me break them down and see why my pictures were not like I want them to be. I am now addicted, and want to sign up for every class they have.  The only thing is Jack may get a bit tired of posing for me. ...BUT I did want to share a picture from my first week. It's not perfect, but I like it, and I love that little face.

Have a great weekend...Spring is not that far away!!!

snow day

I have been praying for snow.  Last year we had snow for about a day so we really didn't get out to enjoy it. I really thought this year we would have no snow but it finally came last week.  So Jack wanted to get right out and play.  He made his first snowman...with Dad's help.  I think they did a pretty good job.  Of course yesterday the weather warmed up a bit and "Frankie" the snowman is now just a memory.  Maybe we will get one more snow in before Spring.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday...no work for me tomorrow!

Some sweets for my sweets....

Although Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, I think it's the perfect time to go out of our way to show our family/friends/etc. that we love and appreciate them.  What better way to do that then to bake something for them.  These beautiful treats below would be the perfect way to say "i love you" and I am sure they all taste unbelievable.  Have a wonderful Thursday!

1  valentine's krispie treats from babies, paper and song

2   i heart nap time's reese's peanut butter cookies

3.  valentine pretzels from the family kitchen

4.  valentine popcorn from give me some oven

5.  rachel cooks spiral sugar cookies

6.  pizzazzerie's red velvet mikshakes

Our little getaway to Breckenridge

We needed a vacation.  Our last vacation was over a year ago to Florida and it was just time to get away..even it was for a long weekend.  So when my husband brought up Colorado, I was not impressed.  I'm not a nature person, I don't really like being outside in the cold, and I haven't skiied since high school.  But I decided I was feeling adventurous so off to Breckenridge we went. 

I am in love.   I mean this with all my heart, I would pick up everything and move there tomorrow if I could.  It is beautiful...breathtaking.  One of the most beautiful places I have been.  In those 4 short days, we had a blast.  We went for a sleigh ride, did some sledding, saw the International Snow Scultpure Competition and just relaxed and enjoyed the cute little town.  We did not ski this time, but we are already planning our trip back here next year so we can. 

For those of you that have not been there, go.  You won't want to leave.  In the mean time, enjoy some of the pics from our trip!

thought I'd share this all with you....

Xbox Bundle Giveaway Event

Hosted by: Mom to Bed by 8 and Giveaway Bandit

Prize Package includes: Xbox 360 S Console, 250GB Hard Drive, Kinect Sensor, Wireless Controller, Kinect Adventures and Carnival Games: Monkey See Monkey Do

Event dates: 2/15 - 3/1

Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE

Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies

So this weekend my husband and I were in the mood for something sweet.  I happened to see these Red  Velvet brownies over at Tater Tots and Jello and decided to try them.  They looked so easy and delicious and they are perfect for the upcoming Valentine's Day. 

I never made brownies using a cake mix, but these are AMAZING.  So chewy and perfectly sweet.  

Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies Recipe

Makes one 8×8 pan of brownies
Ingredients
1 box of Duncan Hines Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix (18.25 oz)
1 cup (2 sticks) of melted butter
1 whole egg, plus two egg yolks
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup of water
Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray 8×8 clear glass baking pan with non stick spray. Use parchment paper to line pan so brownies can easily be removed later and cut into squares.
Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low just until combined.
Pour brownie batter into parchment paper lined pan and smooth top.
Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes. Take care not to over bake.
Let brownies cool and cover, then refrigerate overnight or pop in the freezer for an hour or two.
Once brownies are chilled, remove from pan and cut into squares using a serrated knife.
Dust brownie squares with powdered sugar and try to eat just one.  

just a day

I am off from work today.  I love that.  Today is just like any other day I am off.  Jack and I spend it together and we run errands or go somewhere just the two of I.  But today was just a little different.  Today was such a great day..and there wasn't a reason why.  We got up, played and had our day off "bagel date" .  

 Can you tell that he loves his chocolate chip bagels?  Getting a bagel may seem like no big deal to most, but for us it's one of our favorite things to do.  I get my coffee, Jack gets his bagel and we sit and talk...about nothing.  I love it.

Then we headed on over to the pool.  You know nothing better than a refreshing pool on a 9 degree day!   Jack is a little fish and we have a ball in there swimming around and playing catch.

Now

 I love that little face.  I loved today.  Now we are both ready for our naps.

I hope you are having a wonderful day (hopefully day off!).

Beer and Bacon....yes please

picture courtesy of tide and thyme

I am sure I have mentioned this before, but I love beer.   Light beer, dark beer, pumpkin, fall, wheat....I love them all.  So when I found this recipe paired with another fav of mine, bacon, I almost lost my mind.  

The two flavors blend so well together and it's a great snack for your upcoming Superbowl party.  The glaze is simple, and throw the bacon in the oven.  The oven makes less mess and cooks to an evenly crisp piece of heaven.

If you are a bacon (and beer!) fan, I'd love to hear if this sounds like something you would like to try.

Beer-Candied Bacon

1 lb thick-cut bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp beer (I used Magic Hat #9)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine brown sugar and beer in a small bowl, whisking well to form a thin syrup. Set aside.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire cooling rack on top. Place the pieces of bacon on top of the rack, overlapping if necessary. Place in oven and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and brush one side of the bacon with the beer syrup. Flip, and coat the other side with the syrup as well. Return to oven and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and repeat process another time or two more, until bacon is crispy and browned, and you’ve used all the glaze.
Cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

That is Jack's new favorite saying when we play a game with each other.  So I have the winner for my Smitten Image shop giveway!

The winner is ......

#38 Lynn  Wilson

Lynn, an email is being sent and congrats!

love is a four legged friend

Valentines Day is a little more than a month awa!!  And with all the hearts, pink and talk of love and gifts for your significant other, some of our favorite friends are forgotten about.  Our dogs.

I thought I would share with you some of my favorite Valentine's Etsy finds for our four legged friends. They truely show us the meaning of love.

1. dogs incorporated yorkie print   2.  heart collar by shop sew fetching 
3. dog id by dog leg left designs   4. small threads mom shirt   5. custom dog bowl by lucky pups

1 year....and a giveaway

Time FLIES.  One year ago my husband and I lauged as we started our Etsy shop, hoping to get 1 sale. Here we are a year later with 252 sales and 96 items in our shop.  I can't believe how wonderful it's been.  I love speaking with the customers and I love knowing that our prints are literally all over the world!

Because of this, I wanted to have a giveway from my shop Smitten Image. 

The winner will receive a $25 credit to my shop!

These are just some of my prints:

 

 

 

 

 

Enter using Rafflecopter below and good luck!
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