Recipes...Part Uno

It took me a few days to think about food...
or anything that might have the slightest connection to food...
dishes
dishwashers
ovens
knives
wooden spoons
mixers
measuring cups/spoons
even my newest addition to my kitchen, my handy-dandy lemon zester, was banned from my thoughts!

BUT TODAY
I AM A
NEW 
WOMAN!!!
Refreshed and ready to go...bring on the lemon zester.  ;)

I was pampered
and cooked for
and cleaned up after
by my truly amazing and patient husband and kiddos.

Doesn't seem quite fair to this wonderful family of mine,
but I am so grateful they gave me my own little RE-TREAT time
after coming home from retreating and cooking in McCall.

I felt a tad bit of guilt,
okay a whole lot of guilt...

While I prepared yummy food for 18 special ladies for several days,
my hubby and kiddos dined on McDonald's, quesadillas, sandwiches and cold cereal.
I've taught them to cook, BUT???
I don't know, maybe they were too busy missing me to cook for themselves?

I am pleased to report that they are mighty happy I am back to me
and ready to tackle the kitchen and all that comes with it!
I'm even ready to start some new recipes...
can't wait to give them a shot!!!

BUT FOR NOW...
I promised to share the recipes that I prepared while at the retreat ~

I'll start with the Tortilla Soup ~ since I've received several requests for it since I've been home.

This is one of my favorite quick things to make,
I love that I can throw it all in the crock pot and walk away...
it can cook all day long or for just long enough to heat it through. 
(Note:  I do think it is much tastier the longer it cooks, the hominy softens and all the flavors blend so perfectly together)
So super easy and perfect for a cool day...
and the best part of all is that EVERY ONE of my kids LOVE IT!!! 
Hooray for me,
that is a rare occurrence with a bunch of finicky eaters!

I love to saute a small onion and a couple of garlic cloves and throw it in my crock pot...
if I am choosing to make it a Chicken Tortilla soup,
I saute the chicken with the onion and garlic to add some extra yummy flavor
(a couple chicken breasts chopped will do nicely)
Throw in a couple cans of Green (Verde) Enchilada Sauce
2 -3 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 can corn (drained)
1 can hominy (drained)
2 cans MILD green chilies (chopped)
Add Cumin to taste...I would suggest at least 1 Tbsp, 2 would be better.  :0)
Finely chop a bundle of cilantro and toss it in.
(Optional:  Toss in a can of diced tomatoes...I wish I could, but those finicky eaters of mine would turn up their noses, so I go without!...Darn kids, anyway!)

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream
along with a side of tortilla chips.
OR
if you are feeling extra fancy,
whip up some delicious cornbread with a little honey butter as a side!

I have a couple of super yummy cornbread recipes...if you'd like to give one a try, give me a hollar and I'll share with you.  :0)

Stay tuned for the next recipes ~ must run now...my kitchen and hungry children are calling!