The weather has been downright awful lately. I definitely haven’t been wanting to get out of bed, and yet, I must. I get the troops moving, under much duress and with much protestations. By the time everyone is dressed, fed, brushed and buffed, I’ve got the car already warming and the umbrellas ready to go.
It’s little consolation, though. The cold temps coupled with the constant precipitation has made my mood nice and soggy. I’m up to three cups of coffee a day to shake off the chill, but really, I need to battle these winter doldrums and wintry mix with lots of blankets, thick socks, and soup. I can’t believe want some soup! But there it is.
Last night, as the girls danced around the house in a “Lord of the Flies” type snow day dance, I dished up bowls of comfort for me and my parents. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at this tortilla soup ever since we had it at Vivo’s godmother’s house a few weeks ago. That recipe was a crockspot recipe from Cooks Illustrated. This one is a Pioneer Woman cum Pinterest special. I’m sure you could do it in the crockpot; I did it on the stovetop while singing silly songs to a very angry, exer-saucer bound Vivi. She was eventually placated with some mashed up avocado and a silicon spatula to gum on as I shredded chicken and chopped cilantro.
As it turns out, today is a snow day. Did you see the “Thunder Snow” last night? That was awesome.
I guess the inside out, backwards pajamas and the ice cubes in the toilet, as well as the fervent prayers, snow dances, and so forth really worked. School is the closed and the girls are going nuts. And wouldn’t you know it, the one day they don’t have to get up, they’re both up, dressed, and raring to go before the sun comes up. I kid you not; Mo came downstairs at 6:40am, like “Zippity-doo-dah! Zippity-ay! My, oh, my, what a wonderful day!” Yesterday, I couldn’t get her out of bed with a crow bar.
Anyway, after a decent breakfast and a little FaceTime with Uncle Christopher, I got them dressed in their snow gear and sent them outside. Last time it snowed, they went out looking like little hobos — three pairs of tights and trash bag leggings underneath jeans. I had to rectify that, so I caught the end of season sale and got them outfitted with jackets, gloves, and grow-with-me snow pants. This may be the only and smallest snowfall of the year, but we were prepared!
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| Victory is mine! |
So, after a brief romp in the snow (20 minutes, which is actually 19 minutes longer than last time), the girls were back in the house. I have no idea what’s on tap for the rest of the day, but if my piles upon piles of paper on the dining room table are any indication, there will be some TV time for sure. I do know, however, what we’re having for dinner!
Happy Friday, y’all!
Chicken Tortilla Soup courtesy of The Pioneer Woman
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Ingredients
- 2 whole Boneless, 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 cup Diced Onion
- 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
- 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
- 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Hot Water
- 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
- 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa
- 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches
- _____
- FOR THE GARNISHES:
- Sour Cream
- Diced Avocado
- Diced Red Onion
- Salsa Or Pico De Gallo
- Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
- Cilantro