Taco Soup

A hearty soup, perfect for winter. I got the idea from work... but I'm a meat-eater so this recipe uses the good stuff. :-) No soy crumbles here! Also a good alternative to a traditional chili if you're sick of the same 'ole! Super easy, filling, and well-rounded meal you can throw in the crock pot before work!

Taco Soup via Food Network:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/taco-soup-recipe/index.html

Mexican Rice

Not Spanish rice... but Mexican rice, via Eva Longoria. Who knew she could cook?! I bought her cookbook awhile back and so far the things I have tried out of it have been good. This was a good accompanamient to my chicken enchiladas, a classic side. I would prefer a little more fluffy, less sticky, next time. Need to work on that textural aspect! I did leave out the chicken, there was plenty of chicken in my enchiladas that went with this. In my opinion, the best Mexican/Spanish rice is Cuca's in Redlands... preferably the downtown Redlands one. The most light and fluffy. It tastes like the use a peanut oil, maybe we will try that next time.  :-)

Mexican Rice via Eva's Kitchen:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=13291342

Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie

This was my Superbowl contribution to the potluck spread. It was delicious! So easy to make. Put this together quickly in the morning, let it cool all day, and took it to the party at 3ish. It was even better at a cooler room temperature after it sat for awhile. Big hit!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie via All Recipes:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sopapilla-cheesecake-pie/

Nutmeg Maple Butter Cookies

Made these instead of the traditional sugar cookie this week for my work Christmas party. They're more of a crisper shortbread as opposed to the regular sugar cookie. DELICIOUS! Big hit at the Christmas party. I would definitely made a double batch if you are entertaining a large crew. You can never go wrong with Smitten Kitchen. :-) Merry Christmas!

Nutmeg Maple Butter Cookies via Smitten Kitchen:

http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/12/nutmeg-maple-butter-cookies/