Fiesta Chowder

Love this soup!  All the Mexican flavors I love in a bowl.  The recipe comes from the "Southern Living,  Our Readers Top Rated Recipes" cookbook.  The list of ingredients is long, but it comes together very quickly.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3-4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cubed (bite size pieces)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 package (1.4 ounce) fajita seasoning mix
1 can (15 1/4 ounce) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
1 can (15 ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounce)  diced tomatoes (can also use Mexican-style diced tomatoes)
1 can (4.5 ounce) chopped green chiles
3 cups water  (I used chicken broth for more flavor)
1 cup uncooked instant brown rice (I only use 1/2 cup, otherwise soup is too thick)
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced black olives (optional) (I added)
1 can (10 3/4 ounce) condensed nacho cheese soup
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (I used 1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions:
In a large Dutch oven sauté onion 5 minutes until soft, add garlic and sauté 1 minute more.  Add chicken and cook, stirring often, 4 minutes or until browned. Stir in flour and fajita seasoning and cook 2 minutes.  Add corn, beans, tomatoes, chiles, broth, rice, and black olives.

Bring mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove lid, and stir in nacho cheese soup, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.  Use chicken broth or water if chowder becomes too thick.   Serves 8

What's Cooking

Allrecipes.com is my favorite recipe site.  In 2006 I entered an allrecipes recipe contest and came in the top ten.  I entered a Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake  inspired by my favorite coffee drink.


There was a $10,000 grand prize BUT I didn't win.  I have to say, it was very exciting just being in the top ten.  Once again allrecipes and this cheesecake has brought me more excitment!  Just last week I was featured on allrecipes, "What's Cooking?".  Check out my webisode here http://allrecipes.tv/whatscooking/janesville_wi.aspx.  I had so much fun!  If you haven't already, check out allrecipes.com.

Pumpkin Bars

I make these Pumpkin Bars every Fall. They are moist, flavorful and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

4 eggs 1 2/3 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt ICING: 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 3 cups confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoon milk

Directions:

1.	In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Pour into an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
2.	For icing, beat cream cheese, sugar, butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Add  the milk.  Add more if needed to achieve desired spreading consistency. Spread over bars.