Chicken Tortilla Soup and Cilantro Lime Rice

Tonight my friend Laura Deer came over for dinner.  I used to teach with her.  She is an excellent school counselor and wonderful friend.  I enjoy her company.  She requested Mexican food and I have been wanting to make a Chicken Tortilla Soup and some rice.  We like to eat at a place called Qdoba and you can order the Mexican gumbo which is tortilla soup, your choice of meat, rice, beans, and a variety of toppings.  It's delicious.  I tried the Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tortilla Soup and it was delicious.  I'll paste it here, but you'll have to go to her site to see all her beautiful pictures and see more details.  I HIGHLY recommend it!

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tortilla Soup

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

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, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then 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. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.

Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.

Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and grated cheese, if you have it! (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/chicken-tortilla-soup/



I wanted to make some cilantro lime rice and found an excellent recipe.  Laura doesn't like cilantro, so I didn't add it until after I scooped out some rice for her.  But I love this recipe.  It's definitely a keeper.  I always try new stuff when company is coming!  Pretty risky.  I almost ruined it today because I noticed after I poured most of the broth into my pot, that I didn't get low sodium.  I did that once before and it made a soup inedible.  So I scooped out about a cup and added just water.  Luckily it didn't ruin it.  It was so good!



excuse the horrible picture



Cilantro Lime Rice

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 (15 ounce) can vegetable broth (I used a little chicken broth and mostly water)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

In a a saucepan combine rice, butter, garlic, 2 teaspoons of lime juice, broth and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, sugar, and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice and mix in as you fluff the rice. Serve warm.

The other day we ate at Jason's Deli for lunch and they have ice cream cones when you're done with your lunch.  Aubrie enjoyed her ice cream with Tia.



This was Emilie's first time eating ice cream.  It was funny because she was so tired, she was kind of in a trance and didn't really get wild.  But you could tell she was enjoying it. 




We went to the library for story time on Tuesday and met up with our pals Katie and Higgs




Here is our library friend Mary Mary.  She is showing us the Santa puppet.  He was really cute.  He moved his mouth, shook his head, and waved.  The girls got really excited.  He was walking around on the floor, but Emilie couldn't stop rushing towards him.  So Mary Mary finally put him up on the counter so we could unleash Emilie.  Aubrie thought he was really cool...




Until she got closer.  Then she got nervous.  This picture cracks me up.  I can't stop laughing.



Love to all!

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