Black Bean Soup

Sorry it took so long. I made a mild version because I don't like really spicy stuff and I didn't know how everyone else would feel about extra spice. If you like stuff hot you can really amp up the heat in this recipe.

3/4-1 lb. ground beef (I actually used ground turkey to try and make it healthier)
1/2 med onion chopped (I used a few dashes of dried onion from food storage)
1 can (15 1/2 oz) corn or fiesta corn if you like it really spicy
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with zesty mild green chilies (regular ones work fine)
1 can Campbells Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (I used HEB's mild version)


In large skillet cook beef and onion until brown. Drain fat and then transfer to crockpot. Add to crockpot corn, black beans, undrained tomatoes, soup, and enchilada sauce. Cook covered on low for 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Stir soup and serve. Dallop with sour cream if desired. Great with corn bread or tortilla chips.

(Erin's version: add all ingredients except the beef to a large pot and let it cook on med-high. In the meantime, brown the beef and then drain. Add beef to pot. Let it simmer for 10 minutes-ish...serve and enjoy!)

Apology

Hey, just wanted to apologize if some of you got emailed a blog post...meant to post that on my personal blog, not the cooking blog. Yeah, I'm an idiot.

Next Exchange: March 17 @ 7 p.m.

Hey, for some reason I can't find the link to change the exchange date (on the right of the home page).

Anyway, I wanted to get something up so you guys can plan ahead.

I was thinking Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at my house. Please comment on this to R.S.V.P.

Thanks,

Eva
713-855-8295
12714 Cedar Grove Court

Cheesy Ham & Potatoes

(Dinner Is Ready page 217)

1 24-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns
1/2 cup minced onion
2 10.75-ounce cans fat free cream of celery soup
1 8-ounce package fat free cream cheese
1/2 c cauliflower, pureed
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups cubed ham
1/4 t pepper
1/2 cup corn flakes

Soften cream cheese and cream together with soup and cauliflower. Stir in onions, ham, Jack cheese and pepper. Break apart hash browns. Gently stir into cheese mixture. Place into 9x13 pan, label and freeze.
To serve: Thaw. Bake covered for 1 hour at 350°. Uncover and top with shredded Cheddar cheese and corn flakes. Return to oven until cheese is melted.

Grandma Alta's Easy Soup

Grandma Alta's Easy Soup

2 can bean & bacon soup
2 cans vegetable soup
2 cans water
1 tsp chili powder
1- 8oz. can tomato sauce
1 lb. ground hamburger (or ground turkey)
chopped onion

Brown the ground turkey, then add chopped onion. Add all other ingredients and heat on stove in a big pot. Serve soup hot, with rolls. YUM!

Last-Minute Lasagna Recipe

This recipe is a great one from the Real Simple Meals Made Easy cook book. The book has a great freezer meal section too, I just checked it out from the library. This is the meal I'm making for the Feb. 17 exchange, I've altered it to make the 8x8's by just making a little over half a recipe for each one. See you ladies tomorrow!


Last-Minute Lasagna
1 24- or 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
2 18-20-ounce refrigerated large cheese ravioli
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed dry
1 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan

Heat oven to 375° F.

Spoon a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cover with a single layer of ravioli. Top with half the spinach, half the mozzarella, and a third of the sauce. Repeat with another layer of ravioli and the remaining spinach, mozzarella, and half the remaining sauce. Top with another layer of ravioli and the remaining sauce (not all the ravioli may be needed). Sprinkle with the Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes more.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 385(40% from fat); FAT 17g (sat 8g); CHOLESTEROL 56mg; CALCIUM 507mg; CARBOHYDRATE 35g; SODIUM 1183mg; PROTEIN 22mg; FIBER 4g; IRON 3mg

Real Simple, MARCH 2002 Fake It, Don't Make It

Here's a link to 6 Real Simple freezer meal recipes: http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1700376,00.html

Count for Feb Exchange

These are the people who have RSVP for the Feb exchange: Jamie, Eva, Mitzi, Rebecca M, Erin.
Please let me know if I have missed anyone. Everyone requested one 8x8 dish. Also, Kimberly had her baby so those who are willing if you could make an extra for her that would be great. So that is 5 8x8 dishes you need to bring to the exchange.
Thanks!

Monica

I just wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed my short time doing the swap with all of you... but recently I have had some complications with my pregnancy and will no longer be able to participate. Thanks for everything and enjoy your swaps!