Dinner Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

I have to thank on one my friends for this recipe, although I don't think she checks this. I always think of her when I make this. Thank you Christine!! I've passed it on to several people and it's always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients...
Soup:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 48 oz. chicken stock
• 1 - 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 c. rice
• chicken breast (one pound or so)
  
• 1/4 cup frozen corn

Toppings:

• Tortilla chips
• shredded cheddar cheese
  

Directions:
1. Brown the onion and the garlic in a large saucepan.
2. Stir and add everything except the chicken and the corn.
3. Cover and simmer until hot, then add chicken and corn.
4. When chicken is cooked remove and shred it. Put it back in the pot and simmer until rice is cooked or 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve with tortilla chips and cheese over the soup

Comments:
I usually add more chicken stock if I want this to the more "soup" than stew. I made this today and realized I didn't have chili powder so I ended up adding chili flakes. It was a nice substitute (and the perfect amount of spiciness)! I love making enough of this for leftovers throughout the week. Perfect for a cold afternoon in winter too! MMMMMM!

Dessert Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins- the "Healthy" version

Happy New Year to all!!
So one of my new years resolutions (one of about ten) is to find more "healthy" recipes. I put healthy within the "s because I know there are some recipes I am going to try and post on here that may not be the exact version of health everyone wants. My disclaimer as most people/companies talk about is that having the perfect balanced diet does not necessarily mean you are 100% healthy (you may be 80% there), you do need to exercise (just do not overdo it). So, please use your Wii Fit, walk around whenever you can, run a 5K, join a yoga class, go for a swim, etc. Get that heart pumping! As most of you know I run half and full marathons, so most of the recipes on here are for my diet (which I do not know my daily calorie count or keep track of what I eat everyday), I eat what feels right and feel good about (trying not to eat too much processed food, but I know that can be impossible sometimes). I know I am not perfect but food should be enjoyable, it's something I look forward to. Ok off my soapbox...

This recipe was something my cousins made a couple of years ago that's super easy and fast. They are also 2 points per muffin according to Weight Watchers. I honestly have no idea what the points mean, but they are very light and super tasty...

Ingredients:

• One 18 oz box of yellow cake mix
• One can of 15 oz pumpkin
• One cup of water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Place liners in cupcake pan, or grease with light cooking spray
3. Mix all ingredients with mixer until blended well (medium speed, love my Kitchen Aid!)
4. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full to nearly full (this recipe should make 24, but I always seem to get less than that)
5. Bake 20-25 minutes, cool muffins on wire rack

Additional Notes:
I would recommend not using as much water as these muffins are super moist. You may also want to try different cake mixes, but note that with any chocolate mix you will need the water as chocolate tends to be the driest.

I hope 2010 finds you all happy and healthy!