Green Chile Soup

I’ve become such a fan of green chiles, especially after visiting New Mexico and having my fill there. I especially find myself adding them to pizzas for some extra spice. (pepperoni and green chile is amazing!) When I saw this soup recipe I knew it was a must try. You can easily make it vegetarian or add some shredded chicken to make it even more filling and flavorful. Feel free to use canned green chiles, but I opted to use a few fresh roasted ones instead.

Top this with some sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro, which I always go overboard with. Or whatever you think sounds fitting and delicious. But be warned, if you have a sensitive tongue, this soup has some kick to it!

Green Chile Soup

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp butter
1 shallot, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large ribs celery, diced
1-7 oz. can whole fire roasted green chiles, drained and diced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 large carrots, peeled and finely diced
1 cup frozen sweet corn
3/4 cup milk or heavy cream

Yield: 4-6 servings

Directions:
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Melt the butter and sauté the shallot and celery for about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and green chiles and sauté for about 3 more minutes. Pour in the broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes and then remove from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup and return it to heat. Stir in the diced carrots and cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes (I cut mine pretty small). Stir in the corn and cream/milk and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Serve hot with any toppings you like. Enjoy!

Source: Slightly adapted from Lauren’s Latest

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

This dip has become a staple at gatherings on my side of the family. I’ve made it several times, always intending to snap a few photos before eating, but then forgetting until after it’s been demolished.

So yesterday, while celebrating the holiday as well as a few birthdays and my parents’ 30th anniversary, (which is today – congrats yall!) I had another chance to capture this tasty dip. Yes, a few bites had already been taken at this point. But nonetheless, here is the spinach artichoke dip that’s won over the hearts and stomachs of my family. My younger brother even agreed to be my hand model. (thanks Matt!)

This dip is the perfect thing to make and bring as an appetizer for a group. It is creamy, cheesy, and still feels a tad healthy with the spinach and artichoke. Dig in with some tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, or pita chips and you’ll have some happy guests and a requested repeat dish!

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:
2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained
1 Tbsp butter
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (low fat if wanted)
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
Chips for dipping

Directions:
Let the frozen spinach defrost or microwave it until defrosted. Squeeze out as much water as possible and set aside.

Melt the butter in a nonstick pot over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and garlic and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts. Stir in the spinach, chopped artichokes, sour cream, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and mixture is fully combined.

Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish. (I used a 9 inch baking dish) Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake at 350° for about 15 minutes or until dip is hot and cheese is getting browned and bubbly. Serve immediately with chips or crackers for dipping.

Source: Slightly adapted from My Recipes

Santa Fe Corn Chowder

My husband was recently in Africa for about two weeks and while I missed him like crazy and wished I could’ve gone too, it was a good opportunity to make some dishes that aren’t up his alley! (like these soups!)

This soup is called Santa Fe Corn Chowder and ironically enough, I’ll be visiting New Mexico for the first time in less than a week! The corn and pepper combo is delicious and of course, cheddar cheese makes everything better. The touch of creaminess makes for a mighty tasty and hearty soup that anyone from Santa Fe (or elsewhere) would love.

Santa Fe Corn Chowder

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped bell peppers
1 whole small onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp flour whisked into 1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cup chicken or vegetablev stock
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
2 cans (15.25 oz each) sweet corn, drained
1/2 cup milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Dash of salt and pepper

For garnish:
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Sour cream
Chives or Green Onions, chopped

Serves 4-6

Directions:
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add bell peppers and onion and saute gently until they begin to soften and onion begins to turn transparent, about 3 minutes. Add flour/water mixture and stock, stirring to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until liquids begin to boil gently. Add cumin, chili powder, corn, and half-and-half. Cook until soup again comes to a low boil.

Using an immersion blender, puree the chowder slightly, just until no large pieces remain. (The goal is to break down large pieces of corn and pepper, but not to reduce it to a completely smooth puree.) Remove the immersion blender and add cheese, stirring to combine. Continue heating until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Source: Slightly adapted from Inquiring Chef

Cauliflower and White Cheddar Soup

Why am I craving soup in the summertime? I have no idea, but am going for it!

Cheesy, creamy soups are one of my downfalls. Yes, this has cauliflower and other healthy things in it, but ultimately, it’s not the most waistline friendly soup around. But hey, it’s a good way to get folks to eat their vegetables, right?

Roasted cauliflower and garlic mixes beautifully with white cheddar cheese – the sharpness really balances with the hearty vegetables to create a delicious and filling soup. I’ll certainly be making this again when the weather better agrees!

Cauliflower and White Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
4 whole, peeled garlic cloves
3 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped or dried
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 1/2 cups white cheddar, shredded
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Yield: 4-6 servings

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves in two tablespoons of olive oil along with the salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast the cauliflower until lightly golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.

Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and saute until fragrant, about a minute. Add the broth, cauliflower, and roasted garlic and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. (be careful with the blender lid since it’s hot!)

Mix in the cheese, let it melt and season with salt and pepper. Mix in the milk and remove from heat. Garnish as desired and serve while hot. Enjoy!

Source: AnnArbor.com

Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Dill

Have you ever thrown something together on a whim, trying to clean out some items in your fridge, and it turns out a lot better than expected? This is one of those dishes – what a nice surprise it was!

I had a cucumber, some radishes,onion, carrot, and lemon that needed to be used so I grabbed a few sprigs of fresh dill from the garden and tossed it all together with a little oil and white wine vinegar and poof – a tasty cucumber salad was born. It is light, healthy, and tastes a bit like pickles and is an easy side dish to pair with a sandwich or simply eat on it’s own!

Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Dill

Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
4 radishes, sliced
1/4 red onion, diced
1 carrot, shredded
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
Fresh dill, minced
Dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

Source: A Beckster Original

Mango Pico de Gallo

I never used to be a big lover of pico de gallo, but now I’m a huge fan. It’s such a delicious healthy addition to any meal. The traditional style is great, but this mango version is perfect for the summer with it’s fresh fruity flavor. Pile it on top of a taco or simply scoop it up with tortilla chips and you’re in for a tasty treat!

Mango Pico de Gallo

Ingredients:
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/4 red onion, diced
1 small jalapeño, deseeded and minced
2 mangos, chopped
Juice from one lime
Cilantro
Dash of salt

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Add additional salt or cilantro to your liking. Refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy!

Source: Slightly adapted from A Zesty Bite

Fiesta Rice

This colorful and healthy side dish is perfect for any Mexican inspired meal. I made a huge batch and contently ate from it for days. You can use white or brown rice depending on your preference and could include any extra vegetables and seasonings you like. The cilantro and lime were plenty for me and mixed perfectly with the corn, tomatoes, and black beans. Totally delicious and guilt free

Fiesta Rice

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups cooked long grain rice
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed
3/4 cup cooked corn
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine hot rice, heated corn, heated beans, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper if needed. Toss and serve.

Source: Skinny Taste

Kale Chips

I’ve seen several recipes for simple kale chips and was pleasantly surprised when I finally made them myself! They’re easy to prepare and have a very fresh crisp flavor and texture. I kept it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, but you can jazz it up with something like chili powder or garlic powder – the possibilities are really endless. What a perfect alternative to grabbing a handful of potato chips – you can get a healthy serving of vegetables instead!

Speaking of plants, I’m currently in love with springtime in Texas. Besides our trademark bluebonnets springing up…

I also have a big bouquet of daisies (my favorite!) that my dear husband brought home.

Plus, my veggie/herb garden is growing leaps and bounds! (photos to come) Spring is such a lovely time – hope yall are enjoying it too!

Kale Chips

Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Wash the kale thoroughly to remove any grit and pat with towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Rip or cut the leaves of the kale away from the stems and discard the stems.

Lay the leaves out on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil, then lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake the kale for about 20 minutes or until crisp. Allow it to cool and then transfer to a bowl or storage container. Enjoy!

Source: A Cozy Kitchen

Cheddar Drop Biscuits

I’ve somehow never been to a Red Lobster (I’ll get there someday I’m sure…) but hear they serve some mighty tasty biscuits. These cheddar drop biscuits are apparently their twin and are SO easy to make at home. They are quick to throw together but taste like you worked really hard! Use these measurements to make a small batch, or you can easily follow the original recipe to make them for a larger crowd.

I used some delicious smoked sharp cheddar cheese that I recently got at the famous Fischer’s in the cute little German town of Muenster, TX. This cheese added a nice flavor to the simple biscuit, and you can also add a little extra flavor at the end by brushing on some garlic butter and parsley. (I skipped this step – was trying to be a bit more healthy!) I also recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese – you’d be surprised at the difference it makes when you’re baking!

Hope you enjoy this delicious side dish paired with your fancy lobster dinner or simple meal of choice!

Cheddar Drop Biscuits

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 heaping tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 stick butter, melted but cooled
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded is best)

Optional Topping:
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp parsley, chopped fine (or dried parsley)

Yield: 8 biscuits

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat sheet. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Add the butter and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Add the shredded cheese and stir until just combined.

Using a medium ice cream scoop, place biscuits about an inch or two apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown. If wanted, combine the butter, parsley, and garlic powder and brush the tops of the biscuits.

Source: Stella B’s Kitchen

Mexican Hot Chocolate Toasted Pecans

I saw this recipe months ago on Pinterest and knew these pecans would be amazing whenever I finally tried them. Well, the time finally came and sure enough – these nuts are out of this world! The cocoa with a touch of spice perfectly represents the authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate flavors.

You can have a handful as a snack or add a bowl to a dessert spread for something a little unique. Either way – you’re in for a tasty treat! Enjoy

Mexican Hot Chocolate Toasted Pecans

Ingredients:
4 cups pecans
1 egg white
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch ground allspice

Yield: 4 cups

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, use a silpat, or lightly grease the sheet to keep from sticking.

Mix the sugar, cocoa powder, and all the spices in a medium bowl and set aside. Whisk the egg white until it is thick and frothy and add in the pecans. Stir them to coat evenly. Next, add the cocoa mixture and combine until the nuts are evenly coated.

Scoop the nuts with a slotted spoon onto the prepared baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove, toss the nuts, and place them back in the oven for 20 more minutes. After the first 40 minutes, check the nuts to see if the coating doesn’t crumble off of the nuts. If it does, place them back in the oven for 20 more minutes, otherwise let the nuts cool and serve!

Source: Simply Scratch who adapted from Savvy Eats