October is upon us. It can only mean one thing… taco soup time. I know that everyone knows how to make taco soup. But, I also know that everyone makes it differently. Here is the version we make in our casa.
2 cans shoepeg corn
2 cans black beans
1 can rotel tomatoes
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 packet of buttermilk Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
I really prefer two cans of rotel and one can of diced tomatoes, but that makes it too spicy for the kids. Ugh. The things we do for our children.
You’d think that G-raldo and Manuwells could handle it…
Turkeys. Speaking of, I use ground turkey instead of beef. Not just in this… always. None of my folks can tell the difference.
Brown the turkey and season with salt and pepper. Next, add all of the ingredients (do not drain any of the veggies) to a crockpot or dutch oven. Or, if you are drinking a margarita, get your four year old to do it.
I told him to save the magic dust for last.
Simmer on low for several hours. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
But what really makes it delicious is the toppings. No toppings, no bueno.
not pictured (because I didn’t have any)-
green onions
diced black olives
Ridiculicious.
So good I had to make up a new word. I think I’ll copyright it for the title of my imaginary cookbook. It will include this along with other complicated recipes like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, scrambled eggs and rice crispy treats.
Got some wonderful news this week from a very dear friend. I am overjoyed for her and her husband. Seriously. I am walking around singing in my Disney princess voice and tee teeing rainbows. So happy!
1. Polka Dot Skinny Jeans
You know what else is happy? These perky polka dot pants from Target. Yes, they are from the junior section. I realize I’m not a junior, but I couldn’t resist them. On one hand they are all polka dotted and sweet and on the other they are all ripped up and sassy. I did go up a couple of sizes because, as my niece Lily always says, “They are skinny jeans… not make you skinny jeans.” Words to live by, friends.
2. Michelle Rhodes Horseshoe Necklace
Lots of you have asked about my horseshoe necklace. Probably because I wear it every single day. It is by Atlanta based jewelry designer Michelle Rhodes. They carry her pieces locally at Barnette’s and are hoping to get more in soon. A little birdie told me she may be featured in an upcoming issue of Lucky. Horseshoe necklace? Lucky? It just makes sense.
3. Charlie Goes to School
Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman) recently released a new children’s book. She was at Lemuria signing copies, so the boys and I went to meet her. While we were patiently (HA!) waiting in line, a local news channel interviewed Wells and Graham.
Earlier in the week, Graham informed us that he does not want to be referred to as “G” anymore… “from now on, call me Graham Sexy.” I can’t and I won’t and I don’t know where he comes up with this stuff. When the reporter asked him his name I held my breath and prayed to the good Lord above that he would not give his new rapper name. Miracles happen because he told the guy his name was Graham and then spelled it G-R-H-R-M-R-A. We need to work on that. Anyway, they made the ten o’clock news, and let’s just say they thought it was “cool.”
After feeding them chips for dinner, bribing them with new books and rationing drinks so they wouldn’t have to go to the restroom, we finally made it to the front of the line. Sweet Ree was just as nice as she could be. The kids apparently thought we hit it off, because they asked me to text her when we got back to the car.
4. Cheetah Print Nikes
I asked Santa to bring me a pair of these for Christmas. I know it is a little early (Hello… no red Starbucks cups yet), but I needed to be sure Santa was informed in case they sell out. Plus, they will surely help with the standard New Year’s resolution. If pink and navy plus animal print can’t get me in the gym, nothing will.
5. Homeland
The season three premiere of Homeland is Sunday night, and I am fired up. This show contradicts everything I typically like in a TV show… it’s not funny, it’s not reality, no one dances or sings AND it is about terrorists. I don’t even like the main characters. I would love to slap Carrie Mathison in the face, and don’t even get me started on Brody (or his hateful, slumped over teenage daughter). Plus, I am nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs every time I watch it, BUT I CAN’T STOP WATCHING IT. Do any of you watch it? I know I didn’t present a very strong case (or any case), but it really is a fantastic show.
Thanks, April, Darci and the gang for another fun Five on Friday link up!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t like pumpkin spice lattes. I was beginning to feel very alone in the world. And I was scared I would lose my blog reader by fessing up. Thank you for coming forward you brave souls. We only have to endure them for another month or so before they are replaced with “OH MY GOD! THE RED STARBUCKS HOLIDAY CUPS! PUT UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE! HURRY… IT’S ALMOST NOVEMBER!”
Kill me now.
Moving on. Who doesn’t like a quick and easy dinner idea? Especially when it is delicious. One of my favorite co-workers shared this with me (thanks Keena!), and it is too good to not pass along. You’ll need…
1 bag of frozen cheese ravioli
1 jar of marinara (I like Giada Creamy Tomato from Target)
1 bag of shredded mozzarella
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a medium baking dish with nonstick spray. Add a spoonful of marinara to the bottom of the dish. Next add a layer of the frozen ravioli. Yes, frozen.
Cover it with marinara and then a layer of cheese. Repeat. Depending on the size of the dish you may need to repeat the steps a few times. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Told you it was easy.
I like to top it with fresh basil because that makes it super healthy and fancy. I have also added a layer of turkey pepperoni between the marinara and cheese layers and called it pizza pasta. I am creative like that.
Delicious. But, don’t take my word for it. Not only is it Wells and G approved, it is frequently requested.
Unlike the cheese pizza that accidentally arrived covered in mushrooms…
