Busy Brunette Bakerista

This soup is so good we serve it during special holidays in our family. During these times when we are at home cooking more for our families...it's a good soup to make and freeze as well. You can adjust the seasonings but it’s awesome just plain by itself! I’ve had lots of tortillas soups, and this one is the best . Chicken Tortilla Soup de Ortega Serves about six 7 T. vegetable oil 10 corn tortillas chopped 6 cloves garlic (minced or through a garlic press) ½ cup chopped cilantro 1 yellow onion chopped 1 (28oz.) can diced tomatoes 2 T. ground cumin 1 T. chili powder 3 bay leaves 6 cups chicken broth 1 t. salt ½ t. cayenne pepper 4 cooked chicken breasts or 6 cooked chicken thighs 1 lemon toppings:  shredded cheese,  avocado slices It’s important to cook the chicken first to give the soup great taste! Place chicken in a pot and cover with water. Slice one lemon and add slices to the pot along with a little sa...

Just as the name states, this dish is simple and so tasty! I promise when you make it, your house will smell like Thanksgiving no matter what time of year it may be. The consistency of the chicken thighs helps make the apple mixture soft and the perfect addition as a sort of “chutney” to the chicken. Serve along side some rice, biscuits, or even at Thanksgiving. Fall Chicken Thighs with Roasted Apples and Garlic About 1 ½ pounds of Braeburn, or other crisp apples, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 / 8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 4 or 5 garlic gloves, skin removed and crushed or chopped ½ teaspoon salt, divided 8 chicken thighs, boneless, skinned (about 2 pounds) ¼ teaspoon black pepper Cooking spray Preheat oven to 475 degrees (yes, that hot). Line a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Combine chopped apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic in a large bowl and stir gently. Add ...

Stove Top Macaroni-n-Cheese-n-Sausage Casserole It’s that time of year for Spring gatherings and brunch events. Here is an easy mac-n-cheese recipe that will "wow" everyone!  Cooking spray ¼ teaspoon black pepper 12 ounces large elbow macaroni 2 – 4 cups shredded extrasharp cheese 1 package chicken-apple-sausage 2 egg whites 1 (12oz.) can evaporated low-fat milk 1/8 cup prepared breadcrumbs 4 Tablespoons butter **roasted cherry tomatoes Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook macaroni in boiling water 7 minutes and then drain.  While pasta is cooking, slice sausage into 1 inch pieces and sauté for a few minutes in a pan until soft.  Set aside.   Place pasta in a large pan over medium-low heat and stir in cheese, sausage, egg whites, and evaporated milk.  Cook for 4 minutes until cheese melts stirring constantly.  Spray 9” x 12” casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into dish....

Sweet Thai Pizza for Your Sweetie 1 container refrigerated izza crust dough (I use a 13.8 ounce Pillsbury brand) 4 chicken breast halves – cut into 1-inch pieces 2 Tablespoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon balsamic or red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon grill seasoning ½ lime squeezed 7 oz. jar of plum sauce (found in the Asian cooking aisle of your store) ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced 8 oz. shredded Mozzarella or jack cheese 1 to 2 Tablespoons chopped green onions or chives 1/3 cup honey roasted and salted peanuts Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl combine cut up chicken pieces, sesame oil, vinegar, grill seasoning, and lime juice. Stir until chicken is coated with sauce. Seal in a large zip-lock baggie and refrigerate for 30 minutes. While chicken marinades, spread pizza crust onto a non-stick baking sheet or stone. Bake according to directions on package, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven when dough is a golden brown on the edges...