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...

There are enchilada recipes that require dipping tortillas in oil or sauce, frying, layering, and making a mess…this is not one of those recipes. My enchilada recipe can be mixed in one bowl. You can even freeze half of the cooked enchiladas for later when you are in a rush for dinner. Olé! Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas 1 cooked whole rotisserie chicken de-boned and chopped up (deli department) ½ yellow onion 1 to 2 T. butter salt and pepper to season (2) 14 oz. cans  or  (1) 28 oz. can mild enchilada sauce  4.5 oz. can of diced/chopped green chiles ¼ cup salsa ¼ cup sour cream 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese or mix of cheese 10 to 12 flour tortillas Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open can of enchilada sauce and pour just enough to barely cover the bottom of   a large 9” x 13” casserole pan. Set aside.  Pick all chicken meat off the bones and place on a large cutting board. With a large knife, chop up chicken into 1-inch ...

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 ...

We eat a lot of pasta in our family…a lot. So I like to find ways to change it up adding vegetables, different sauces, pasta sizes, etc. This is one of our favorites because the flavors taste more like a steak dinner than Italian pasta. The key is to use real bacon and fry it…bacon substitute or others will not taste the same. I adapted this from one of Rachael’s early recipes. Make a large pot and serve with a green salad and dinner is ready!   Campfire Spaghetti 1 box of spaghetti (16 oz.) olive oil for the pan 4 slices of good bacon 1 pound of ground turkey 1 yellow onion, chopped 4 cloves of garlic salt and  pepper to taste 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce 1 (14 oz.) can of diced fire roasted tomatoes 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 to 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated 4 green onions, chopped Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water according to directions on the box. Drain and set aside. Heat skillet ove...

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....