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 ...

This is an easy, delicious, make-and-leave-it, slow-cooker recipe that I make all the time. The cornbread crust gives it a wonderful texture too. For a more meaty dish, add cooked, ground turkey or beef. Enjoy! Cornbread-Topped Enchilada Casserole 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 (15oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15 oz.) can of diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, drained 1 (11oz.) can of corn, drained 1 can (10 oz.) enchilada sauce (your choice) 2 green onions chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 lb. cooked ground turkey or beef (optional) 1 package (8.5 oz.) cornbread mix 2 eggs 1 to 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend Combine seasonings, beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, green onions, and cilantro. Stir then cover and cook on low for six hours. In a small bowl, combine corn bread mix, two eggs and sp...

Being part Irish I love mashed potatoes! A true Shepherd's Pie recipe can be very complex with lots of ground beef, vegetables, homemade mashed potatoes, and more. This version is a little healthier with ground turkey, beans, and instant mashed potatoes. So tastey! Skinny Shepherd's Pie Ingredients: 1/2 lb. ground turkey 1 can (15oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1/3 cup water 3/4 cup taco sauce 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons sugar 2 cups cooked instant, mashed potatoes butter and milk for instant mashed potatoes low-fat cheddar cheese, grated Cook instant mashed potatoes according to directions on the box. Set aside and keep warm with a lid or foil on top. Cook ground turkey in a skillet on medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Spoon meat-bean mixture into a serving bowl, top with mashed potatoes by spreading with a small spatula, and top with cheese. Let sit 2 min...

There is no story behind this recipe. It’s yummy, easy, and my entire family loves this salad. Tasty Taco Salad ½ pound to 1 pound ground turkey (depending on how much you want to add) 1 medium head of ice-berg lettuce or 2 bags of pre-shredded lettuce 2 tomatoes, chopped   ½ cup sliced olives (optional) 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 3 green onions, chopped 1 package of taco-flavored tortilla chips (such as Doritos Nacho Cheese) , about 1 cup, crushed up 1 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Slice up iceberg lettuce, and place in large bowl. Chop up tomatoes and green onions and add to bowl (olives are optional). Set aside. Cook ground turkey in sauté pan until brown and crumbly.  Remove from pan with slotted spoon and add to salad bowl along with crushed tortilla chips.  For dressing, blend sour cream, salt and pepper in small bowl.  Add dressing to salad bowl in ¼ cup p...