Just Because I Love You!

This is a thick, hearty soup--

It's been snowing here today and I cooked a big crock pot full of soup--It was so good--here's the recipe for you.

I used two frozen chicken breasts but sometimes if you wanna be a little on the lazy side, just use a big can of Sam's Member's Mark (or whatever brand you prefer) chicken breast.  Both are really good.

I threw four chicken breasts into the skillet--so I would have two left for tomorrow night's dinner or a luncheon salad.  I cook them in olive oil and white cooking wine.  But however you cook them is fine--my DIL boils them.

I heat most of the liquid ingredients in a pan before putting in my crock pot.  I do this because it cuts at least a couple hours off the cooking time.

2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans Rotel
1 can chicken broth
1 can refried beans (I use fat-free but regular will do)
1 cup water

You can use packaged taco seasoning mix but I make my own using:
If you use the packaged, you will need 2 pkgs.  The ingredients below equal two packs.

2 T chili powder
4 t. onion powder
2 t. each ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, powdered oregano and sugar (I used 4 pkgs. of Splenda instead)
1 t. salt
pepper to your taste (I used about a half t. of white pepper)

I also add
2 T. Hidden Valley dry ranch dressing mix--this gives it an incredible pop! in my opinion

About half-way through cooking time, I add

1 can kidney beans
1 can ranch-style beans
1 can whole kernel corn  (I drain and rinse beans and corn but you don't have to)

 add the shredded chicken breasts

You can serve with a variety of things:  mixed cheeses, avocado, sour cream, crackers, rolled and buttered tortillas, fritos--I ate it today with nothing added and really enjoyed it.  Trying to leave off so many carbs!

I usually cook this for 4 or 5 hours but you can leave it on low all day.  I put it on high for the first couple of hours and then turn it down to medium or low for another couple of hours.  If you don't heat those first ingredients, you will need to cook 6 or 7 hours.

This will fill a big crock pot 3/4 full or more.  I usually freeze some or use a couple days later.  It's even better then.

I don't have a picture but you can trust me on this.  It is so good--and healthy and hearty.  I also substitute ground beef for the chicken breasts (ground turkey would work also).

So I hope you enjoy.

Stay warm this weekend.

Love,
Dianne