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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Heres to Taco Soup, Mini Fried Apple Pies and Long Time friends!

    So with this cool crisp air we have been experiencing this week, I have really been craving some good hearty soup.  This is one of my favorites, and it is also one of the easiest.

Taco Soup

This soup is so easy!  You basically just toss a few cans in a pot and you are done, no mess at all!
Ingredients:
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can chili beans, drained
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can beef broth (or water)- more or less depending on how "soupy" you want it
  • 1 packet dry Ranch
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 1 lb. ground beef (optional)
1.  Brown the ground beef, and drain drippings.
2.  Pour tomatoes, corn, beans and broth into a stock pot.  Then add Ranch and taco seasoings.  Turn stove on low.
3.  Add ground beef to soup mixture.  Continue to cook for 2 hours.  (I think the longer it cooks the better, but you do not have to cook it that long...just until everything is warmed up.)

Perfect on a cool autumn day!
Also good topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and corn chips!

I also love anything apple and wanted to try something new for dessert tonight. So we had "mini fried apple pies," and they were OH! so good!



This recipe makes about 4 or 5 mini pies.  You can double it very easily.  But this was just perfect for our little family. (p.s.- mine got a little crispy-but that actually  made them even more delecious!)

Ingredients:

Filling:
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored and sliced into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp. nutmeg (optional)- This gives it a little extra kick!
Dough (I promise this dough is REALLY easy to make, but you can also substitute biscuit dough)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup of water (or more)
  • 1/2 oil
1. Peel and slice apples into small chunks. Add sugar and cinnamon. Cook in a saucepan on low heat. Cook for about 15 minutes or until soft.  Set aside to cool.


2. Sift flour and salt together. Cut in the shortening. Add water and mix with fork.

3.  Roll out to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured board. Cut with a large cookie cutter or large glass.  (I used the lid of a mason jar.)

4.  In each round, place about 1 tablespoon of apple mixture. Moisten edges with cold water, fold and press edge with a fork.

5.  Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Fry pies, a few at a time, 2 to 3 minutes on each side; cook until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture or confectioners sugar. 
 
On a fun note, we are going to "Sissy's house" tomorrow.  Campbell is beyond excited, she loves going to Sissy's house. I will be getting to see many of my closest friends this weekend.  First I get to see long time neighbor and friend, Lar Lar.
 
 
Then, I will be getting to see my good friend, Becky, and I am so excited about meeting her baby girl, Lily Grace.  I will also be getting to see my long time friend, Starr, who now lives in Washington, D.C. 
Shoud be a very fun weekend! Thank goodness for GRANDMAS! Just wish both mine lived closer!
Have a good one!




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