I hope you all are enjoying the fall weather and the changing leaves. This past weekend we met up with some friends and were able to enjoy the cooler tempuratures while getting some fresh air. Being able to see people and enjoy time away from screens is always nice. Good food, good friends, kids playing in the field and fresh air is a combination that is seriously hard to beat.
It is cooling down outside though and to me that means SOUP WEATHER! As soon as the tempurature starts dipping I like to break out my slow cooker and let soup simmer all day. Then when it is time for dinner I can relax with that warm comforting bowl and relax. I have even been known to heat up the leftovers at breakfast time for a low calorie, warm, filling meal that is a lot healthier than that bagel I might have otherwise been craving.
If you are like me and hate the extra clean up from things sticking to the pot I hope you all have invested in slow cooker liners. Seriously, whoever thought of these is a genius. I never use my slow cooker without a liner anymore. This time of year Aldi sometimes carries thier brand (and I love a bargain) but when they don't have any Reynolds Wrap makes ones that I use year round. Just put this in the before you add all your ingredients and at the end through away the bag. You do still have to clean the pot but nothing is ever stuck or burned to it any longer. I once had meatballs I put on high by accident and believe me when I say this liner saved my sanity.
You know what the other best thing about crock pot meals, and especially soups, tends to be? That you can dump everything in, walk away and still have an amazing meal in a few hours without any real work. This is one of those meals. Yes!
You need only a few ingredients that you can find in any major grocery store.
*2 boxes of chicken broth
*28oz can red enchilada sauce (or 2 - 10oz cans will work)
*1 can black beans, drained
*1 can diced tomatoes (I like the petite diced)
*1 can diced tomatoes with green chillies
*10oz bag frozen corn (or a drained can of corn)
*2 cups frozen pepper stir fry (or fresh cut strips of bell peppers and onions)
*2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I use frozen but fresh is good too)
Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and give it a mix. Cook on low for about 8 hours. Before serving remove the chicken and shred. Add the chicken back into the pot. I really like to serve mine with shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips and a bit of Cholula hot sauce. Once you mix all that together it is absolutely fabulous! Is there really anything better than a fix it and forget it comfort meal???
Comments