Cold Nights

So lately it's been pretty chilly.  And of course since it's Texas it comes and goes.  I'm not one to usually put recipies on my blog but this one I need to share.  I found the recipie for the chicken enchillada soup from Chili's.  And it's almost exactly as good as it is at the resturant.  Here's what you need:

1 lb chicken breast, cubbed
1/2 hald an onion, diced
2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup masa harina  (this is a Mexican tortilla flour- yes you can find it at walmart- with the hispanic foods, or in the baking aisle as well- normally somehwere on the bottom shelf)  this is what makes the soup nice and creamy!!
3 cups water
2 can enchilada sauce (I like the hot kind)
16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed (it's about half a block)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin


Here's how to make it:

- In your soup pot (the big one because you are going to want to make a lot) add your cubed chicken breast and cook until white on all sides.  Set aside the chicken on a separate plate until later.
- Add the garlic and onion and saute over medion heat until slightly translucent.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to boil
- Combine the masa harina with 2 cups of water in a medioum bowl (or your big measuring cup) and whisk until blended.  Add to boiling chicken broth.
- Add the last cup of water, enchilada sauce, and spices to the pot
- Add the Velveeta cheese to the pot carefully, in small batches so it will melt in
- Add the chicken back into the pot
- Reduce the heat and simmer soup for about 20 or so minutes

Ladle up a big bowl of this soup.  I like to add some shredded cheese on top, with some crushed up chips, and a dollup of sour cream!

I go ahead and put the left overs into small indiviual tupperware containers so I can grab and go for lunches that week. 

Go ahead and try it- it will change your life.... ok maybe not, but we have already made it three times this winter!!

2011 thus far

So far things in 2011 have been kind of boring.  Back to work.  However, a few things are exciting to but probably not to anyone else.  Some of my students got schedule changes for this semester, and a few of my trouble makers got put into other teacher’s classes, and a few of those who are struggling got put into some of my smaller classes.  This has been a blessing, and I think the kids can are liking it as well.  Crazy how one kid can make or break an entire class. 

Yesterday we finally took down our Christmas decorations.  We stopped having the outside ones turn on, but two weeks into January it was time to take them down and into the attic.  However, now the inside of the house looks plain and boring again.  Where we have the tree now looks like a huge gaping white hole…. now taking suggestions of what I should put there.

Russell’s parent came over on Friday to watch the Cotton bowl.  Unfortunately the Aggies couldn’t pull it out.  Our track record in bowl games over the last few years is not good.  Maybe next year! 

Speaking of football, the Stace-a-nators, my fantasy team also couldn’t pull it out.  I started off real strong, going 6-0 and then a I lost to Russell by just a few points, and then again to Leslie later in the season.  I ended the regular season in 3rd (technically should have been 2nd, but the top two teams were first in their divisions).  However, in the playoffs my team just went down hill.  I think I ended the season in 6th.  Not too bad for my first time.  I’m excited about next year, I have two players that I really want on my team again, and I already have an awesome new team name planned…but you will have to wait until August to find that out!

So far I have been sticking to my New Year’s resolutions.  I have been to the gym a lot, adding more vegetables to my diet,  and reading more (thanks to my Kindle it’s been easy!).   Now I just need to find a good music store around here so I can get some more sheet music so I can start playing the piano again!  If you know any good places in Houston let me know!