Monday, January 18, 2010

NOT THE HOLIDAY I HAD PLANNED!!

Have you ever had so much you wanted to do on a day off - a holiday?  But then - you mistakenly make a doctor's appointment - thinking "oh well - I'll be out of there in 30 minutes and then the day is mine!"  Well - I did it again - only this time - it was three hours later that I emerged from the doctor's office and almost half my day was lost, my eyes were dialated, and I couldn't focus very well -- thank heaven for a cloudy morning and my home was west of the clinic!  Not to mention - I came out with two appointments for eye surgery - nothing dramatic -- but to me it was earth shattering and worth a slight "pitty party!"  Oh well - life goes on -- and I'm trusting God - my eyesight too!   I did have one fun little adventure.  There is a store I love over on the West Loop - so my sister, Michelle and I went there today!  Duh - right at lunch time!  It is Super Mercado Monterrey!  It is clean, well arranged and they tempt you with the bakery right at the front - with wonderful smells of yeast rising, cinnamon, and home baked rolls.  Then there is this fabulous array of fruits and veggies at wonderful prices - who ever heard of 2 mangos for only 89 cents?  Today - we were all hungry (I had only had a few slices of banana and tangerine - thinking I would get out of the doctor's office and get something to eat! Ha!!) and they have a small little taqueria in the back - so we decided to eat.  We got in long line to order -- but it was worth the wait -- delicious tacos and gorditas - stuffed with great fajita steak and grilled onions on the side -- and all of the tortillas were fresh and homemade!  They even had that hot, hot green sauce - it seems that only I can eat!  And don't worry like we did - the lady taking the orders does speak English too!    Oh by the way - the beans I told you about last night (you know the Anasazi beans) were delicious.  I added some onion, GARLIC (of course), a little jalapeno, black pepper and then when they were tender (blistered my lip testing them!!) some brown sugar and salt.  I was really late getting the dessert I had promised ready - in fact it is probably just now cooled to the proper temperature - but I did notice Travis has had two pieces.  Willow Brook CC has a Toffee bar that is to die for -- and I don't even eat sweets - but did try a small piece after so many were bragging about it at a meeting -- and I have been trying to duplicate it ever since.  I've tried several recipes and they don't even come close.  Tonight - I think I got closer -- the recipe was in "And Roses for the Table" - a beautiful cookbook with great recipes that was published by the Tyler Junior League several years ago!  So - I would say "my simple little meal" was a success!   Oh - did I mention - I  relented and picked up some rotisserie chicken for Travis and Michelle! Tonight I am going to give you the simple, simple recipe for Taco Soup - the one that you can make just enough for your family or add extra cans and have enough for an office or to take to a church function or Super Bowl party!  It really is that good!  INGREDIENTS:  2 Lbs. (there or about) lean hamburger meat, cooked and drained; 2 cans Ranch Style beans or RS pinto beans (pick your favorite); 2 cans whole kernel corn; 2 Cans Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles (I use original - which is pretty hot - so pick the heat - they have "mild" now); (IMPORTANT -- DO NOT DRAIN THE VEGETABLES!;  1 Pkg. taco seasoning (I like McCormicks - Mild) and 1 Pkg. Original Ranch Dressing Mix.  DIRECTIONS:  After meat has browned and drained, combine meat, and remaining ingredients into either a crock pot to cook for 2 to 3 hours - or a large boiler and cook for about 45 minutes. 
(This is the original recipe that is delicious , quick, and easy.  To take the soup to the next level - Saute about 1/2 onion and 2 to 3 minced cloves of garlic, and add to the meat and then continue with the recipe instructions!)  After I see how fast the Toffee Bars disappear - I might share the recipe because it was really simple to make and didn't call for any weird ingredients!  Oh - you might want to check out Mark Edge's new blog at http://mark-edge-tellmeastory.blogspot.com/ -- It is very insightful and meaningful!
Have a great evening - don't work too hard tomorrw - and God's will - join me again.

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