Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup

5 strips bacon, diced
1 rib celery, chopped
½ cup chopped onion
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 red pepper, seeded and diced
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
6 FRESH basil leaves, chopped (divided)
2 cloves FRESH garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup half and half

In large soup pot, cook bacon. Drain all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add the celery, onion and carrot to the bacon and cook 2 minutes. Add peppers, half of the basil and garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add bouillon cubes and stir to dissolve. Transfer soup to blender and puree in batches (only takes 2), then return to soup pot. Add half and half and remaining basil. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes. Served with toasted garlic or cheesy bread.

Crockpot "Way Too Easy" Tortilla Soup

If you want something quick and easy...here it is!

2 cans chicken broth
5 corn tortillas cut up into strips
handful of cheddar cheese
2 uncooked chicken breasts cut into chunks
1 can of corn (or frozen corn)
1 cup chunky salsa
black beans

Put in crockpot for several hours.The tortillas will break down and thicken the soup.

Top with cheese, tortilla chips (you can cut up more corn tortillas, mix them with EVOO and bake them to have homemade tortilla chips), a little sour cream, etc

Recipes

Anyone else bored with their dinner menus? I am in a dinner rut and am in need of new recipes. I was wondering if anyone would like to share a few of their favorite recipes on the blog? Then we could all benefit from them:) I know my family will thank you too. I will post a few of our favorites also. Thanks girls!