Mexican Soup, Sick Days, and TWO YEARS!

Today I felt ill enough to warrant staying home, some odd stomach bug that took (and is taking) its dear sweet time making its way through me. So on a day like today, I like to make Aunt Cindy's mexican soup! It basically sits in a crock pot all day and becomes incredibly yummy. It's good to make right before leaving for work, or on today like today when you'd rather put in the 10 minutes at lunch to make dinner, rather than putting in the effort later in the day.  This is the 3rd time I've made it, and am very glad I did!

Here is a picture of the process - the recipe is magneted to the oven top, the soup is becoming yummier and yummier in the crock pot, and all the dishes are sitting there waiting to be done...:

Recipe is copied below. We love it.

Also today marks TWO YEARS since Jon asked me out! Together for two years - that's awesome.

Two years ago today: Jon got the courage to ask me out after sledding. Thrilling!

One year ago today: Jon took me out for a lovely dinner. We got a bottle of wine, and I gave Jon an adventure book of us I had been making for the past year. Romantic!

Today: I stayed home with stomach pain, made Jon lunch and dinner, and then after Jon finished work he accompanied me to the pharmacy to get some much needed "stomach-relief" medication.  We played a game, watched a show, and are now blogging. Much less thrilling or romantic, but oh SO much more full of wonderful memories, deep love, and JOY in each other's company. Marriage rocks.


Mexican Soup Recipe:
necessary ingredients are in bold. It is very forgiving though - I just realized I forgot the chopped up onion! Jon still says it tastes more-than-good. 

In a crockpot, put a package of boneless skinless breasts or thighs- add a jar of salsa, half or so a box of chicken broth,   a tsp, more or less,  of cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, a 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you like it) and a chopped up onion.

Cook on low all day, or high for half a day. Add a can of black beans sometime (doesn't really matter when, but I always wait til near the end) and also add a 1/2 cup or so of frozen corn.

Before you serve, break up  the chicken in the soup with a fork- it should be very shreddable. Chopped up green onions, or cilantro if you like that is nice at the end.

For serving, pile on the sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, chopped up tomatoes or avocado, and crumbled up tortilla chips!

YUM!