Southwestern Pizza

That's the name I've given it....I don't know its official name, but I call it pizza cuz it's round. I learned it at a Pampered Chef party Monday night and have already cooked it for my family this week. It is very good! Like I said, I don't have the official recipe, but here's how I made it. Adapt as you need.

Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet. Add cooked chicken, salsa, and southwestern seasonings of your choice (I used chili powder and cumin). Cook until warmed.

Put large flour tortilla in round deep dish baker, spread with refried beans, then chicken mixture, then shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers until dish is full. Cover with flour tortilla, shredded cheese and tomato slices.

Bake in 350 oven until warmed through and cheese melted.

Edited: Note: I found out the official name for this dish is "Southwestern Lasagna" because of its layers. The pizza name still fits, I think, because its round. So, you pick what you want to call it and go with it!

This Yumminess Disappears Quickly!

I made this cake this week and as you can see, it won't be around long.

I used a Devil's Food Cake Mix, but the icing just makes the cake!

I baked it in Pampered Chef's round deep dish baker and it made a pretty cake. Then I topped it with my Mom's fudgey chocolate icing. Boy, eating a bite of this cake brought back childhood memories along with a few pounds. But lest you think I ate it all myself....my kiddos and hubby have had their fare share, too.

Here's how to make the icing:

2 c. sugar (no wonder its so yummy!)
1/2 c. (scant) cocoa
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
nut, if desired

Mix sugar, cocoa, butter and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil. Boil until forms a soft ball when portion is dropped in cold water. Remove from heat. Add vanilla (and nuts, if desired). Place sauce pan in cold water and beat until mixture begins to thicken. Spread on cooled cake.

Linking Love: Ree's Holiday Recipes

I used and enjoyed several of the recipes on Ree's recipe blog over the holidays. To allow you to enjoy them and to give myself easy access, I am linking to them from here. Click on over and you'll be licking your lips and heading for the kitchen to start some cooking of your own.


Brining a Turkey
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Turkey Gravy, Baby
Delicious Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Butternut Squash Puree
French Pastry Puffs

Tortilla Soup

This is a favorite soup recipe in our home. I originally got the recipe from my friend, Heather Denny.

3 cans chicken broth
2 lg cans of chicken ( I prefer freshly cooked chicken, but use the canned when I am short on time)
1 can corn (whole kernel)
1 can white northern beans (more if you prefer)
1 can chopped green chilis
2 (8 oz) cans diced tomato
1 clove garlic, minced (or more to taste)
1/2 t. cumin (or more to taste)
1/8 t. pepper (or more to taste)

flour tortillas, sour cream and grated cheddar cheese
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mix the first 9 ingredients in a crock pot, set on low and leave for several hours. Taste test occasionally to determine need for more cumin or pepper.

If short on time, all ingredients can be mixed in large pot on stove. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for a while. Taste test and add spices as needed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cut flour tortillas into strips, layer on a baking sheet and broil until crispy and lightly browned. Turn and broil other side.

Serve soup with sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla crispies.