Soup Swap

Until this month I had never even heard of Soup Swap.  Now, I am DEFINITELY planning one for next year.  So anyone in Calgary that is reading this....get ready because next year we're having one!

The lovely Rachel at A Southern Fairy Tale is hosting a virtual soup swap for those of us that are a little behind.  So check out some of my favorite soup recipes below & go visit Rachel for even more virtual Soup Swap fun.

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Just posted this week and SUPER YUMMY!

Taco Soup - Oh so easy & made with ingredients you have in the pantry.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup - My hubby's favorite.  So good even my Mother In Law uses this recipe now (and that's saying something!).

If you want to get into the Soup Swap spirit even more.....drop a bag full of soup off at your local food bank (in Calgary most grocery stores have a food bank drop off as well).

So who's in for the Soup Swap next year?

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What's Cooking Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Adapted from Pioneer Woman

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion
1/2 cup red bell pepper
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 can tomatoes with chilis or spicy tomatoes (see note)
1 can black beans drained
4 cups chicken broth
3 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cups hot water
1 cup niblet corn
3 Tbsp corn meal

Garnishes:
Corn tortillas cut into strips - toasted in a skillet with butter (yum!) until crispy
Sour Cream
Shredded cheese
Diced Red Onions
Avocado
Hot Sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix spices in a small bowl.  Spritz chicken breasts with olive oil.  Sprinkle with a bit of the spice mixture.  Bake for 25 minutes or until done through.  Shred chicken with two forks.

Heat olive oil in a large pot.  Add onions, bell peppers and garlic.  Cook until onion is tender.  Sprinkle with remainder of spice mixture.  Add shredded chicken.  Stir to combine.

Add tomatoes, beans, broth, water and tomato paste.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Mix cornmeal with a bit of water and add to the soup.  Stir.  Add corn.  Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.  Taste soup and add salt if needed or chili powder if it needs more kick.

Remove soup from heat and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.  Top with garnishes & enjoy!

Recipe Notes: I used the tomatoes above instead of Rotel since you can NOT find Rotel in Canada.  This is such a great recipe. I moved the tortilla strips to a garnish because I ate this soup for lunch two days this week with NO GARNISH.  I know!  Pioneer Woman would NOT be impressed.

Head over to Shan's to see what else is cooking this Wednesday!

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What's Cooking Wednesday - Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Dewey loves Split Pea Soup. Me.....not so much. I love him, though, so I figured I would make him some with all the leftover ham I had in the freezer (from when I had the *bright* idea to make a 1/4 of a whole ham for just me and Evan (aka the boy that doesn't eat meat)but digress). Since it's not my favorite food, I decided that a slow cooker recipe would be perfect b/c it would allow me to put it on the table with little muss or fuss.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe
from About.com

1 (16oz) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed
1 meaty hambone, 2 ham hocks or 2 cups diced ham
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 ribs of celery plus leaves, chopped
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or 2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tbsp seasoned salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups hot water

Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; pour in water. Do not stir ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours until peas are very soft and ham falls off the bone. Remove bones and bay leaf. Mash peas to thicken more if desired. Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.

Serves 8

Recipe Notes: Dewey loved it. He was very happy. We ate about half and froze the rest. I served it with a fresh baguette. I must admit it was pretty good. I'm sure I'll be making it again.

Don't forget to head over to Shan's to see what else is cooking this Wednesday!

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