Potato Soup with Green Chillies and Cheese

A Big thanks to my friend Audrey...

My friend posted this recipe to her FB and i just had to try it. especially with this cold weather fall/winter weather. I checked for the ingrediant and I had everything, so this was our dinner and it was delicious. I addred real crunchy bacon pieces to the end of the cooking. Im surprised it was a hit with the whole family...kids and dad included.

When i was little my grandma used to make potato cheese soup and it was (is still) my favorite. Our version was different and more tomatoey than creamy. But this version is definetly a HIT!!!
Thank you Audrey!!!

2 tbsp. veg. oil 1 med. onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 c. chopped unpeeled potatoes 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 c. chicken or veg. broth 2 c. milk 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies, undrained 1/2 tsp. celery salt 1 1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) White or black pepper

Heat oil in 3-qt. pan over medium heat.  Add onion & garlic; cook until onion is tender.  Stir in potatoes; cook 1 minute.  Stir in flour; continue cooking 1 minute.  Stir in broth.  Bring to boil.  Cover; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  Stir in milk, chilies, & celery salt; heat until simmering. Add cheese; stir & heat just until cheese melts. DO NOT BOIL.  Add pepper to taste.

Pollo en Pato

A few days ago, we went out to eat with my dad to a restaurant that my husbands co-worker kept telling him about. usually i love going to the same resturants that i know and love...but i thought id give this a try.

to my surprise, it was actually pretty good and perhaps better than one of my other favorite mexican restaurants...

My husband ordered "cordoniz en salsa" (quail in sauce), i ordered something familiar to my liking "chile relleo and enchilada" and my dad ordered "pollo encebollado con jalapeno" (chicken with onions and jalapeno). His dish looked super yummy, but because we are barely getting acquainted again, i didnt dare stick my fingers in his plate and he is a big eater so i didnt ask him for a taste either...

instead i went home and 2 days later, i made my own version. not sure how his tasted, but my version was amazing, if i must say so myself lol

i cut chicken breast pieces (bone in),  browned for a few minutes in oil, added a can of chile pato sauce (the yellow tomato sauce can with the duck, it has a spicy kick to it), chopped up oinion slices and bell pepper, salt and pepper. I covered the pot and let it simmer and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes or so or at least until chicken was done. I served over white rice with lentils on the side and mmmmm!!!

Anisa even had 2 servings, thats how i know that its good sometimes....when the kids ask for more!

the lentils i make by boiling until they are done about 30 minutes to 40minutes. finely chop onion, garlic and fresh jalapeno. add goya seasoning-cilantro and tomato, salt and let simmer a few minutes until all flavors have incorporated!

Eggplant, Basil & Garlic Pesto with Fettuccini and Scallops in Garlic Butter and Parsley

OK i have to admit my side dish is not mine. I went to Trader Joes and saw these in the freezer section and thought they looked super delicious. Its my easy way out side dish....hey we all need some of those!!!!

The main course was Eggplant, basil, and garlic pesto with fettuccini.

I diced up in bite size pieces half of a large eggplant (enought more hubby and i), sauteed in grapeseed oil (hubby's new found healthy love), until golden brown. In my food processor (cuisinart, not the ninja), i put fresh basil (courtesy of my cousin Leticia), 2 garlic gloves, a pinch or 2 of salt and a dash or 2 of oil. Too cooked fettucini, i added a handful or 2 of parmesean cheese, tossed then added eggplant and basil. tossed some more. It'd be great with not so noodlely noodles also, maybe smaller ones.

The original recipe i saw on giada de laurentis' show. Her recipe called for pine nuts into basil and spiral noodles. but as always, i love doing my own version... :)