Sweet Potato Enchilada Stack

6 servings

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 Tbsp. water
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can enchilada sauce
2 tsp. chili power
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3 tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large microwave safe bowl, combine sweet potato and water. Cover and microwave 4-5 minuted or until potato is almost tender.

Meanwhile in a large skillet, cook beef and onion until no more pink. Add black beans enchilada sauce, chili power, oregano, cumin and sweet potato; heat through.

Place a flour tortilla in a greased 9 inch deep dish pie plate; layer with a third of the mixture and cheese. Repeat layers twice. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Its in the oven right now so we will see how it is.

Potato Cheese Soup

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup carrots
1/4 cup onions
1/4 cup celery
1/2 cup broccoli
2 cups potatoes
1/4 cup butter
salt and pepper

2 cups milk
1/3 cup flour
1 cup cheese

I don't actually measure anything, just chop up the veggies and boil them, adding the potatoes last and simmer for 10 minutes. Don't drain. Cut the veggies as small as you like, I like the smaller the better and sometimes if I want it smoother, I actually put them all in the blender and blend them all up.

Make the white sauce (heat, do not boil) with the last 3 ingredients and then add it to the veggies.

Chicken & Spinach Tortellini Soup

This makes 10 serving so cut it in half for a family of 4.

3 small red potatoes peeled and cubed
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. plus 1-1/2 chicken bouillon granules ( I used 2 bouillon cubes)
2 Qt. water
3 cups cubed chicken
10 oz. chopped spinach
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
2 pkg. (9 oz each) refrigerated cheese tortellini

In a Dutch oven ( I just used a big pot, same thing right?) combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, bouillon and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in the chicken, spinach, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, pepper and salt; return to a boil. Add tortellini; cook, uncovered, for 7-9 minutes or until tortellini is tender.

I loved this and so did the WHOLE family! Highly recomend!!

Green Chili Rice

1 Cup water
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup chopped sweet orange pepper
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed off
1 can (4oz) chopped green chilies
2 Tbsp butter
1 garlic clove
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup uncooked instant rice

In a large saucepan, combine the first 10 ingredients; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Cover and remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.

So this looks like a lot of ingredients, but its really not. This rice is soooooo good! and it goes great with the pork chops. I used instant brown rice and it took longer to cook. I bet to could just throw it all in the rice cooker to though.

Taco Pork Chops

4 Servings

4 boneless pork loin chops
1Tbsp. canola oil
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 medium onion
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 Tbsp. flour

In large skillet, brown pork chops in oil. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce and 3/4 cup water, onion and taco seasoning. Pour over pork chops and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until meat is tender.

Remove pork to a serving plate and keep warm. Combine flour and remaining water until smooth. Stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Serve with pork chops. YUM!

I made this last night. It was SUPER easy! which is always good. Once you have this cooking then start the rice since that is so fast.

Donita's Pumpkin Roll Recipe

I got this from Natalie a couple years ago. Enjoy!

3/4 c flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 c sugar
2/3 c 100% pure pumpkin (I think we both normally use the Libby brand)

Filling:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 c powdered sugar
6 Tbls butter
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375'. Grease 15x10" jelly roll pan (cookie sheet) with wax paper. Sprinkle towel (like a dish towel-set to the side) with powdered sugar.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixing bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture (Or I normally just mix in a little at a time). Spred evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen cake from sides of pan.
Allow to cool off (5-10min) and then turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool completely on wire rack.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixing bowl until smooth.
Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Pan Fried Tilapia

The kids love fish. Usually we just grill talapia in foil with a rosemary sprig, maybe some veggies and olive oil, we made this last night and I think I like it even better. Enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (I used old bay)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh tilapia fillets
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves

Directions

Heat oven to 300 degrees F. (or you could just stick in the micorwave so it doesn't get cold)

In a shallow baking dish combine flour, seafood seasoning, salt and pepper. Add the tilapia and lightly coat each side.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off any excess seasoned flour and place in the skillet. Brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place tilapia on a baking sheet that is lined with a paper grocery bag or paper towels and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.

Turn down the heat to the pan the tilapia was cooked to low and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic, lemon juice and parsley and saute for 2 minutes. Place the fillets on serving plates or a platter, top with the sauce and serve.