Breakfast

This was inspired by a photo I saved a long time ago from some unknown web source. The one in the picture also had ham in it, but alas we had none. This was a great way to turn nothing into something though as we had very little ingredients in the house that day. We kept the crusts on (unlike the picture) cause that's how we do, and topped them off with honey and red pepper flakes. We decided to turn it into a sort of English breakfast by serving our "egg cups" with sauteed tomatoes and baked beans.

- Jackie & Chris

Tortilla Soup

Ok, so this one's a real oldy but goody. I believe it began with something I saw Bobby Flay do on Foodnetwork years ago. I have no recollection of the original recipe, but I've been making it this way for 6 years now. You start by tossing some olive oil, chopped garlic and jalopeno slices in the bottom of your soup pot. Once the garlic browns pour in the chicken broth. The next part is one of my favorite things to do in cooking, and that is you have to tear a bunch of tomatoes apart by hand. I don't know why, but squeezing tomatoes makes me happy. Then you add cooked and shredded chicken, avacado and cilantro. After all the ingredients simmer togeather for a while you can taste test and add more jalopenos if necessary.

After the soup is done you can focus on the tortillas. They burn easily and multitasking usually results in a screeching smoke alarm. Simply cut into strips and fry. This time I had my sous chef take control of the tortillas, Good job Chris!

When ready to serve drop a couple tortilla strips in your bowl and enjoy. You can also add cheese or sour cream if your heart desires.

- Jackie & Chris

Curried Lentils

This dish has become an old standby of mine. It is hearty comfort food, good for warming your bones in the winter, and easy to make. As with all dried legumes you should soak them prior to cooking to restore their softness. I never plan ahead enough so boiling them always tests my patients. When the lentils are almost done I create a sauce with tomatoes, curry, cumin, red pepper flakes and cream. Then I add the lentils and cook them in the sauce for a bit so they can absorb the flavor. Jasmin or basmati rice both make tastey beds for the lentils.
- Jackie

Autumn FYI

Apple cider is the secret ingredient to perfect butternut squash soup, Ssshhh.
-Jackie