Quick Tex-Mex Tortilla Soup

1 can 12.5 oz. chicken [I use Kirkland (Costco) brand Chicken Breast]
2 cups water
1 14 ½ oz can beef broth (or use 2 bouillon cubes and 1 ½ cups water)
1 14 ½ oz can chicken broth (or use 2 bouillon cubes and 1 ½ cups water)
1 14 ½ oz can tomatoes, cut up
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green pepper
1 cup frozen corn
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
Tortilla chips (about 3 cups) coarsely crushed
4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (optional
Snipped cilantro (optional)
Lim wedges (optional)

In a large saucepan combine water, beef broth, chicken broth, undrained tomatoes, onion, and green peppers. Bring to boiling. Add drained chicken, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add corn, chili powder, cumin, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes more. To serve, place crushed tortilla chips into each bowl. Ladle soup over tortilla chips. Sprinkle with cheese, avocado, and cilantro, if desired. Serve with lime wedges. Makes 6 servings.

Compliments of: Mindy

Quick Broccoli Chowder

1 10 oz. package frozen chopped broccoli
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 103/4 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp ground red pepper (I use black pepper)

In a 2 quart saucepan, bring ½ cup water to boiling: add broccoli and onion. Cover and simmer 5 minutes or till tender. Do not drain. Stir in soup, milk, cheese, and pepper. Cook and stir till heated through. Makes 6 side-dish servings

Compliments of: Mindy

Quick Sensational Chicken Noodle Soup

3 ½ cups chicken broth
Generous dash of pepper
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
½ c. uncooked medium egg noodles
1 cup cubed cooked chicken [I sometimes use 1 can of Kirkland (Costco) brand Chicken Breast] when I’m in a hurry

Mix broth, pepper, carrot and celery in saucepan. Heath to a boil.
Stir in noodles and chicken. Cook over medium heat 10 minutes or until noodles are done. Serves 4.

Compliments of: Mindy

Minestrone with Italian Sausage soup

*This one is not a quick soup but is delicious and worth the wait!

1 lb bulk Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 medium zucchini, cut into ½ in. pieces
1 can cut green beans
6 cups beef broth (I use bouillon cubes and water)
2 cans (14 ½ oz. each) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp pepper
1 can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
½ cup uncooked small pasta shells
3 Tbs minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the carrots, celery, leek and garlic; cook for 3 minutes. Add zucchini and green beans; cook 2 minutes longer.
Stir in broth, tomatoes, cabbage, basil, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 45 minutes.
Return to a boil. Stir in kidney beans, pasta and parsley. Cook for 6-9 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes 11 servings (about 3 quarts).

Compliments of: Mindy

Simple Soups February 25th

Mindy has volunteered her home and wants to share with us her favorite soup recipes, yum! We will meet at her house Thursday February 25th at 6:30. Please rsvp with your name in the comment box below. Also don't forget your $3 to help our host with the cost of food. We also have a challenge for everyone this month, send me your top three favorite "go to" recipes, I will post them on our blog to share with the rest of the group. Thanks!