winter favorites

i saw this idea for a recipe exchange on another blog and i thought it was such a fun idea!  since the weather is finally starting to get cold i am "all in" for winter! {you like that not-so-subtle au reference?} 

it's easy to play along!
if everyone will post their favorite winter recipe on their own blog and then copy & paste the link to that post below we'll end up with a yummy list of recipes!  if you have a favorite recipe from another blog or website, feel free to link to that as well!!  the more recipes posted, the better!



here are two of my favorites:

chicken tortilla soup

{i got this recipe from another blog a year or so ago and have made it several times since!}

combine the following 3 ingredients in 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot and simmer until onion becomes transparent.

• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 minced jalapeno, seeds removed (i use pre-minced in a jar and just add a very heaping tbsp)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

add the following, bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer 30 minutes.

• 48 oz container chicken broth
• shredded chicken - i use an already cooked rotisserie chicken and shred to bite sized pieces
• lg can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• lg or small can of stewed tomatoes (do not drain)
• lg can of whole kernel corn drained
• lg can of fresh cut green beans drained
*you can really add any vegetables or beans you would like

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp ground red pepper
• salt and fresh ground black pepper

5 minutes before serving you can add fresh chopped cilantro if you have it and like the taste.  serve hot over tortilla chips and shredded monterey jack cheese! 

caramel apple pie

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 cups thinly sliced apples (1 bag of granny smith)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 20 caramels, halved
• 2 tablespoons milk

directions:
1. preheat oven to 375°F

2. to make taffy: in a small bowl combine brown sugar, melted butter or margarine, and 1/3 cup flour. mix well and set aside.

3. to make apple filling: place apples in a large bowl. add white sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. toss until all ingredients are mixed well and apples are thoroughly coated.

4. spoon half of apple filling into pastry-lined deep-dish pan. top with half of caramels and half of taffy mixture. pepeat process with remaining apple filling, caramels and taffy mixture. place top pastry over filling and seal well {this is very important--if edges are not sealed, caramel will leak out all over}. cut steam vents and brush top crust with milk or light cream.
*i always put a baking sheet under my pie pan because i haven't perfected sealing the edges!

5. cover pie with foil and place on a baking sheet. bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. remove foil from pie and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until crust is golden. Serve warm.

now, get out there and post those recipes!