no. 1801: December 2008

Tonight it will be below freezing in Dallas and has already begun to sleet! With that in mind, I decided to make a hot and spicy pot of tortilla soup for Brett and myself. Then with topped it off with a cup of hot peppermint cocoa! Here is the recipe that will definitely warm your tummy...

Tortilla Soup

2 cans of chicken broth

2 cans of stewed tomatoes, chopped

1 garlic clove

1 T cumin (or more if you like)

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup of salsa (I used southwestern style)

salt, pepper & cayenne pepper to taste (we like a lot!)

2 cooked chicken breast cut into pieces or torn

sprinkle of olive oil

about 1/4 cup light sour cream (I put in soup to make it a little creamier)

Top with crispy tortilla strips and cheese...Enjoy!

For the peppermint cocoa I just brought enough water for 2 cups of cocoa to a boil, put two packets of cocoa in along with 2 chamomile and peppermint tea bags, a packet of stevia (a natural sweetener), pour and serve!

Christmas 2008

Toasted Coconut Pecan Cake

with Cream Cheese Frosting

"Life is not about finding yourself...it is about creating yourself"

We had our 2nd Annual Christmas Party last night and it was lovely....a huge success! We had such a wonderful time hosting new friends and catching up with old friends! It is important to do that often, especially around the holidays and especially in these times, to remind yourself of what is truly important...parties! Only kidding, we really enjoyed having everyone here and had a great time!

Girlfriend (Gerl frend) n. 1. Your best and most crucial friend. She's the truest, closest, and most beloved woman you know. In other words, she "gets it", whatever it is you need her to "get". From the most minute details to the big picture, your true friend makes your experience more real.