Friday, April 16, 2010

Taco Soup

We tried a new recipe lately that our family really enjoyed.  Several people have asked us to share the recipe so here it is.  It is for TACO SOUP.  I know...at first it may not sound all that pleasing, but if you love tacos like Gamble and I do, then it is atleast worth a try.  I made a few slight revisions but the original recipee can be seen at Sparkpeople.com.  It is very simple and doesn't take long to throw together. 

Ingredients
1 Lb. lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
1 packet of seasoning mix OR  3 Tbl chilli powder, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp cumin
4-6 cloves of garlic pressed or minced
3 oz. Goya Sofrito tomato cooking base (Mexican tomato paste)
10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chillies (hot) -do not drain
16 oz can of kidney beans, dark, drained
1 cup water (adjust to preference)
1 cup frozen corn
1 med. size hot pepper (jalepeno or type of your choice depending on amount of heat preferred)-diced -or- 4 oz canned green chilies
1/2 cup garbanzo beans (from can)-smashed or mushed in food processor
Toppings for garnish (fresh cilantro, cheese, sour cream & chips)

Directions
 Brown ground beef and 1 cup of chopped onion over medium heat in a heavy soup pot, stirring occasionally. Drain mixture and blot away excess grease.  Add spices and garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add Goya tomato paste and cook additional minute while stirring.  Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans and water.  Simmer for 10 minutes. Add green chilies (reserving some for garnish), mashed garbanzo beans then corn. Simmer additional 10-15 minutes.  More water may be added to thin the soup or add more smashed garbanzo beans to thicken. 

Garnish  with chopped cilantro, jalepeno pepper, remaining 1/2 cup of onion, cheese, sour cream and chips.

Hope you enjoy it!    

Monday, April 5, 2010

It's about damn time!

Kudos to our dad (Bob Tetzlaff) who has retired from the Belleville, Ill. Post Office after 45 years on the job.  The local news paper interviewed him and you can read the article here.
We have been teasing him for years that he will still be working when we are all old enough to retire.  I guess he had to prove us wrong.  LOL.
Since we live in Florida we missed his retirement party, but I'm sure everyone had a great time.
We are happy for him and wish him a relaxing, healthy and fun retirement with a very short honey-do list. 
PS...It's about damn time Daddy!!!