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Friday, February 4, 2011

Grouper

Our dog Grouper has had quite the week. About two years ago, he slipped discs in his back and had major surgery. The whole experience happened again this week. But, we feel like it is too much to put us all through again to do the surgery. So, our buddy Groups is on crate rest and a lot of meds to see if he improves at all. But, he is basically paralyzed right now. We are in wait and see mode which is always so hard.

Grouper is such a great family dog, as long as you don't touch his feet. Stealer of socks... Best dog to watch eat a clementine... Best friend to Minnow... Gives great "dog hugs"... Great floor cleaner... Weird fascination with licking legs...Stealer of blankets and pillows... Always a friend to keep us company outside the shower....

Praying for you buddy...

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 package boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 carton low sodium chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes with jalapenos
1 can corn, drained
3 small onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 T minced garlic
1 T adobo seasoning
1 T ground cumin
1 T dried oregano
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
olive oil
salt and pepper
Toppings:
Tortilla chips
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream

-Season chicken with adobo and bake at 375 for 15-20 min. Chop or Shred
-Meanwhile, saute onions and green pepper until softened in a stock pot over med heat.
- Lower heat to low, add tomatoes (with juice), corn, chicken broth, remaining seasonings and chicken. Cook on low for 30 min
- Add cilantro and other toppings.

Ropa Vieja (Church Lady Style)

1 chuck roast (bone in)(about 2 lbs)
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 green pepper, sliced thin
3 small onions, sliced thin
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 T minced garlic
2 t ground cumin
2 t dried oregano
1 t (or more to taste) crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
olive oil

- Dry off, season (salt and pepper) and sear roast until browned on both sides in med/high pan. Set aside
-In same pan, add a little olive oil and saute onions, green pepper and carrots until softened, one at a time. (Add more olive oil if needed)
- Add all ingredients to crock pot. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or until meat falls apart easily.
-Remove roast, shred meat and discard bones. Add back to the pot. Season as needed.
- Serve over white rice.