Happy Season Change everyone.
Today is the first day of autumn. Here in the Northeast the first sugar maples are starting to turn from deep green to scarlet red. The sky is a beautiful azure and there is a undeniable nip in the air in the mornings.
I picked the last of our green tomatoes yesterday, coated them with panko and oven fried them. Goodbye to homegrown tomatoes until next year. I also picked our first pumpkin, all orange and firm with a beautiful knotted "hat". Sometime in the next week or so I'll go apple picking so if you like apples check back often to see what we can cook up!
The gourds are almost ready to pick. I'm going to try drying them, hollowing them out and making bird houses. Wish me luck. I'll also be planting my spring bulbs soon.
The change in weather always makes me change my eating habits. I go from grilling and rotisserie cooking to slow cooking, braising and baking. How about you? Are you craving some comfort food in your part of the country?
Taco Stoup: (serves a crowd and then some)
1 pound ground beef or turkey (I use lean ground turkey)
1 green pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 can (15 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 tablespoon (or more, to taste) chili powder or cayenne pepper
1 can or small frozen package corn
1 can each: pinto, kidney, navy AND black beans (or your choice)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
sour cream or greek style yogurt (optional)
Place 2 tablespoons oil in bottom of large stock pot. Add green pepper and onion. Saute until just soft - about 5 minutes. Add ground meat and cook until done.
Add tomatoes (do not drain)
Add envelope taco seasoning
Add beans (do not drain)
Add corn (if using canned, do not drain)
Add chili or spice to taste
Let simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors and heat beans. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve piping hot as is or top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
A Cook's Notes: This is my go-to recipe for ski weekends, snow days, and Sunday afternoon football games. Serve with warm corn bread or tortilla chips. The recipe makes a great big pot so plan on freezing some. It defrosts and rewarms beautifully!
What is your cold weather go-to recipe?
Yes, autumn definitely here too. Leaves falling everywhere, nippy in the air, and the drizzle. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
That looked perfect for the Michigan weather that is starting to cool down!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, don't you just love this time of year?
ReplyDeleteBuffalo, The Best Husband In The World is from Michigan. We'll be heading out your way for the XMAS holidays!
My husband loves tacos, so this should satisfy his taco taste buds! My apples are already here. I have 8 pints of apple butter so far and dried apples and frozen apple slices. Made applesause bread just yesterday. Apple recipes....bring it on!
ReplyDeleteI've got everything except navy beans so I'll double up on the black beans instead... I am literally going to go start this as soon as I am done typing! This sounds wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteI love fall and fall recipes.
ReplyDeleteThis Taco Soup looks yummy and I will definitely try it! Love all of the ingredients. Good luck with the bird houses!
ReplyDeleteKathy - let me know how your husband likes this recipe! Can't wait to pick apples. Pie, butter, sauce, dried, cake, bread... mmmm
ReplyDeleteKathy B - we are having the same thing for dinner! Let me know how you like it. One of the things I like about this recipe is if you are out of one type or don't like one type of bean, just add something else! Easy!!
Yaya - one of my favorite times of the year (but I say that about all 4 seasons)
Marguerite - Enjoy! And thanks for the "luck" with the bird houses...
I modify something like this for the crockpot on days I work, the kids love taco soup night. It is so good with avocado sliced on top!
ReplyDeleteTamis, believe it or not I am slicing an avocado as we speak. LOL... are you my sister in another life?
ReplyDeleteI think I might be your sister in a previous life. My own sister has conned her husband into doing all the cooking out of fear of food poisoning. I swear she does not even know how to cook. She makes me a mean espresso though when I come visit.
ReplyDeleteYes. I've been thinking stew again. I'll have to finish up that stew recipe I was perfecting. This soup looks wonderful, and healthy, too.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good.
ReplyDeleteI make a lot of chili during the fall/winter. It's delicious!
Last night I made some delicious pumpkin and oatmeal cookies. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I haven't quite gotten to cooking soup, but I'll get to it. :)
ReplyDelete