The Trip Triage and Recipe of the Week

Around this time of year, my husband and I start talking about what trips we are going to take in the upcoming year.  Living away from family makes this a struggle b/c we want to take trips to see them at least twice a year, but that tends to eat up much of our vacation budget and time from work.  Thankfully, my family and my in-laws are wonderful about coming out here to visit and we really really appreciate that!  My husband and I have the opportunity to go to Hawaii this year and my personal thought is that time away as a couple might trump all the other trips simply because our marriage (after our relationship with God) is our #1 priority - and any time away as a couple is MUCH NEEDED!  I think next we'll plan a short trip to Disneyland in the summer b/c we have never been on a longer family vacation as a 5-some.  My parents & sister have talked about meeting us there so it would be a LOT of fun!  We usually do a couple of weekend trips to visit friends who live within driving distance.   Currently, we're planning a 2 trips to visit family - they may be shorter than usual, but I think we'll still be able to make that happen.  Whew!  Trip triage for 2011 is complete....next, the 2011 budget...which may cause us to re-triage the trips. :)  It's a vicious cycle!

So my recipe of the week comes from my friend Myra.  She brought us this supper after my first son was born.  I remember how it was SOOOO delicious to my tired, frazzled, sleep deprived self!  I asked for the recipe immediately and it's been one of our fall favorites ever since!  Thank you Myra!   

TORTILLA SOUP
2 lb chicken cubed
1 can rotel tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can chicken broth
1 can beef broth
2 cups water
1/2 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced green pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
tortilla chips
cheese (monterey jack or cheddar)

Brown chicken and onions in 1-2TBS butter.  Add all remaining ingredients though cumin.  Simmer for 20-30 mins.   Crush tortilla chips in the bottom of each bowl, pour soup on top of the chips, and top with cheese (you can also put the cheese over the chips and then top with the soup, or if you're like crunchy chips, you can put the chips on top - so many ways to eat this!).  You can also serve with sour cream or guac.  Enjoy!!!