Goings On

I would have written a lot earlier, but I have been so tired!  I mean completely exhausted and sick.  When I'm not playing with Monroe, my free time has been spent lounging on the couch or in my bed.  I think work has really caught up with me.  For all of you who work full time, this is going to sound ridiculous, and I would have totally mocked me a year ago, but three days working is really just too much to handle:)  It really wipes a girl out!!!  How did I ever do that for so many years?  

Things have been going well here, though.  We've been keeping super busy.  Monroe especially...I can hardly keep up with that kid anymore.  We were leaving the doctor's office today (she had to get her shots) and she darted out the door and down the hall before I could even get my stuff together.  She thought it was hilarious and laughed and laughed as I lumbered behind her with all of the things she requires these days (blankie, puppy dog, bag of snacks, sippy cup) and my purse.  It was a sight and, by the way, I didn't think it was quite as funny as she did.

I've made a few recipes lately that I would love to share with you.  Last Friday night I was craving soup and I ran across the recipe for this yummy tortilla soup. (see pics below)   The recipe really reminded me of a soup I had in Mexico that will always live in my heart.  I mean this is a soup that I've dreamed about...many times.  I've made numerous attempts to make something similar and haven't been able to find a recipe that even comes close...until now!  It is really good and super easy.  

Tortilla Soup 

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 corn tortillas, diced into bite sized pieces 
1 to 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
5 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon of cumin
1.5 tablespoons of chili powder

Saute everything above in a large soup pot until the tortillas begin to crisp. (Be careful not to let the cilantro get burned...I learned the hard way.)

Add the following: 

1 cup onion puree (I used a VERY small onion in the food processor)
1 big can (29 oz) of tomato puree
2 quarts of vegetable stock
Salt and Pepper to taste

Serve on the side for topping:  Shredded Chicken (I used morning star chikn' strips), avocado, shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack),  fried strips of corn tortilla.

If you enjoy tortilla soup, I truly recommend this recipe.  It really has a rich flavor that really hit the spot.  

Another Recipe I would like to share is something I made tonight...Cottage Cheese Patties.  I know they sound a little sketchy, but they were very tasty.  

Cottage Cheese Patties

Chop one small onion and 1 celery stalk (I used the food processor)

Saute them for about 10 minutes (stirring often)

In a mixing bowl, add the onion mixture to the following:

1 1/2 cups quick oats
2 eggs
1/2 t thyme
1 T poultry seasoning
1/2 cups chopped
3/4 cup cottage cheese 
1/4 t garlic salt
2 T soy sauce 

Form into patties and fry them in a bit of oil.   Place them in a casserole dish.  

Mix together one can of cream of mushroom soup with one can water. Pour over the patties and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly.  

If you serve with baked potatoes, you won't be sorry. 

Enough about food. Some of you know that I have been looking for a coffee table for the upstairs living room.  Well, mission accomplished.  Melissa (a.k.a The Craigslist Queen) found us a very cute one right here in Lombard and I couldn't be happier.  I love that it has baskets to keep Rosie's toys in and it's just the right size.  Here's a pic:

Today we did something that I have been intending to do for almost a year now. I feel horrible that I haven't done it sooner and when I tell you you are going to wonder what kind of parent I am.  We went to the library!  Yes, it is about a mile away and we just now went. Monroe fell in love with the place.  From the displays, to the puzzles, to the books--she had a blast and made a few friends along the way.  In fact, one little guy wouldn't leave us alone.  We tried to ditch the kid, but he tailed us throughout the whole place, talking very loudly to Monroe.  She seemed to enjoy the attention, but I got very nervous that people would think the loud little boy was mine.  At one point, I was practically running down the aisles trying to get away.  It reminded me of a scary movie.  Everywhere we turned, that little booger would turn up.  Even as we were leaving, I could hear him yelling, "Bye guys, I will see you next time. I'm coming to your house!"  Yes, the boy was a bit creepy.   So, we ended up with a few books about cats and dogs (two of Monroe's favorites), two cd's and a stalker.  A pretty good day:)

I hope the new year is treating you all well.  No New Year's Resolutions for me this year.  I am just going to continue working on my list.  I've started quite a few and there are some I can totally mark off.  It feels good.  I'll have to do an update soon.  

Please pray for my good friend, Lori. She lost her sister to cancer this week and is really hurting.  Love you all!