Happily Ever Johnson: Grocery Bag

Welcome back, grocery bag! There is something so soothing about getting control of meal planning early in the week. It is a blessing I have missed for the past several weeks. Enjoy our meal ideas for our week.

Day One

Tortilla Soup with Cheddar Biscuits

(Thanks to Aunt K for serving this fabulous meal while we were in Boston.

The soup below is adapted from her recipe)

Had to snap this photo quickly, before the kids gobbled these up!

Happily Ever Johnson's Favorite Tortilla Soup

2 quarts chicken stock

1 cup onion puree

28-32 oz tomato puree

1-2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups (15 oz) cooked black beans

4-6 diced corn tortillas

1 tablespoon cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

4-5 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayene pepper to taste

2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernals

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

Combine all ingredients except corn and lime juice in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add corn and lime juice and heat 15-20 more minutes, until heated through.

Serve with avocado, sour cream and shredded cheese.

Note: This method is for a thicker soup. If you prefer a thinner soup broth, you can combine and heat the ingredients on the stove for 30 minutes and serve immediately.

Day Two

Crockpot Maple Apple Pork Chops

from Finding Joy in My Kitchen

(Original recipe calls for pork roast, but I needed a recipe for my chops!)

Day Three

Honey-Chipotle Spare Ribs and Corn Thyme Polenta

from Everyday Food Magazine

with steamed carrots