It’s Taco(soup) Tuesday!

What?  Two posts in two days?  Everybody grab the ice skates.  Hell must surely have frozen over!

Speaking of cold (nice segue, eh?), I tried a new soup recipe today.  Since Katiebug’s living with me these next few months, I’m trying to cook the things she requires on her eating plan as opposed to my plan which can vary from an apple with almond butter to a bowl of roasted sweet potatoes to a can of sliced peaches.  Her eating plan focuses on protein and lower carbs, with little to no grains.  In fact, the more grams of protein she eats, the better results she experiences with her weight loss.  A typical day for her consists of a minimum of 60 grams of protein.  She’s supposed to eat 60 to 80 grams a day.

I knew That Girl – That Man’s oldest - had posted on the Facebook about a taco soup she made not too long ago.  I texted her requesting the recipe and she obliged. 

Now, y’all should know me well enough by now to understand I’m going to tweak a recipe to make it my own.  Today was no different. 

Here are the ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned & drained
• 1 lb beef chorizo, browned & drained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup green onion tops, chopped
• 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
• 1 pkg. ranch dressing salad dressing mix
• 2 cups water
• 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles
• 2 14.5 oz. cans tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
• 1 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn (or 15 oz. can, drained)
• Sour Cream, for garnish

Brown the ground beef and remove from pot with slotted spoon.  In the fat remaining in the pot, saute the diced onion until transparent.  Add the onion tops and chorizo; brown until thoroughly cooked.  Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot along with the taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix and water stirring until mixed.  Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles and corn.  Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and more green onions.  If you’re eating grains, add a few corn chips on the side and dig in! 

Looks good, huh?  Now that I’ve whet your appetite, I need to ask a favor.  I  have friend from high school that shared a story of a family friend whose 6-year old daughter is in Texas Children’s Hospital and more than likely will not be going home.  Here is the message she posted:

“I'm asking for another request from all of my FB family & friends. Texas Children's offers a way for anyone to send a short greeting card to their little patients. I didn't know this until I witnessed a 6 year olds eyes light up today when a message was delivered to her room especially for her from a member of her family. This is one of my daughter’s little friends that is in the hospital suffering from MERRF disease & has congenitive heart failure & may not come home. My daughter is not able to visit her friend and tonight we used this message system as a way to send Ashley Fountain a card in my little one’s heartfelt words. Please take a moment to send Ashley Fountain a card to let her know she has a wide family praying for her to get better. She doesn't have to know you but she does need to know that she's in your prayers. Thx for your healing words.”

I can’t begin to imagine what this family is going through.  Ashley’s momma called her friend crying saying this precious little punkin got more than 20 cards today.  She said “each time they brought them to the room, Ashley made her read them twice and smiled so big each time.”  Do you think you could perform a random act of kindness today and brighten a little 6-year old girl’s day?  If so, just go here, fill out the form and send little ASHLEY FOUNTAIN some love.  We all know how the blogosphere can come together and help – in fact, some of us have experienced it ourselves.  Can we do the same for this family?  

Ok, I’m off to pick up Katiebug from work and then back home to send a message to little Ashley. 

Hugs y’all!