Sunday, October 6, 2019

MEXICAN MEATBALL SOUP

Hello Foodie Friends. 

Welcome back to Kill It, Cut It Up and Cook It.

We had such a great time last week trying out Mexican Food, we decided to have a repeat this week.

Today's recipe is for MEXICAN MEATBALL SOUP.  

I love soups. They are a great quick and easy meal when there is football to go with it. On a crisp fall day, nothing is better than a nice warm bowl of home made goodness.

And a cold beer. 


And a cute Doggie


Well, it's 92 degrees on this October day, but have we got a wonderful day of football coming.


 ESPN is in Gainesville today, prior to a great SEC Match up, as the Auburn Tigers come to the Swamp to visit the Gators.

 Only Gators get out alive


It's also the National Game on CBS and all eyes will be on the Swamp.

Before the game, let's get everything ready to go, so we can let it cook during the second quarter and have our feast at halftime.

Here's what you need to get started on the Balls

MEAT BALLS

7 (6 INCH) Corn Tortillas (Cut into 1/4's)





1 CUP Fresh Cilantro leaves and Stems


1 Large Egg
2 TBL Chicken Broth
4 Garlic Cloves, Chopped coarse



1 tsp Salt
½ tsp Ground Pepper

In your food processor PULSE the Tortillas until finely chopped.
Set aside ¾ cup for later




ADD the cilantro, egg, broth, garlic, salt , and pepper.



 
PULSE until smooth (1 minute or so) scraping down the sides of
the bowl as needed.
 



Put the mixture into a large bowl and add the Pork. 

(I screwed this one up. I put the pork into the processor with everything else. - It worked out OK)

Mix with your hands until totally combined.
Divide mixture into meatballs (about a Table Spoon portion)

Transfer meatballs on a plate covered with plastic wrap.


Place in the refrigerator until needed.

SOUP

1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (14.5 ounce size)


1 Onion cut into 1/4's

1.5 TBL Chili Powder
4 Garlic Cloves chopped medium


2 tsp Minced Canned Chipotle chili in adobo sauce
1 tsp dried Oregano
1 tsp Salt and ½ tsp Pepper
1 TBL Veg. Oil
6 cups CHICKEN BROTH

2 Zucchini cut into ½ inch size
2 Carrots peeled and cut into ½ pieces


GARNISH if desired
Lime Wedges
¼ cup of fresh cilantro

Chop the Carrots and Zucchini and set aside.


Gather all the other ingredients ans set aside

In a clean food processor, place the tomatoes and juices, chili powder, onion, garlic, 1 tsp Salt and ½ TSP Pepper. Process until mixture is smooth/ (about 30 seconds)




Place in a bowl and set aside.

Let's grab a refreshing adult beverage and go watch some football


GO GATORS


The game is going well. The first quarter is drawing to a close, and it's time to start the soup. (You can do this while keeping an eye on the game)

When our quarterback went down, I thought we were done. But he was able to shake it off and was ready to go after half time.

Heat oil in a Dutch Oven (big pot) over medium high heat until it “shimmers.”


Add the tomato mixture and cook (stirring occasionally) until well browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Add the broth, zucchini, carrots, and the processed tortillas that you had set aside earlier.


ADD the chilled meatballs to the pot and bring to a boil.


Reduce heat to medium and simmer until meatballs are cooked through and veggies are tender.
(About 30 minutes)

Season with Salt & Pepper to taste. Garnish (Lime wedges & Cilantro) and SERVE

Just in time for HALF TIME



 The soup when well with the Quesadillas that Penny whipped up while I was yelling at the TV.



Yes I have discovered MEXICAN Food...... Well, some of it.
This was right tasty.  The Meatballs were perfect and the broth was out of this world.

WINNER WINNER, MEXICAN DINNER !!!!!!

And the football was fun too.





Best game I have seen this year. The Gators proved  they deserved their ranking.

After the game we texted our friend who went to Auburn. Not to gloat, we just wanted to make sure he was OK.

He wasn't.

Now on to Baton Rogue and L.S.U. Since the game starts at 8 PM, we won't be having a half time meal. (except for Popcorn) So we will do a main dinner meal next time.

See you all next time, on KILL IT, CUT IT UP, AND COOK IT.

And remember ::::::

 
Live Long and Prosper




Tuesday, October 1, 2019

GAME DAY SOFT TACOS

Hello, Foodie Friends. It's another GAME DAY for my GATORS and we take on Towsen in our last Pre Season game. (The real season starts next week- Auburn then L.S.U.)

Anyway, today we are taking the plunge down south of the border to find something Mexican that I will like. 

SOFT TACOS !!!!


This recipe is one that we kind of made up as we went along, with plenty of advice from the boss. (Penny) And it is quick and simple. It also tastes better than something from the drive up window.

Our game starts at 4, so lets get the meat ready, watch the first half then have our feast.

Here's what you need

1 LB OF GROUND BEEF



Saute your Ground Beef over medium heat




Drain the FAT


Put meat back in the Pan
ADD 4 TBL of Taco Seasoning




Cook 1-2 minutes to coat the meat

ADD ¾ Cup of Water
Reduce heat to SIMMER
Cook 5-10 minutes (or until Thickened)



Spoon off excess broth

Set aside to cool - then place in the cold box

With that done it's 4 PM and time for some football !!!!

But first, let's grab a refreshing ADULT Beverage
 

GO GATORS



President Grover Cleveland not watching football

SO far so good, but I am getting HUNGRY

Pre Heat OVEN to 350

Chop up Lettuce

Dice Tomatoes


Dice Onion

Plus anything else you may prefer.

Warm the Tortillas in the Microwave

 We have been using these Low Carb soft Tortillas. They make a great substitute for bread

Line a Cookie Sheet with Parchment Paper


Warm up the meat in the Micro wave for 2 min

Add the Meat on the Tortilla – Add Cheese of your choice




Bake for 15 minutes
 As you can see, we used a TACO stand for two of these, and laid the other two flat on the cookie sheet. Either way works



Put on a plate – add your maters, lettuce and onion.





Add Hot Sauce if you like.

And as a bonus, we had leftover HOMEMADE Chili from Friday night. Popped that sucker in the RF Box for 4 minutes.


I know I always said I didn't like Mexicanese food. But I was somewhat less than correct. This was REALLY GOOD 

Penny says I am finally growing up. (It only took 68 years)
 
Enjoy.

OH yeah, FOOTBALL  -  Gators blew them away 38-0






Now we get Auburn then L.S.U. Things are about to change 

Ball State did not play today. And U.C.F. had a late game but it started after my bed time.

So we had some good football, and a GREAT AND EASY meal.

Nothing is better than eating at home.


Live Long and Prosper