Taco soup:
About 2 lbs ground beef (I prefer ground sirloin or chuck)
2 onions cut/chopped small
2 cans shoe peg corn
2 cans light red kidney beans
1 can Rotel
1 can diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes
2 pkgs reg Taco seasoning
2 pkgs Ranch dressing
5-6 potatoes diced (add more if needed)
Brown meat, drain.
Peel and cut potatoes, put in pot and cover with just enough water for boiling.
Add all other ingredients. If real thick, add more water.
Be sure to season with salt/pepper to taste.
Wouldn't hurt to add a little garlic powder.
Cook well. Stir a few times.
Serve with big pan of hot cornbread. Hmmmm. OR you can serve with Fritos. ALWAYS add cheese to top of soup just before serving.
Loaded Potato Chowder:
3 baking potatoes (about 2 1/2 lb/1.1 kg)
3 1/2 cups (875 mL) milk, divided
4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
2-3 green onions with tops (1/4 cup/50 mL sliced)
4 oz (125 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper
Optional toppings such as chopped cooked bacon, sour cream or steamed broccoli florets
1. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise with Santoku Knife; place in Deep Covered Baker. Pour 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the milk over potatoes. Microwave covered on HIGH 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on HIGH 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove baker from microwave. Coarsely mash potatoes with Mix 'N Chop.
2. Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in Classic Batter Bowl. Slowly add remaining 3 cups (750 mL) milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baker. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot. Slice green onions with Chef's Knife.
3. Carefully remove baker from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder using Rotary Grater; add green onions, salt and black pepper and mix using Small Mix 'N Scraper(R) until cheese is melted. Serve with toppings, if desired.
Cook's Tip: For a lighter version, omit butter. Substitute skim milk, reduced-fat (Neufchâtel) cheese and light cheddar for the 2% milk and full-fat cheeses
