Tortilla Soup Day

School cafeterias are not typically synonymous with gourmet cooking. Luckily at our school there happen to be a few dishes that, when served, spark smiles amongst the faculty. Remember being a kid and getting so excited when Corn Dog Day rolled around?!? (It was the corn dogs for me, anyway...) Well, the teachers at my school really look forward to Tortilla Soup Day. In fact, the Cafeteria Monitor always puts a sign on the Teacher's Lounge Door that says, "Tortilla Soup today!" with a big smiley face. It's the little things, right?

After having a small cup of it the other day, I was left wanting more. So, I decided to recreate it at home, with a few adjustments here and there. I have made several versions of this soup (and eaten even more). This one is fairly light, tasty, and very easy.

I loosely followed Ina Garten's recipe for Mexican Chicken Soup. What I love about the soup at school is the tomatoey broth (which Ina's recipe has), chunks of zucchini that soften when they cook (which I added) and crumbled queso fresco (that I substituted for cheddar). What's so great about this soup is that you can easily customize it--add things you love, omit things you don't.  Personally, I highly recommend the queso fresco, which is similar to a Mexican feta cheese and usually nestled in the cheese section at most grocery stores. I also made strips out of some blue corn tortillas we happened to have on hand and fried them up for a crispy (and delicious) garnish.  

I think the teachers would give it an A...I must say, it was muy delicioso!

Happy Searching,

Eatin' Chicken Soup With Rice

Over the holidays, my friend Andi (who I've known since 2nd grade) surprised me with a walk down memory lane. She made a copy of an album I used to listen to over and over again and as soon as I heard it, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. The album was "Really Rosie", written by Maurice Sendak and put to music by Carole King. As soon as "Chicken Soup With Rice" flowed through the speakers, my heart became flooded with warmth and happiness. Of all the songs on the album, it was probably my favorite and--just like the soup itself--made me feel cozy and childlike all over again.

A few nights ago, my husband Ryan (who I've known since before 2nd grade) surprised me with a heartwarming pot of chicken soup with rice. Now, I've had more noodles than rice with my chicken soup (and have been okay with it...I am Italian, after all). This batch made rice a winner. Roasted chicken, brown rice, carrots, onions and asparagus floated in a slightly creamy broth with a hint of saffron. Mmmmm. Like the song, this soup was cozy, heartwarming, and wonderfully delicious.

Happy Searching,


p.s. I surprised Ryan with the song while we ate...have a spoonful of Chicken Soup With Rice yourself by clicking here.