Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Soup

Fall is the perfect time to get out the Slow Cooker and try new recipes. My friends at Dreaming of Dimples, In the Pink and Green, and left brain, right brain, pug brain, started a Crock-Pot recipe exchange.

I have some favorite Crock-Pot recipes that I can't wait to share, but I am also excited to try some new ones.

This super easy Chicken Taco Soup is delicious and hearty. It is almost like a chili and very adaptable to your personal taste. The beer adds a great and unexpected flavor. I use what I have on hand, but a Pale Ale has been my favorite. Since this recipe calls for a lot of canned ingredients, I rinse all the beans and corn in a strainer to lessen the sodium content. If you are looking to cut calories, you can use low-fat cheese and low-fat or non-fat sour cream.

Do you have any favorite Slow Cooker recipes? If so, I would love for you to share them!

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
• 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, not drained
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
• 3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Fresh cilantro (I use both in cooking and for garnish)
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Directions

1. Place the onion, cilantro, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.
2. Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, cilantro a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Very Pinteresting...

When the going gets tough...the tough go to PINTEREST?

Most everyone knows what Pinterest is, but for those few who still don't...Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. It allows you to pin anything you see online; be it recipes, clothing, hairstyles, jewelery, decorating ideas, everything kids, and so much more. Your possibilities are endless. While those who haven't experienced it may think it sounds strange; trust me, it is quite addicting. 

One of my personal favorite boards is Words of Wisdom. I created this board for inspiring quotes and positive life reminders. My last week has been tough and I have been looking at these quotes more often. When I am having a hard time, these literary phrases help me put things into a more positive perspective. They help iron out life's wrinkles.

Here are some of my favorite quotes. May they inspire, encourage, or offer a simple reminder wherever you may need it.

Different, but the Same

Everyone has their daily rituals that iron out life's wrinkles. For me, my iron is reading. I love to immerse myself in a story; often, it's like a short vacation.

I recently discovered a trend in the books I most enjoy. I love books that are set in the South. Now, I am not from the South, nor have I been or desire to live there, but there is something about it that truly fascinates me.

Two of my favorite books that take place in the South are:

My most recent find, is a book my Book Club is reading called "Same Kind of Different as Me." This story intertwines two lives through the Christian faith. Now, I know you might be turned off by the sound of a Christian book, but this book is not about religion; it's about people. 

"Same Kind of Different as Me" tells the (true) story of Denver Moore, a former sharecropper turned homeless man; and Ron Hall, a Texas frat-boy turned art dealer. You might wonder what a homeless man and million-dollar art dealer have in common. Well, you'll have to read the story yourself to find out.

Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Their writing union paints picturesque memories that unfold before you. They make you realize that no matter what walk of life you are from; we are all truly homeless, as our place here is only temporary.

 Through southern plantations to the affluent life in Texas, they tell a beautiful story. Their story is sad, yet inspirational and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. A great reminder that we are all different, but the same.

Life isn't always how you plan it, but it's always what you make of it.