The View From Here – I’m Basically A Chef Now

OK.  Not really.  But you guys, sometimes I make something and it tastes so good I have to tell EVERYONE whether they want to know it or not.  (smile)

I’m really not great at making things in the kitchen.  I’m a really good ingredient assembler, but I am far from creative when it comes to food.  Sarah Woodley just seems to know what ingredients go together and is really good at putting things together and having them not only be edible, but taste good.  I can’t do that.

So when a miracle happens in the kitchen I get excited.

Right now we are in the middle of a kitchen renovation.  We are waiting on cabinets, and a countertop.  Basically our kitchen contents are in boxes scattered around our living room.  We have no sink or running water in the kitchen.  So I’ve been forced to get creative with meals.  Trying to save dishes, and find things that are a bit easier to make.

Some leftover black beans in the fridge had me looking for recipes to use them up and I found what looked like a pretty easy recipe.  Black bean tortilla soup.  Chicken stock.  Black beans. Salsa. Shredded cheese. Tortilla chips.  Boom.  Easy peasy.

So I put them together.  Added a cup of corn kernels for fun.   And to be honest, I wasn’t expected anything amazing – but when I poured a bowl of soup for my lunch for the first time yesterday, I had to say, it was so much tastier than I expected. And using the spicy salsa was a good idea.  Lots of flavour!

Super easy.  Super cheap to make.  And a one pot clean up.  PERFECTION.

Sometimes you have to celebrate those small victories because it’s those little moments that bring you the most joy.  My kids will never eat it.  I guarantee you that.  But I’ve gotten used to their pickiness.  Especially when it comes to “healthier” food options in our house.  That’s okay.  More for me to enjoy.  (smile)

Seriously.  One of those moments, you just stand back and appreciate that you actually did something you’re proud of.  Gordon Ramsey would be proud.  Somebody tell him.  But not about the paper bowl I served it in.  Presentation was a bit lacking. (smile).

If you’re wanting to try it – easy to make in a single serving – or just add more ingredients to feed the whole family.

Black Bean Tortilla Soup Enjoy!

If you’ve got a recipe you’d like to share – send it my way.  Stay in touch anytime.

cbuchanan@blackburnmedia.ca

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan