Pretending it's fall season and Fiesta Soup...

So my air conditioner was broken since last Thursday.  It got over 100* on Thursday.  At one point it was 86* in my house and even opening the windows wouldn't help because, did I mention it was over 100* outside?  So we all slept downstairs in the living room.  Friday night was fun 'cause we all packed up and headed out to my brother-in-laws place and stayed the night there and spent all day Saturday with him.  Anyway, the weather cooled down just a bit - enough to open the windows in the late afternoon and cool off the house.  Well, my landlord and the AC guy came over yesterday and we finally had air!  Good thing too, 'cause it was super hot again.  Thank you Jesus!
Now those of you that know me know that I love me some fall.  Autumn is my favorite season - the colors, the holidays, my birthday *ehem*, the foods *cough, cough*, family time... you get the idea.  However, I don't think Southern California understands that there are supposed to be four seasons and fall is one of them!
So I pretend.  My house is decorated in warm, fall colors year round and as soon as school starts, the fall-ish decorations start making their way out into the living area.  I have garlands of orange, red and brown leaves hanging, I've got some great pumpkins and candles placed just so all around the house - I love it.  It just feels comfortable to me.  I want my home to feel "homey" and I'm not talking about "Homie" which is an entirely different, gang-related issue... haha!
Since we had the AC buzzing and the house was cool - and it is the middle of October - I decided that some yummy Taco Soup was in order!  This soup has been a favorite in my house.  The kids get so excited that I think I shall call it FIESTA soup from now.  I think I will.  Let me share the recipe with you!  It's so easy!!
Taco Fiesta Soup
Ingredients:
1+ lbs. ground beef (or turkey, chicken, buffalo- whatever)
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can ranch style beans
1 can Great Northern (white) beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can Rotel (comes in Mild, Medium, Spicy)
1 pkg. dry taco seasoning
1 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix
p.s. You can also add kidney beans, red beans, garbanzos...whatever you like - but we no likey those beans. haha
Toppings:
Shredded Cheese (I like cheddar jack)
sour cream
avocados
black olives
jalapeños
Tostada Chips
Directions:
Brown ground meat and drain. I like to really break up my meat as I am cooking it so that it's not all chunky.  I also break it up a bit more when I drain the grease from it by pressing and separating it with my wooden spoon.
Dump in all the beans, corn and seasoning packets.  I don't bother draining any of them.  Mix well and let simmer.  If you want it a little "soupier" and not so much like chili, you can add about a can or two of water to it without compromising the taste.  
Serve in a bowl (how we eat it) and add toppings.  If it's thick like a chili, you could even add it on TOP of chips and add toppings - whatever floats your boat!  
Enjoy. =)

Diary of 5 :: Week 5

I am seeing... lots of ideas on Pinterest that I want to try soon!  Not only are there amazing recipes on my list, but there are also home projects, crafts, banquet ideas... So many projects - so little time. haha!

I am hearing...the swish, swish, swish form Little Marco's track pants.  LOL  He just came up to me and said, "Mom, I love you."  I hear that often throughout the day. =)

I am smelling...my coffee.  Extra strong with a little French Vanilla creamer in it.

I tasted...some very amazing taco soup.  I call my version Fiesta Soup!

I am feeling...very tired after a long, full day.  I went to visit a friend who's mom passed away this morning, then went to watch my daughter play two water polo games, came home and made Fiesta Soup for my family and our Freedom Worship Band and then had practice until about half an hour ago.  Yup.  Good thing this coffee won't keep me up. =)  Thankful that I can go to bed tired from a day that was productive.

A diary of 5 was created to give your senses a gentle work-out in helping you to become more aware of those little moments around you. To join in with others that are participating, you can click on the picture link below.