Taco Soup

This is the most perfect meal when you have nothing in the cupboards and no time:) The best part is that you don't sacrifice flavor here. It's the perfect medley of flavors and the ultimate comfort food. I like to serve it with a great recipe of cornbread and a bowl full of tortilla chips. In fact...have you had the Roasted Garlic and Black Bean Tortilla Chips from Tostitos? Buy them, eat them and realize all is well in the world. They're delicious. I like to eat this soup with those chips. Perfection. Enjoy!

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey (I won't lie...I've converted to ground turkey and I'm not turning back! In my opinion though, the only good ground turkey is Foster Farms. It's the moistest, most flavorful and almost melts in your mouth. If you're not a ground turkey fan, ground beef can definitely be substituted here.)
1/2 onion, diced small
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (11 oz) can Mexicorn
1 (15 oz) can black beans
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
1 taco packet
1 (1 oz) Ranch dressing packet
2 cups water
Shredded cheese and sour cream to serve

In a large skillet, brown ground turkey with onion. Add half of the taco seasoning packet to the meat. In the meantime, add the diced tomatoes, Mexicorn, black beans, diced green chilies, and kidney beans to a large pot NOT DRAINED. This adds a great flavor when all juices are added together. Add browned meat, the remaining taco seasoning, ranch packet and water. Stir to combine. At this point you're ready to eat if you like. Personally, I like the soup to simmer for a good 20-30 minutes so that it thickens and the flavors meld. Either way you won't be disappointed. Top with cheese and sour cream. Enjoy!

Black Bean Quesadillas

This is the perfect recipe for me. Simple, fast and delicious. I don't know anything more delicious and quick as quesadillas. I just don't make them that often cause they don't seem like a "dinner" meal to me, but by adding the black beans it really beefs them up. These are nutritious and filling and the perfect kid food...so you know the little ankle biters'll be happy! Love, love, love these!!

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup salsa
5 flour tortillas (use whole wheat for a more nutritious option)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup pepperjack cheese

In a large bowl mash the black beans. Add salsa. Spread about 1/3 of the mixture onto a tortilla. top with cheese. Place on a hot griddle or skillet. Top with another tortilla. Cook till both sides are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Cut and serve with additional salsa and sour cream. Makes 2 whole quesadillas and one half size. (This was perfect for our family because we only have 2 1/2 people to feed...if you have more people in your family, double or even triple the recipe.)

*Adapted from Taste of Home