French Bread

I'm dedicating this post to my Royal Crest girls. Had such a fun lunch today and the bread recipe was requested. It's way quick (as far as bread goes) and can be mixed in a mixer -- even the kitchenaid if you don't have a bigger one. Just finish kneading by hand when it starts to climb the arm of the attatchment. you can do it Stacey!!! ;)

3 c. warm water
2 T. Yeast
1/2 t. sugar
let sit for a few minutes 'til foamy, then add:
1/4 c. shortning
1/8 c. sugar
1 T. salt
7-8 c. flour (I use 3 (or so) c. whole wheat flour)
Knead 10 min. Let raise 10 min. covered.
Roll out in a rectangle ***and roll up (like cinnamon rolls) to get all the air bubbles out. Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg white and slash the top with a sharp knife. Can sprinkle with sesame/poppy seeds.
Let loaves rise 20 min, bake at 350 for 35 min. - makes 2 large loaves (or 3 small)

***For cinnamon french bread just sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar here. This also makes yummy french toast with day-old bread.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe was given to me by my friend Karen -- after she served us girls lunch one day. It's way flavorful and very filling. (And I love having the chicken recipe around for salads etc)

2 T. oil (or less)
1 small onion, diced
1 jalepeno, seeded and diced (I just used bottled ones I had)
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 c chicken broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4oz) can chopped green chilies
1 c cilantro, chopped (I don't like cilantro, so I used some fresh parsley)
"Lisa's Cafe Rio" Chicken Recipe (found below) (I only used like half of the chicken)
Sour Cream
Avocado
shredded cheese
Tortilla chips, crushed

Saute onion in oil. When translucent add chopped jalapeno and garlic. Cook for couple of min. then add chicken broth, tomatoes, black beans, green chilies, chicken and cilantro.
Serve with the remaining toppings.

Lisa's Cafe Rio Chicken

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
1 1/2 c. Italian dressing (I used fat-free)
1 T minced garlic
1 T chili powder
juice of 1 lime
1/4 c. cilantro

Chicken in crock pot, with Italian dressing and garlic. Cover and cook for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Remove chicken, shred with forks and back in crock. Cover and cook additional 30 min. Add lime juice and cilantro. Serve in tacos, burritos, quesadillas or taco salad.