Soup-er Bowl Sunday Recipes

Recently, a friend of mine, named Beth Westlake, shared some easy, yet tasty, recipes with me. Coincidentally, they happened to be made by using the crock pot. I got to thinking that if you are hosting a Super Bowl Party at your home, then it may be a wise idea to let the crock pots do the cooking while you do the mingling with your friends. Plus, the aromas emanating from your kitchen will present an appetizing environment as guests arrive.

One recipe, titled, Chicken Tortilla Soup, represents a complete meal, satisfying the salty taste buds on either side of the front tongue while the other, Triple Chocolate Mess, is a dessert that will gratify those sweet buds on the tip of your tongue. Both recipes are easy to make and guaranteed to draw high remarks on flavor from all fans.

The Chicken Tortilla Soup reminds my older son of a “walking taco” because of the layering effect with tortilla chips on the bottom and cheese and sour cream on the top. He admits, however,that this recipe is so much better because it is not only more nutritional, but also, more filling. The Triple Chocolate Mess resembles a soup for most of the time that it is cooking. Yet, toward the last half hour or so, it begins to solidify into an exceptionally moist, and tempting cake.

[Please Note: Neither of these recipes claims to help make your favorite team win.]

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

• 1 jar of medium or hot salsa
• 1 can of black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 can of corn undrained
• 2 cans of chicken broth
• 1 or 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (You could use cooked chicken)
  If using cooked chicken, cut up into bite sized pieces prior to putting in pot
• 1 envelope of taco seasoning mix
• Tortilla Chips
• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar used here)
• Sour Cream
• Velveeta cheese (optional)

Note: Soup in Photo shown here, is without this type of cheese.

Put all ingredients in crock pot on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is done. Remove chicken, cube and add back to pot. You may add some cubed Velveeta cheese for a creamier soup.

Serve with crushed chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE MESS

• 1 package chocolate cake mix
• 1 pint of sour cream
• 1 small package instant chocolate pudding1 small bag chocolate chips
• ¾ cup oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup water

Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients. Pour into crock pot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. To test for doneness, gently move crock pot back and forth to see if cake has solidified yet. Serve in a bowl with ice cream.