New Recipes

So, at the beginning of the year I wrote that I was going to start cooking more often. My first attempt didn't go over too well, but I didn't give up. After my attempt at not-so-good taco soup, I found a new taco soup recipe that was delicious. I also have found a pretty good corn chowder recipe. It's not a super strong corn chowder and requires quite a bit of salt and pepper to flavor, but it's might tasty on a cold day. Anyway, here are the two recipes:

Taco Soup

1 lb hamburger
1 onion, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (do NOT drain)
1 can corn (drained)
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 cup water (approximately)
1 package dry taco seasoning
1 package dry ranch dressing

1. In a large pan, brown hamburger with the chopped onion.
   
2. While hamburger is browning, place remaining ingredients in large pot. Heat on medium heat.
3. When hamburger is cooked, drain and add to pot.
4. Simmer 5-10 minutes.

A-Maize-ing Corn Chowder

12 slices bacon (and bacon drippings)
1 onion, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled & cubbed
1 can chicken broth
1 pint (2 cups) whole milk
1 Tbs corn starch
2 cans cream-style corn (do NOT drain)
2 cans corn (drained)
salt & pepper (lots!!)

1. In large pan, fry bacon. Crumble and set aside.
2. In same large pan, saute chopped onion in the bacon drippings.
3. Add chicken broth and potatoes to onion mixture. Cover and simmer until tender (15-20 min).
4. In a separate pot, place cream-style corn and regular corn. Heat on low.
5. Add pan contents to pot and turn up heat to medium.
6. Set aside about 1/2 cup of milk. Add the rest to the pot.
7. Combine corn starch and 1/2 c. milk. Whisk, then whisk into pot.
8. Simmer all contents 5-10 minutes.
9. Top each bowl with a generous amount of crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper.