In My Kitchen

I am fully enjoying the start of Fall. My cardigans are so happy to be out of the closet and I'm loving being able to wear them on our morning walks to school when the air is still chilly. This time of year makes me want to cozy up at home and make lots of warm, love filled, delicious food. My crock pot and bread machine are both staples on my kitchen counter right now. And there has been a surplus of yummy baked goods laying around here as well. I thought I'd share a few of our favorite recipes with you, in case you are feeling the a cozy Fall vibe as well.

Chicken Fajita Soup
(recipe from Gara)

1 lb. Chicken, cut into chunks
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed
3 cups broth
1/3 cup instant rice
1 package fajita seasoning
1/4 cup Velveeta cheese

Chop chicken and veggies about the same size and saute until chicken is about done. Throw in a large pot and add can tomatoes, beans, broth, rice and seasoning. Simmer until rice is cooked. Add cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

Flax Seed Bread (for bread machine)
(recipe from cooksrecipes.com)
1 1/3 cup warm water
2 TBSP canola oil
3 TBSP honey
1 1/2 cup white flour
1 1/3 cup wheat flour
1/2 cup flax meal
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. active dry yeast


Add ingredients to bread machine according to manufactures directions. Select Basic White cycle and press start. Makes 1 1/2 lb. loaf.

Zucchini Cupcakes
(recipe from tasteofhome.com)
3 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 - 2 cups powder sugar


In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, orange juice, and almond extract. Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in zucchini. Fill paper lined cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
To make frosting; heat brown sugar, butter, and milk on stove at med. heat until boiling. Cook for 2 minutes or until thick. Remove from heat. Add vanilla. Let cool and mix in powder sugar until it reaches frosting consistency.

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