white chicken chili

Nothing better than throwing dinner in the Crockpot and having it be done by the time you get home from work. Makes 4 large servings.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 24 ounces low sodium chicken broth

• 1 15-ounce can Northern beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 4-ounce cans diced green chiles, whatever heat you like

• 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained

• 1/2 tsp each black pepper, chili powder, cilantro

• 1 tsp each cumin, oregano

• salt to taste

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup milk (or half and half; nondairy unsweetened works well too)

Add chicken and all spices to Crockpot. Top with onion, garlic, beans, chiles, corn, and chicken broth. Stir. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to Crockpot. Whisk the cornstarch into the milk and add milk and cream cheese to Crockpot. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Leave on warm until you are ready to serve.

breakfast smoothie

For when you need to fool yourself into eating a vegetable. Makes 2 smaller smoothies or 1 very large one.

• 1 banana

• 1 cup frozen fruit (I like mixed berries but anything will work here)

• 1 handful baby spinach

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

• Orange juice and/or water

Combine all ingredients in a blender/food processor/whatever you have. Add 1/4 cup of liquid to start. Blend, and add more liquid to your preference. Serve immediately or freeze overnight.

simple tomato soup

Perfect for grilled cheese, or serve with grated parmesan, croutons, and garlic bread. Makes 6 servings.

• 4 tbs (half a stick) butter or similar

• 1 onion cut into large wedges (cut in half and then cut each half in three pieces)

• 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled, diced, or crushed tomatoes - don’t drain

• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock

• 1 cup water

• 1 15-ounce can of white or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• salt, black pepper, and fresh basil to taste

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the onion wedges, water, stock, tomatoes, beans, and basil to the pot. Simmer, uncovered for 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add salt and pepper to taste.

Add to a blender/food processor/whatever you have and blend until smooth to your preference. Make sure the top of your blender is secure or you will splatter your entire kitchen. Not that I’ve done it, that’s just what the people tell me.