Dinnertime!

 On tonight's menu:

• Taco Soup
• Cheesy Ranch Potato Bake
• Caramel Apple Cider

I've made weight watchers Taco Chili before and the Taco Soup recipe I'm using tonight is a very close match - just a few, small differences and wanted to try something a little different.  I've started cooking potatoes and starting on the soup now!  I plan to post the recipes for each new thing I try tonight with the changes I've made to each one, so expect an update in a few hours!  I think I am most excited for the caramel apple cider we'll be having after dinner-- maybe before dinner if I decide I can't wait that long! :)

edit 8:06pm

LOVE the soup recipe! It's more of a chili... but seriously, delicious!  And I like it better than the WW Taco Chili I posted earlier. 

"Taco Soup"

• Onion
• Green Pepper
• lb. of hamburger
• 1/2 packet of taco seasoning
• 2 cans of beans -- drained and rinsed (I used 1 chili & 1 kidney but you could use black beans or pinto or whatever!)
• can of corn
• can of Rotel (I got the chunky kind-- YUM!)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup salsa (Might use a bit more next time?)
• 3/4 cup water (You can add more or less, depending on the consistency you like.)

I started by chopping and then sauteing the onion and green pepper in a bit of olive oil.  Then I added the meat to brown it.  Drained the grease & then added the 1/2 packet of taco seasoning.  In a pot I added that mixture and then the rest of the ingredients.  I let it simmer for a few hours because the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.  It would be ready after simmering for about 20 minutes, though.  We topped it with sour cream and cheese and it was DELICIOUS.

"Cheesy Ranch Potato Bake"

• 6-7 russet potatoes
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 2 TBSP. butter (I added about 4 TBSP and it was too greasy- so don't make that mistake!)
• 8oz. package of shredded Colby Jack cheese blend
• 8oz. of Ranch dressing

I started by scrubbing the potatoes under cold water with a rough Brillo pad and then poked holes in the potato (about 12 holes in each one - you can do this with a fork).  In a big bowl I then coated the potatoes in olive oil and topped them with a bit of salt.  I put the potatoes directly on the rack in the oven with a baking sheet on the shelf underneath to catch the drippings.  I cooked them for an hour at 350.  After that I cut the potatoes a bit and put them into the crockpot with the remaining ingredients on low for about 2 hours.  Like I said, I wasn't thrilled because it was TOO greasy... but everything else was right so I think it'd be much better without as much butter!

"Caramel Apple Cider"

• 12oz. apple cide
• 1.5 TBSP. caramel sauce (additional caramel for topping)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Small pinch of salt (optional)

I am SO excited to try this after our dinner settles.  The instructions are as follows: Heat cider on the stovetop or microwave until it's steaming.  Pour into large mug.  Stir in caramel.  Top with whipped cream & drizzle additional caramel.  If you want, add the pinch of salt to the top.  (Serves one.) 

Let me know if you try any or all of the recipes and what you think or would do differently!  Hope you enjoy! :)