nom nom nom.

The new school year has begun... and this means I'll be cooking on a much more frequent basis. How is it that during the summer, when I literally have gobs of free time, I end up eating out more? Then, once school hits, suddenly I'm slaving away over a hot stove? I don't get it.

Tonight I'm making my mom's chili (can I at least pretend it's fall?!). Tomorrow night - spinach enchiladas. Recipes below. I've made both of them on multiple occasions; they're sure to please.

Jan's Kickin' Chili

1 lb. lean ground meat
1 can Mexican style stewed tomatoes
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 pack McCormick's Chili seasoning
1 small onion, chopped
4 cups water

Brown ground meat, drain if necessary. Add diced onion, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and chili seasoning. Boil 20 minutes. Reduce heat to simmer. Add beans. Heat another 5 minutes. Wah-lah! Serve and enjoy. This recipe is SO EASY. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, fritos, and corn bread.

Creamy Spinach Enchiladas

1 10 oz. can green enchilada sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons butter/margarine
1/2 cup sliced green onions
5 oz. frozen chopped spinach thawed and well drained
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup (divided) shredded Monterrey Jack or Mexican mix cheese
6 (6 inch) flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 7x9'' baking dish with cooking spray.

Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup of green onions. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until tender-crisp. Add thawed spinach; cook 1 minute until heated. Remove from heat. Stir in ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of Monterrey Jack cheese.

Spoon 1/4 cup filling down center of each tortilla, then roll up. Place tortillas seam-side down in baking dish. Pour sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of green onions.

Note - I often use lower fat sour cream and ricotta, and sometimes buy 2% milk cheese to save on calories and fat. Your call.
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mmm food. I'm currently eating a snack and blogging instead of working on my finance homework. Yep yep.

laterz-
c.