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Sopa de Tortilla Peruana

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 September 2009 21:59 Written by Meg Monday, 06 October 2008 20:09

Is anyone surprised to see a post by me on our family site? I am usually posting my thoughts on my blog, but for this I thought, “Why not post it on the family site home page.” I had a very real cultural moment today. First of all, our empleada, Manuela, came for her first day. She will be a different post (on my blog). We are on vacation from language school this week because Ana is on Spring Break. I decided that I would try cooking one of my favorite recipes from home (thank you Cindee Stockstill) “Tortilla Soup.” Now I realize that there are tons of tortilla soup recipes but you just cannot beat this one. It is all cans and you dump them in—so easy… unless you are living in a country that does not pride itself on convenience.

Here is the recipe if you want something easy to cook tonight:

The American Version
2 cans of 2 different types of beans (we always use black beans for one kind)
2 cans corn
3 cans chicken or beef broth
1 can Rotel
1 jar of Black Bean/White Corn Salsa (Sam’s Choice is what we used)
cooked diced chicken or cooked ground beef (you could go the vegetarian route but it is a great recipe to use for leftover chicken)
tortilla chips
sour cream (if you are like me)
shredded cheese (cheddar is my preference)

Dump all of the above (excluding the chips, cheese, and sour cream) into a pot. Simmer. Serve over crunched up tortilla chips and add cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Easy and delish!

My New Peruvian Version
4 ears of choclo (corn)
1 bag of black beans
beef bullion cubes
ground beef
Texjoy (the most wonderful ingredient that Greg’s family in Port Arthur, TX introduced us to)
crema de leche
grated cheese
Dippas
salsa ingredients (Deborah, we tried our best):
tomatoes
onion
garlic
cilantro
limes
rocoto peper
3 aji limos (another pepper)
cumin
vinegar
olive oil
salt

Soak beans over night. Cook in pressure cooker the next day (you would be so proud of my new pressure cooker skills Mom!). After beans have cooled in cooker, clean cooker and cook corn. While waiting, prepare beef broth. Cook ground beef and add Texjoy for wonderful flavor. Ask husband to make his famous salsa (always Greg’s job). While all of the ingredients from above are mixed and simmering, add salsa when Greg finishes. Serve with “Dippas” (I am so thankful for this one version of tortilla chips that they have here), crema de leche (which is actually cream that can be turned into whipped cream), and whatever cheese you can find grated at the store already (we really need to buy a cheese grater—they do have imported cheddar).

Greg loved it! And so did Manuela. It was a hit, and even though it took much longer than in the states it is worth the time. So much for “quick dinner nights of Tortilla Soup.” Unless, of course, I make enough to freeze for another occasion.

A Peruvian McKinzie Christmas 2009

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2009 03:02 Written by Meg Saturday, 26 December 2009 02:43

Wednesday night--We celebrated with our Bible Study Group with a festive meal. The girls received presents.

Thursday morning--Ana helped me bake candied pecans (for Greg) and Giant Ginger Cookies (we took a plate to the Pintos)

Christmas Eve Night--

Judith and Alfredo invited us to their family Christmas. What an honor. The dinner didn't start until 10:30 (they traditionally eat at midnight here) but the food was delicious--fresh avocado, apple sauce, a bean salad, and smoked turkey. Judith and Alredo gifted the girls with dolls; Maggie received her very first stuffed teddy bear from them. It was very special to be part of their family Christmas. When seeing the love and closeness of her family members and their gift exchange it made me really miss home.

We arrived home at 10 minutes until midnight. Both of the girls were asleep and stayed asleep through the ridiculously loud noises of fireworks (traditionally everyone shoots off fireworks at midnight on Christmas Eve). Greg and I went outside to watch the display with the Pintos. We learned that they were waiting for us to eat their Christmas dinner. Even though we were absolutely stuffed, we ate dinner #2 with the Pintos. They were so kind to invite us into their home for that special time. They had the biggest nativity I have ever seen.

We got back down to our home at 1 am and started getting the girls' Christmas together. Ana got 2 small soccer goals that Greg had to assemble. We ended up going to bed at 2:30.

Christmas Day--

Ana and Maggie got up around 6:30 with me. I prepared our traditional Christmas monring cinnamon rolls. Ana went to wake Greg up and the girls had their Christmas. Ana got the soccer goals and a new art cart and Maggie got an exersaucer and a toy basket. We had a lot of fun with them.

The day was very low key and enjoyable. I prepared our Christmas brunch for dinner (eggs, bacon, and garlic/cheese grits casserole). Greg made his annual Christmas Shrimp Gumbo. We are going to eat it tomorrow with Kyle and Larissa for our team Christmas celebration.

I think that sums it up. :)

Pop and Gram are here!

Written by Meg Wednesday, 27 January 2010 21:19

Well, they made it. I guess I have been a little late in posting, but we have been enjoying ourselves. My dad had not seen us in over a year; Mom was here for the birth of Maggie. I love Skype. Ana didn't hesitate to run to her Pop's arms when they arrived. It was such a sweet reunion. My dad is a big, burly man, but it doesn't take much to bring tears to his eyes--especially seeing his grandgirls (one for the very first time). We have just relaxed and spent quality time together. Ana has been talking about going to the park with Pop and Gram for about 6 months now. That is where we went today. Dad has attended one of our library Bible studies, and tonight the whole family will attend the Wednesday night study. Our big plan is to hangout. Just simply that. I will post a slideshow for family to see at the end of their stay. Here are a few moments captured so far...

Pop and AG

pop1

Maggie meets Pop

pop2

Maggie is so much bigger. Gram is really good at getting a smile out of her.

pop3

Gram is a GREAT help at the park.

pop5

Group shot

pop4

Last day...

Written by Meg Monday, 26 April 2010 20:34

we hope!!! Look at that face. Does she look ready or what? Greg and Maggie are at the Xray office now. Her appointment is tomorrow at 5. We can't wait!

lastday

So you can think you can dance

Written by Meg Friday, 15 January 2010 12:01

A video of our day of celebration with Naranjal is now posted on our team site. Greg and Kyle were selected to be the guest judges of the dance competition at the end of the celebration. Check it out!

Click here