Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

I have several tex-mex soups on this blog (here, here, ..etc) but this one may just be a new fave.  I have a little secret fall ingredient in there that gives it a little more substance, flavor and almost creaminess without a lot of calories! :)  Wanna guess what it is??  Pumpkin!  And did I mention this soup is easy?!?!?!

What you'll need:

1 small white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28oz) can of diced tomatoes
2 (4oz) cans of diced green chiles (I used one mild and one medium)
1 (15oz) can of Navy Beans (or pinto/black/great northern)
2 (32 oz) tetra packs (or 8 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 t. Paprika
1 T. Taco Seasoning (of your choice)
salt and pepper to taste

Place everything in the slow cooker and stir together.  Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

I highly recommend some corn salsa, sour cream (or plain yogurt) and flour tortillas in strips or wedges for toppings.  Serve and enjoy!  Also goes very well with cheese (or chicken) quesadillas!

Weeknight Dinner: Tuna Cakes

Here's a quick, easy and delicious recipe for Tuna Cakes.   Small Can of Tuna yields 3 good sized Tuna Cakes.  Easy to double or triple.

Tuna Cakes:
Small Can of Tuna
1/4 c. Bread Crumbs (either plain or seasoned)
1 Egg
1 T. Water
1/4 c. Veggies, chopped (peppers, onions, etc.)
Oil

1.  Heat about 1/4 " of oil in a skillet on medium high.  (I used a cast iron skillet but stainless would work well too.)
2.  Mix together the egg and water.  Add in tuna, bread crumbs and veggies then mix until well combined.  It will be fall apart.
3.  Make "cake like" (thick) patties and place in the heated oil.  Cook each side until golden brown.  Be sure to be careful with the hot oil.  Turn the cakes very slowly and carefully.

Serve with salad, or other sides.  Enjoy!