Hopi Corn Soup

This recipe was originally for a stew, but we like it more as a soup. My first choice is diced tomatoes from the garden, but canned are sufficient.  We enjoy this soup with freshly baked cornbread.This is, of course, even yummier the next day!

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 potatoes, diced
1/2 pound carrots, diced
1 can (29 oz) hominy
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chillies, with juice
3 cups water (or beef broth)
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until evenly browned.Stir in onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Season with chili powder, and cook for about 2 minutes.  Add potatoes, carrots, hominy, tomatoes, and chillies. Pour in water (or broth). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer up to 2 hours. About an hour into simmering test the firmness of veggies and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may also want to add liquid if you are looking for a more soup-like consistency.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

Walnut Brownies

These delicious brownies are dusted generously with confectioner's (or powdered) sugar. It makes a great treat for the family, and helps heat up the house on cold days.

1 cup (two sticks) butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup all-purpose (or whole wheat) flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional in case of allergy)
Powdered (confectioner's) sugar



Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then grease a 13x9x2 glass baking pan. Melt butter in a small saucepan on low. Pour into mixing bowl and stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly until mixed in. Wash hands after handling raw eggs to reduce risk of contaminating equipment.

Add cocoa, mixing until well blended. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt. Chop the walnuts while it mixes. Scrape the sides with a spatula, then use the same spatula to fold in the walnuts. Pour into the greased baking pan and shake to even it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. If a toothpick stuck in the center does not come out clean, bake for five more minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven. Set on a clear counter on a towel. Dust generously with powdered sugar, then cut and serve. Enjoy while warm, and cover with plastic wrap to save for tomorrow.