Bunco

I took my tasks a day at a time, and got everything done for Bunco last night. Also, thank you to all the people who helped and offered to help - Jason, Mom, Andrea, Karyn you all are lifesavers. I went with a summer garden theme and I think it turned out well.

I particularly liked my tables. The clear plates are definitely my new favorite; I love how they transform with just some fun scrapbook paper beneath. And, it was a great excuse to have to get matching glass bowls to accompany. Fortunately, the bowls were only $1/ea at Walmart. The darling centerpieces were my MVP prizes and the containers (which determined my scheme) were from the dollar store.

I ended up needing to bring in the prizes and set up a prize table due to the rain. But, I liked how it turned out and the herbs smelled delicious in the house! Who couldn't use herbs for a prize?!

I served Tortilla soup (recipe below), caesar salad and rolls. I think a variety to eat is important, but maybe that is just the lady with tons of food allergies talking. I was excited to buy a soup tureen (great sale at Kohl's again) for the occasion. I have a real addiction to dishes!

The night turned out well and I'm not deathly ill today from the exertion; the 5-day plan worked. I call it a success.

Tortilla Soup
4 T oil
1 onion, diced (I use the frozen, pre-diced)
2 T garlic (I use pre diced)
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1 jalapeño, finely chopped, seeds removed
1 T chili powder
1 T ground cumin
1 t salt
¼ black pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
28 oz can crushed tomatoes in rich puree
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
10 oz frozen corn (sweet white is best)
½ C flour
2 cups whole milk
2 limes
1 cup cheese
Tortilla strips

In pot sauté oil, onion, garlic, chicken, jalapenos until chicken just turns white. Add spices and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, water and corn and simmer for 20 - 40 mins. Combine milk and flour and add to pot, cook on low for 10 more mins. Garnish with lime, cheese and tortilla strips.

(Thanks to my Mom for giving me the party-throwing gene, class, experience, and being only a phone call away to answer questions...you're the best! Thank you to Jason for understanding how much I love to throw a party and indulging me in my indulgences!)