Taco Soup

Recipe submitted by Susie C.
1/2-1 lb hamburger
1/2 onion, chopped
1 pkg taco soup mix
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can tomato soup
2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cups water
1/4 cup brown sugar

Brown hamburger with chopped onion. Add taco soup mix and water as directed on package. Simmer until water evaporates. Add in contents of all canned items plus water and brown sugar. Simmer until mixture is heated through. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Creamy Black Bean Salsa Chicken

From "101 Things To Do With A Slow Cooker"
Recipe submitted by Emily O.

2 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup salsa (fresh is best - fresh cilantro and white onions really enhance the flavor)

1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained

1 package taco seasoning

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup grated cheddar cheese (I like white cheese better)

Place chicken in greased 3.5 to 5 quart slow cooker. Pour broth, salsa, corn, beans, and taco seasoning over chicken. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours. Remove chicken with slotted spoon and place on serving dish. Stir sour cream and cheese into remainder and pour over chicken. Or shred chicken, add cheese and sour cream and heat until cheese is melted. Serve over rice.

Variation: Add more chicken broth, shred the chicken and make a soup out of it. Let everyone put their own sour cream and cheese into their bowls. You can also take corn tortillas, cut them into thin slice and deep-fry them in oil then put them in the soup for some crunch.

Pumpkin Soup

Recipe submitted by Lisa B.
3 Tbsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp water
14 oz chicken broth
15 oz pumpkin
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
Cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion and garlic in butter. Add brown sugar and water. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool, or blend in a blender in small amounts to cool more quickly. Return to pot and add pumpkin, half-and-half and seasoning. Warm and serve.