October 29- Autumn Vegetable Soup

I love sweet potatoes, squash, and just about every harvest veggie, so I decided to whip up an autumn soup. I didn't follow a recipe and definitely added too much seasoning (the last soup I made on my own was a little bland...definitely overcompensated this time). We liked it, but both agreed that next time I will go a little lighter on the spices and throw in some penne noodles to give it that extra oomph. 

I haven't graduated from novice level quite yet. There is always room for growth. 

October 17-White Chili Soup

All summer long I look forward to fall so that I can eat lots and lots of soup. In celebration of cooler temperatures, I whipped up this comforting chili.

Easy White Chicken Chili

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can chicken broth

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped or 3 tbsp onion flakes

1 small can chopped chiles

1 tsp minced garlic

1 pinch oregano

2 tsp chili powder

3/4 tsp cumin

2 cans of white beans

1/4 cup milk (optional; I added this for a creamier consistency)

Cook chicken breasts in broth (boil). Remove and shred into small pieces. Return to broth. Add olive oil, chiles, garlic, onion, oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Cook 15-20 minutes. Add beans and cook 15 minutes more. Serve. Top with grated cheese, sour cream, avocado, and or salsa. 

Where have I been?

It may appear that I've dropped off the face of the earth for the past month and that's because I have (or at least I feel like it). The past month has consisted of nonstop travel for my job and has taken me away from the kitchen turned me into a take-out or table-for-one eat-in type of gal. As I wrap up travel season 2012, I reenter the blog world with a list of my top travel meals.

Top Travel Meals of 2012

7. Snacks, snacks, snacks. 

Okay, so it's not technically a meal but I would be lost without these treats. Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Luna Bars, Smucker's Peanut Butter mini packets, and apples. 

6. Hampton Inn's Hot and Ready Breakfast

Free for guests and always ready when you are. Yum. 

5. Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich

This is the best fast-food option out there. The service is great, the food is tasty, and the restaurants are always clean. They also have free wi-fi.  Chick-fil-A may not be the most ideal spot to answer emails, but it's a great option when you need it!

4. Caribou Coffee Breakfast

When I was in Denver, someone recommended that I try out Caribou Coffee. (It is a large chain but hasn't made it's way to my neck of the woods.) My flight out of Denver left at 8:00am, which meant that I had to get to the airport extra early to return my rental car, check in, and find my gate. By the time I found my gate I was hungry for breakfast and saw a Caribou Coffee. I wandered inside and was delighted to find a variety of oatmeal on the menu (my favorite). Oatmeal with almonds to warm my belly while the airline staff de-iced my plane...yes please!

3. Panera Bread's You-Pick-Two Combos

I always stand in front of the counter for a few minutes, staring at the menu with a dazed look on my face because everything always looks so good. You can pick any two of Panera's soups, salads, or half sandwiches, combined with a side of chips, bread, or an apple. I always opt for the soup and the apple, but the second option always stumps me. Free wi-fi, coffee, tea...Panera is a good place to go to lunch, get some work done, but feel cozy and relaxed the entire time.

2. The Brigantine, Coronado, CA

A few weeks ago I found myself with a free afternoon in San Diego and I knew I'd be stupid not to search out some seafood. With the help of the sweet little lady at the guest information center, I enjoyed a fresh catch and a wonderful seaside afternoon. 

1. Subway's Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich

Sure it may not be the fanciest of fare, but this trusty entree has been my main go-to meal when I'm in a rush. It's fresh, it's filling, it can be thrown into an oversized purse and nibbled on when a spare moment arises. It seems that you can spot a Subway on every corner from LA to NYC.