Simple Cooking - Taco Soup

· 1 lb ground beef (browned) or boneless skinless chicken breasts (raw and cut up)

· 1 pkg ranch dressing mix

· 1 pkg taco seasoning

· 1 can whole kernel corn

· 1 can stewed tomatoes

· 1 can diced tomatoes

· 1 8oz can of tomato sauce

· 1 can of pinto beans (drained)

· 1 can of water

· Shredded cheese, tortilla chips, diced onion, sour cream, etc. (Optional)

If using beef, brown on stove and then add to the crock pot. If using chicken, you can just put it raw in the crock pot. Add all other ingredients; do not drain except where noted; stir to mix everything together. Set temperature on low for 6-8 hours and leave it. No need to re-stir or check it at all. It’s perfect and ready to eat when it’s supper time! I top mine with shredded cheese, diced raw onions and a dollop of sour cream and I eat it with tortilla chips!

*All cans sizes are 14.5 oz except where notated.

** You can change the spiciness by choosing hotter tomatoes or a hotter taco seasoning mix.

I have made it with both meats and its delicious! The chicken falls apart it’s so juicy! It’s a meal that’s better on day 2 after the seasonings have romanced! I’ve also doubled the meat, seasoning packets, corn and beans and made a bigger batch for inviting over friends.

Submitted by Melissa Wilson. Send your recipes to john@wafj.com.

Cheapie of the Week - October 4th

The Cheapie of the Week is New England Coffee. It is on sale through Tuesday (10/5) as a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" special. You can buy one for $2.89. Use the $.50 coupon from www.newenglandcoffee.com (it will double at Publix) and you'll get it for $1.89 plus tax.