Ah, the sweet symphony of “home sweet home” resonates deeply after an invigorating family escape to the majestic Smoky Mountains. Our recent adventure took us to the charming town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a destination that truly captivated our hearts and senses. The scenery was nothing short of breathtaking, with ancient peaks cloaked in their signature misty haze, creating a truly ethereal landscape. The air, crisp and invigorating, filled our lungs with a sense of renewal, a stark yet welcome contrast to our warm Florida home. While undeniably cold, especially for us thin-blooded Floridians, the freezing temperatures only added to the unique charm of our winter wonderland exploration. We embraced the chill, bundling up and venturing out to discover an entirely new facet of this incredible country, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
(My sister, brother and I at a scenic overlook within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, marveling at the panoramic vistas.)
This memorable journey was a treasured opportunity for our immediate family to bond and experience something new together. My sister, her husband, and their little one joined us, along with my brother and our beloved mom. The only missing piece was my dad, who, with his unwavering dedication, had to stay back in Florida to manage our bustling family restaurant. While we missed his presence, we knew he was holding down the fort, ensuring everything ran smoothly back home. It was a testament to the strong family ties that bind us, even across state lines and through different responsibilities.
(Captured mid-laugh, these goofballs were certainly in action, embracing every joyful moment of our family vacation.)
Exploring the diverse attractions of Gatlinburg and the raw beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains offered an endless array of experiences. From scenic drives along winding mountain roads that offered awe-inspiring views at every turn, to wandering through the charming streets of Gatlinburg, brimming with unique shops and local eateries, there was always something new to discover. The crisp mountain air and the breathtaking vistas provided the perfect backdrop for making lasting family memories. We delighted in the simple pleasure of discovering hidden gems and sharing laughter amidst such magnificent natural beauty.
(As proud Floridians, the sight of fresh snow brought an undeniable thrill! A couple of us were genuinely excited to experience the winter wonderland.)
For those of us accustomed to year-round sunshine and sandy beaches, the experience of snow was particularly magical. Seeing the landscape dusted in white, feeling the crunch of snow underfoot, and even just witnessing our breath mist in the cold air was a novelty we relished. It underscored how special and diverse the natural landscapes across our country truly are. These moments of wonder, especially for the younger members of our family, made the trip incredibly memorable and highlighted the unique beauty of winter in the mountains.
(My son, Sammy, experiencing the joy and wonder of snow for the very first time. His excitement was absolutely contagious!)
Watching Sammy’s eyes light up at his first encounter with snow was a highlight of the trip. The pure, unadulterated joy on his face as he touched the soft, cold flakes, witnessing them fall, and perhaps even attempting a tiny snowball, was a memory etched forever in our hearts. It’s these simple, yet profound, first-time experiences that make family vacations so incredibly rewarding and remind us of the magic in the world through a child’s eyes.
(All bundled up and ready to embark on another cold-weather adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. Layers were definitely our best friends!)
And so, here we are, home again. The suitcases are unpacked, the mountain memories are fresh, and a sense of calm has settled over us. After a week of travel and indulgence, both in the Smokies and during Thanksgiving, we were more than ready to transition back into our usual rhythm. While many people embrace the day after Thanksgiving as a prime opportunity for Black Friday shopping with the crowds, my personal tradition takes a different, albeit equally satisfying, path: hitting the gym. After a week of vacation, I crave the invigorating burn of a good workout, a way to reset and re-energize. Alongside that much-needed exercise, a return to healthy, wholesome food was high on my priority list. Even before we left for Tennessee, I knew exactly what comforting and nutritious meal I wanted to prepare upon our return: Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Soup. The recipe’s promise of tender chicken, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and vibrant flavors sounded like the perfect antidote to holiday excesses, and it proved to be just what we needed for a cozy Friday night dinner.
This month’s selection for the Barefoot Blogger challenge, chosen by Judy from Judy’s Gross Eats, couldn’t have been more perfect. I extend my sincere gratitude to Judy for selecting such a delightful and soul-satisfying Barefoot Contessa soup for all of us to try. It truly hit the spot and provided the much-needed warmth and nourishment after our travels and holiday feasting. The recipe is a testament to Ina’s ability to create dishes that are both elegant and incredibly comforting, making it a staple in our home.
Ingredients for Ina’s Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup:
- 4 split (2 whole) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on. (For a fantastic shortcut, I often use pre-cooked, shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken purchased at the grocery store. It saves a lot of time without sacrificing flavor!)
- Good quality olive oil.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- 2 cups chopped onions (equivalent to about 2 medium onions), providing a sweet, aromatic base.
- 1 cup chopped celery (approximately 2 stalks), adding depth and texture.
- 2 cups chopped carrots (about 4 medium carrots), for sweetness and color.
- 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped, for that essential pungent flavor.
- 2 1/2 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade for the richest flavor. (However, a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth like Swanson’s works wonderfully for convenience and controlled seasoning!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in puree, crushed. (I personally love crushing them by hand for a rustic texture, but diced tomatoes would also be a great, consistent option here for ease.)
- 2 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced, to introduce a gentle heat. (On this particular trip, my grocery store was out of jalapenos, so I successfully substituted with milder Anaheim peppers, which still offered a lovely, subtle kick.)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, for a warm, earthy, and distinctly Mexican flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander seed, complementing the cumin with its citrusy, sweet notes.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, optional, but highly recommended for a bright, fresh finish.
- 6 (6-inch) fresh white corn tortillas. (I opted for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist and found that using just 2 provided ample texture without overwhelming the soup.)
Directions for Preparing Ina’s Delicious Mexican Chicken Soup:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This initial step is for roasting the chicken breasts, infusing them with flavor before they even hit the soup pot.
- Place the chicken breasts, skin side up, on a sturdy sheet pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, then shred the succulent meat. Cover the shredded chicken and set it aside; it will be added to the soup later to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Meanwhile, in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the onions to just begin to caramelize, developing a foundational sweetness.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Pour in the chicken stock, add the crushed whole tomatoes with their rich puree, the minced jalapenos (or Anaheim peppers), ground cumin, ground coriander, 1 tablespoon of salt (adjust this based on the saltiness of your chicken stock), and 1 teaspoon of pepper. If using, stir in the fresh cilantro at this stage.
- Cut the corn tortillas in half, then slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips. Add these strips directly to the soup mixture. The tortillas will soften and thicken the soup slightly, contributing to its authentic texture.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify.
- Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and season the soup to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup piping hot, garnished generously with your favorite toppings.
For serving: Sliced ripe avocado, a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of grated Cheddar cheese, and crispy tortilla chips elevate this soup to a truly gourmet experience.
Pro Tip for Healthier Tortilla Chips: To make your own lighter, healthier tortilla “chips” for topping, simply slice whole wheat tortillas into strips. Lightly spray them with a non-stick cooking spray and crisp them up in a hot, non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. This adds a fantastic texture without the extra oil of deep-frying!
Recipe credit: Ina Garten, from her beloved cookbook “Barefoot Contessa at Home.”
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Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable remainder of your weekend!
GO GATORS!!