Thank you Uncle Sam!

So we got our tax return in, and while most of it is being put away to get a new car, we are using some to play with.  Here's what I've done with it so far:

New canisters!!!!  Yes, how have I lived without them I don't know.  But no more bulky bags taking up space.  And what could go better with new canisters than a spice rack organizer!  House supplies make me happy, like super crazy happy.  Love them so much. *Also a sucker for office supplies...



Spice racks organizer $3.00
Canisters $25



Close up of my awesome new canisters

And since I'm a Cheapy Mccheapster, seriously people I've put off canisters for like 10yrs!  Anyway, I thought Id share with you one of my most favorite cheap double duty meals.  I will give you the original recipe I use when I have time, and the cheat one I use when I just need to throw it in the crockpot quickly.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 jalapenos, finely diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8-inch) flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips
1 avocado, pitted, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese


Directions
In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalapenos and cook for another minute. Pour the chicken broth, tomatoes and beans into the pot and bring to a boil. Once at a boil lower heat to simmer and add your chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Once chicken is cooked remove from pot. When cool enough to handle shred it and set it aside. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot. In a serving bowl add a mound of shredded chicken. Ladle soup over chicken and top with a lime wedge, grilled tortilla strips, avocado slices and cheese

But if your in a hurry, let's just throw a bunch of can in the crockpot and forget the homecookin part. 

Revamped Chicken Tortilla Soup
3 can chicken broth-6 if ya want left overs or serving more than 4
1 can TexMex tomatoes...(walmart brand is only brand I've found it in) It has your onions,  tomatoes, and jalapenos
1 can fire roasted tomato
1 can black beans-drained and rinsed
1 deli made Rotisserie chicken deboned and shredded (grossest part)

I throw it all in with a dash of garlic salt and half the shredded deli chicken in the crockpot and there ya go!  After it cooks it's just ready to be topped with cheese, cilantro, avocado and tortilla strips.
 I don't have a picture of it but you can go check out this post by Amanda.  They came over for dinner and I served this and she's always great with remembering the camera! 
 

Now for the double part.  Since you only added about half the chicken, what to do with the rest?  Chicken Salad!!!!
I make 2 versions and I don't measure any of it.  One is the kind with walnuts and grapes, the other is just like Chick Fil A.

Grape/Walnut one
Chicken
1tsp sugar
Salt/pepper
about 12 grapes cut in 4ths
98 cent bag of walnut halves (I put them in a baggie and let Seth smash them)  Amount to your preference
Then I put a decent glob of mayo-yes glob is an acceptable cooking measurement!

The Chick Fil A kind
Chicken
mayo
sugar
salt/pepper
and the secret ingredient- sweet pickle relish!

I love both of these because you make them to your taste and there's no right or wrong.  If you like yours more chickeny go easy on the mayo.  If you like it sweeter, more mayo.  We love chicken salad sandwiches but they go great on triscuts for a quick snack too!