Volume 3 – Issue 6 – November 13

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN THE HOUSE:

Tonight: Only 3 more games in this series…. ENJOY!

Next week: Only 2 more games in this series …. What does the next series hold for you?

This season: Do you want WNW swag? We have 3 suggestions – a curling duffle bag; a neck buff and a ¼ zip sweater…… Email me if you want to order……Let’s be PROUD of our league!

We have 3 pairs of socks (@ $20 each); 4 x WNW league crests (@ $10 each) Do you want any?

(Last ask for SWAG ideas – I’m going to order a t-shirt; anyone else interested?)

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM behind the scenes:

Evelyn Gowan – WNW Games Convenor:

I’ve been curling 39 years – 35 @ Oakville. I started playing at Humber Highlands in a corporate league. I learned to curl by listening to TSN Curling with Ray Turnbull and Linda Moore. I spent the 90’s and early 00’s playing almost every night (ladies could spare in men’s league back then), practicing after work and playing competitively and in a lot of bonspiels – and working full time. I also sat on the WNL Board for a few years (back when we had one) and sat on the Club Board as well. I also took the instructors course back then and did some instructing (one of our members still remembers me teaching her how to curl). This is my 10^th year as the WNW Convenor, this has kinda been my retirement project.

LAUGH OF THE WEEK:

STUFF THAT MAKES US CURL BETTER:

Learn To Curl - Tip #24 - Balance 2.0

RECIPES AROUND THE RINGS:

CREAMY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Simple, one pot dinner with tender shredded chicken loaded with your favorite toppings. So creamy & so so cozy.

Fall is here, the leaves are falling, the cozy sweaters are coming out of hiding, and we are making this winner winner chicken dinner on repeat.

Tender chicken thighs are simmered in all of its goodness, letting all the bold flavors come together so fast in this weeknight staple. It’s not too thin, it’s not overly creamy – it’s just enough to hold up all of your favorite toppings.

So load them up as you see fit – diced avocado, shredded Mexican blend cheese, cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and all the homemade crispy tortilla strips you can find (or crushed tortilla chips when you’re in a pinch).

This one pot chicken tortilla soup is also incredibly freezer-friendly (sans heavy cream, of course). So make a pot (or two) and freeze as you go. It’s a cozy, dreamy soup dinner you want handy all season long.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

• Mexican Rice
• Taco Salad
• Mexican Corn Dip
• Green Chicken Enchiladas
• Carne Asada Nachos

CREAMY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.

Can I use fresh herbs instead?

Absolutely! But because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.

What is heavy cream?

Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) has one of the highest fat contents with about 36-40% fat. Half and half or whole milk are suitable substitutes, but will yield a lighter result.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze the leftovers without the heavy cream (cream soups tend to separate when frozen) in individual freezer bags, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop, adding heavy cream when serving.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 small poblano pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 (28-ounce)can diced tomatoes
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

FOR THE CRISPY TORTILLA STRIPS

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, sliced in half and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and peppers, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and chicken; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until flavors have blended, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the Dutch oven; shred, using two forks.
5. Stir in chicken, heavy cream and lime juice until heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Serve immediately with crispy tortilla strips and desired toppings.

FOR THE CRISPY TORTILLA STRIPS

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Working in batches, add tortilla strips to the Dutch oven and fry until evenly golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

PLAY OF THE WEEK:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAG6ledJSLz/

Send me your curling play of the week.  What shot was incredible?  What did you find amazing during your last game?

I will also share big game play video when I can!  I bet the league would love your stories though…..