Disclosure: HEB selected me to be a part of Primo Picks Blogger Network, which provides me a gift card and new food products to taste test. This post was not reviewed by a 3rd party. All opinions are mine and may not reflect those of the company. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” All photos are mine and subject to copyright.

Around the time I start back-to-school shopping, I have dreams of being organized. I will plan out lunch meals and dinner feast and search for the best deals at grocery store. I will be prepare ahead of time and know exactly what the family is going to be doing on any given day at any given moment. And, then reality wakes me up.

This year, our family is making it our mission to eat our dinners around the table. This is a good AND bad thing for me. Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the family to bond, plan, connect and learn from one another. Family mealtime is the good opportunity to display appropriate table manners, meal etiquette and social skills. Lastly, meals prepared and eaten at home are usually more nutritious and healthy. This brings me to the bad – I have to prepare this great meal. Fortunately for me, Central Market sells Cookwell & Company Tortilla Soup that are not only life savers but delicious too!
I am not one to follow directions, which is SOOO MUCH fun in the kitchen. I boil a pound of free-range chicken that has been marinated in lime juice. After it is cooked, I shredded it and place it in a pot with the jar of tortilla soup on medium heat. Within 15 minutes, I have a gourmet Chicken Tortilla Soup ready for the whole family. Add some pico de gallo, crumbled tortilla chips, shredded monterrey jack cheese, fresh cilantro and avocado slices, and BAM! Your family will be transported to a Mexican restaurant inside your home. Olé!

Speaking of Mexican cuisine, join #Foodiechats TONIGHT for “Negra Modelo presents an exclusive #Foodiechats featuring Chef Rick Bayless” from 7PM – 8PM CST! This first-ever Thursday #Foodiechats will talk about how you can spice up the Mexican cuisine in your home with Chef Bayless’ techniques, and Bayless himself will do a brief Q&A! You won’t want to miss one of the premiere #Foodiechats of the year! Join the party by following @Foodiechats on Twitter. I hope to see you there!