Praise Be Saint Joseph the Worker

Today is International Workers Day, Loyalty Day and most importantly, the Feast Day of Saint Joseph the Worker.

Whenever I think of the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, be it March 19th feast of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary, or May 1st feast of Saint Joseph, Worker, my mind tends to wander to spicy foods. Silly, I know, but this is especially true for Saint Joseph the Worker.

I believe in miracles. It is ingrained in our Catholic Faith in ways most non-Catholics cannot fully accept nor understand. I believe Mary has visited people, especially children, throughout the ages with messages. Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe are but a few of these examples. I believe that Mercy Sunday was instituted by Christ himself. Moreover; I believe that the Eucharist is not a symbol of Christ’s Body and Blood, but are actually, through the miracle known as Transubstantiation, changed into the physical Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Mass. While the outward characteristics of bread and wine remain the same, the host, once consecrated through prayer and by the Holy Spirit, are transformed. It is a miracle that takes place in every Catholic Church throughout the world. Proof positive that, while seated at the right hand of the Father, Christ is also very much present throughout the world.

So why spicy foods for Saint Joseph? Saint Joseph was Christ’s earthy father. And just as Mary came to Fatima, I believe Saint Joseph came to the aid of a group of sisters in Santa Fe. So when I think of Saint Joseph, I think of Santa Fe, and that makes me hunger for the heat of New Mexican foods. If you want to learn more about this connection, I’ve shared it in detail along with a recipe for New Mexican Pork Hatch Chili Stew. There are a number of sites dedicated to the Sisters of Loredo. Or visit the chaple and see the miracle. Let it’s beauty change your life.

Besides, celebrating a feast day of such a hard working, lovingly devoted man of God such as Saint Joseph with a delicious although be it spicy dish is always a good thing. This soup might even warrant a margarita!

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
2 boneless chicken Breasts
Chipotle Seasoning to taste
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/4 Yellow Onion, diced
2 (14 oz) cans Whole Black Beans, drained
1 (14 oz) can Corn, drained
2 (10 oz) cans Ro-Tel Tomatoes
1 (28 oz) can Green Enchilada Sauce
1-1/2 cups Chicken Stock
2 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
3 oz Cream Cheese, softened
3 tablespoons Cilantro, minced
Mexican Cheese Blend, optional garnish
Sour Cream, optional garnish
Tortilla Strips, optional garnish

Cut chicken breasts into bite-size cubes. Season with Chipotle Seasoning. Warm 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Cook chicken cubes, stirring often for even browning, until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain chicken, set aside.

While the chicken browns, peel and mince garlic, set aside. Cut a quarter section from the onion from root to tip. Peel and dice section, set aside. Drain black beans and corn, set aside.

In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add onions, season with salt and pepper. Cook onions for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Add Ro-Tel, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, chicken stock and taco seasoning. Stir in the chicken cubes.

Turn heat to high, bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 40 minutes for the flavors to marry.

Cut cream cheese into smaller pieces, let soften at room temperature. When ready, stir cream cheese into the soup. Stir constantly to allow cream cheese to melt and mingle into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Just before serving, snip cilantro for garnish. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish as desired with cilantro, Mexican Cheese Blend, sour cream and tortilla strips. Serve and enjoy. This soup is spicy hot and oh so delicious.

Looking to change things up? With small cookie cutters, cut shapes from a few corn tortillas. Fry up in a little hot oil and use to garnish the soup (or a bowl of chili). I chose cowboys, hats, boots, cactus, long horns and howling Coyotes.

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Bless the hands of Your workers, O Lord, for Your great glory