I have this feeling that our household is feeling the strain of what has been a rather big year. Everyone is a tad under the weather  and Little J is, we think, cutting a new tooth (and waking up hourly overnight as a result).  The bags under our eyes grow, as does my reliance on caffeine, and we are definitely counting down the days until we can all take a nice holiday together! In the meantime, though, we are trying to keep healthy and happy. At least in the kitchen – where dinner time is a lovely constant amongst the chaos. Not that it needs to be fancy, though. For this meal was inspired by little more than a tin of condensed soup. We’d had limited sleep the night before, and the littlest member of our family took only a short nap during the day. The change in season had also brought with it a barrage of sniffles and sneezes, and a general lack of energy.  But dinner time was fast approaching, so I decided to get creative with that humble tin of soup. And it didn’t take much to turn it from a “plain jane” tomato soup, into something more exciting! Onion, garlic and corn were added, as was a good amount of chilli. Blended until smooth, then finished with beans and more corn. And more chilli. Topped with all the good stuff too – avocado, coriander, sour cream and spring onions.  Served alongside some cheese-topped corn chips that we’d oven baked for 10 minutes or so. Who says canned soup has to be boring!! Mexican-inspired soup (serves 2 – 3)

• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 corn cobs, kernels removed
• 2 red chillies, sliced
• 1 300g tin of condensed tomato soup (+ 1 tin of water)
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tin 4-bean mix, drained and rinsed
• Toppings: avocado, sour cream, coriander, spring onions

1. Sautee onion and garlic in a little olive oil in a medium saucepan until soft.
2. Add half of the corn kernels, chillies, soup and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes or so. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the remaining corn, chilli powder and beans, and stir to combine. Heat through, and season to taste.
4. Divide among serving bowls, and top with avocado, sour cream, coriander and spring onions (or a selection of these!)

What about you? Do you like to jazz up the humble tinned soup?