This recipe, from allrecipes.com, is loaded with both beef and pork, and prep time and clean-up are minimal. Perfect for these brisk autumn days, and one of my favorite recipes to freeze for an easy meal.
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
2 c. water
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package chili seasoning mix
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1. Brown meat, onion, and green pepper together in a large pot until meat is no longer pink, then drain fat.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
*Serve with shredded cheddar cheese
**I like to make a loaf of Garlic Herb Bread in my breadmachine to toast and serve buttered with this chili.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Future Teacher?
Yesterday evening Natalia began reciting a line over and over, and I finally understood what she was doing.
She'd hold up one of her picture books and ask me, "Do you 'member the words?" She'd have the book opened towards me and swing it back and forth as if she was showing a group of people. Then she'd point to a page and say, "The name of the ward (Lord) is a strong T-O-W-E-R!" very enthusiastically! On "tower" she'd throw her arms, book and all, straight up in the air.
(She was mimicking her Sunday school teachers and reciting their memory verse for the month--Proverbs 18:10.)
It was SOOOO CUTE, even though she proceeded to do this over and over and OVER again for the next half hour!
It sure warmed the hearts of her teacher parents...
Monday, October 27, 2008
I Love My Handyman!
He's tall, dark and handsome...
I'm speaking of my hubby of course.
I love him for many more profound reasons of course, but let me just shout it from the rooftops--he sure is handy to have around! :o)
Friday morning I had yet another doctor's appointment and when I hopped in the car...nothing but clicks. In the last few weeks, Pete had performed all kinds of "tests" to determine that our starter was probably on it's way out, so when this happened on Friday it was no mystery. So, though it wiped out his plans for Friday after a long week of work, he picked up a new one and spent the evening fighting grime and stubborn bolts. I am just so thankful for his resourcefulness and knowledge of automotive things, especially in times like these.
That was Friday.
On Saturday morning he headed out bright and early for a required recap day on a class he had taken this past summer. (Those lovely, ongoing teaching certification requirements!) Natalia woke up earlier than usual so I was scrambling to get a shower before it was too late.
When I turned on the shower I was immediately concerned about the sound it was making. It literally was like a freight train was trying to force it's way through the pipes! I shut it off and just let the water drain out of the lower spout for a minute, then tried again. Hello freight train!
Well, I didn't have time to mess around so I decided to proceed anyway. Within 30 seconds I had a disconnected showerhead hose whipping around my head, spraying water E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E ! It's a wonder I still have my head! :oP
Natalia came running into the bathroom all concerned, saying, "MOM! WHAT HAPPEN?!?!?" Of course, that meant that she had to tell everyone we saw throughout the weekend (eyebrows furrowed) that "some-ping happen!" and "the shower broke!" as if it were monumental to our life and wellbeing. (Hee Hee! Gotta' love her.) I was just thankful that no one could see me practically standing on my head, attempting to wash my long hair in the sink! Try doing that with a basketball strapped to your stomach!
So, my wonderful hubby got another handyman call...and now the shower is as good as new.
He's a keeper folks!
I love him for many more profound reasons of course, but let me just shout it from the rooftops--he sure is handy to have around! :o)
Friday morning I had yet another doctor's appointment and when I hopped in the car...nothing but clicks. In the last few weeks, Pete had performed all kinds of "tests" to determine that our starter was probably on it's way out, so when this happened on Friday it was no mystery. So, though it wiped out his plans for Friday after a long week of work, he picked up a new one and spent the evening fighting grime and stubborn bolts. I am just so thankful for his resourcefulness and knowledge of automotive things, especially in times like these.
That was Friday.
On Saturday morning he headed out bright and early for a required recap day on a class he had taken this past summer. (Those lovely, ongoing teaching certification requirements!) Natalia woke up earlier than usual so I was scrambling to get a shower before it was too late.
When I turned on the shower I was immediately concerned about the sound it was making. It literally was like a freight train was trying to force it's way through the pipes! I shut it off and just let the water drain out of the lower spout for a minute, then tried again. Hello freight train!
Well, I didn't have time to mess around so I decided to proceed anyway. Within 30 seconds I had a disconnected showerhead hose whipping around my head, spraying water E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E ! It's a wonder I still have my head! :oP
Natalia came running into the bathroom all concerned, saying, "MOM! WHAT HAPPEN?!?!?" Of course, that meant that she had to tell everyone we saw throughout the weekend (eyebrows furrowed) that "some-ping happen!" and "the shower broke!" as if it were monumental to our life and wellbeing. (Hee Hee! Gotta' love her.) I was just thankful that no one could see me practically standing on my head, attempting to wash my long hair in the sink! Try doing that with a basketball strapped to your stomach!
So, my wonderful hubby got another handyman call...and now the shower is as good as new.
He's a keeper folks!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Peanut Butter Tandy Cake--Need I Say More?
Okay, so apparently I haven't gained anything in the last 2 weeks! Don't know HOW that's possible given that I've been majorly craving sweets...and steak (but that's another post). I made the apple cake I posted a few days ago AND this chocolately peanut butter goodness this very week. Granted, half of each is being shared elsewhere, but still!
You gotta' try this:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1. Beat eggs until thick and lemony. Add sugar, milk and vanilla and mix well.
2. Mix flour, baking powder and salt separately, then add to egg mixture.
3. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, or until middle is set.
4. Let cool for a few minutes, then add dabs of peanut butter over top and spread when they soften a bit over the warm cake. (If you try to spread the PB right away, you'll tear up the top of the cake.)
5. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over top of the PB in an even layer. (You could use chocolate frosting instead, but should wait until the cake is completely cool before spreading.)
CHOCOLATE...PEANUT BUTTER...WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?!
You gotta' try this:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1. Beat eggs until thick and lemony. Add sugar, milk and vanilla and mix well.
2. Mix flour, baking powder and salt separately, then add to egg mixture.
3. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, or until middle is set.
4. Let cool for a few minutes, then add dabs of peanut butter over top and spread when they soften a bit over the warm cake. (If you try to spread the PB right away, you'll tear up the top of the cake.)
5. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over top of the PB in an even layer. (You could use chocolate frosting instead, but should wait until the cake is completely cool before spreading.)
CHOCOLATE...PEANUT BUTTER...WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
In This Day and Age...
You know it's getting close to Election Day when your toddler picks up a mail flyer and asks,
"Mom, is dis Bock Oh Bana?"
:oP
(Incidentally, it was John McCain.)
"Mom, is dis Bock Oh Bana?"
:oP
(Incidentally, it was John McCain.)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Malgosia's Apple Cake
This cake is a favorite in our household. It does take some time, but it's oh so yummy!
It comes from my father-in-law's wife, who is an excellent cook and baker. ENJOY! :o)
DOUGH:
2 sticks butter, softened
1 egg + 3 additional yokes
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sour cream
3 ½ - 4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
FILLING:
4 Granny Smith apples
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
GLAZE:
1 tbsp. lemon peel, grated
half a lemon, squeezed
1 c. powdered sugar
1. Mix dough ingredients and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap for 15 mins. in freezer.
2. Preheat oven to 375.
3. Peel, core, and grate apples, then mix with other filling ingredients.
4. Divide dough in half, roll or pat one portion into greased 9 x 13, layer with filling, then roll out remaining dough on floured surface to fit rectangular dish; lay on top.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes until dough is lightly browned, then cool completely.
6. Grate lemon for zest, then cut and squeeze juice; mix with sugar before spreading on cake.
It comes from my father-in-law's wife, who is an excellent cook and baker. ENJOY! :o)
DOUGH:
2 sticks butter, softened
1 egg + 3 additional yokes
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sour cream
3 ½ - 4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
FILLING:
4 Granny Smith apples
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
GLAZE:
1 tbsp. lemon peel, grated
half a lemon, squeezed
1 c. powdered sugar
1. Mix dough ingredients and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap for 15 mins. in freezer.
2. Preheat oven to 375.
3. Peel, core, and grate apples, then mix with other filling ingredients.
4. Divide dough in half, roll or pat one portion into greased 9 x 13, layer with filling, then roll out remaining dough on floured surface to fit rectangular dish; lay on top.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes until dough is lightly browned, then cool completely.
6. Grate lemon for zest, then cut and squeeze juice; mix with sugar before spreading on cake.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Hands On House
This morning Natalia and I met our good friends for a few hours of fun at the Hands On House. It's located next to the Landis Valley Museum, just a few miles north of Lancaster.
When we arrived there was a large group there on a field trip, but thankfully they were finished and out of there within 15 minutes and that made all the difference in the world.
At first Natalia was simply overwhelmed--stimulation overload--that she just wandered around, not being able to focus on anything for more than a second or two. It probably was compounded by the fact that the field-trippers were at least 6 or 7 years old and there were simply too many of them to leave anything available to play with.
When we did get our chance though, boy did we have fun! It was a bit of a challenge getting any pictures of her that weren't blurred...in spite of learning to only use the sports/action shot setting on my camera when she's involved!
The Corner Grocery was what I deemed her favorite thing--I think she could have spent the day in there!
There was an agricultural section, complete with this "milk the cow"! Natalia and Kaleb both really liked sorting and stacking the eggs. I forgot to take a shot of the wall where you could pick corn--really cute.
Then there was the dress-up room with a pirate ship.
They really are best buds, even though Kaleb finally had enough of the hugs.
When we arrived there was a large group there on a field trip, but thankfully they were finished and out of there within 15 minutes and that made all the difference in the world.
At first Natalia was simply overwhelmed--stimulation overload--that she just wandered around, not being able to focus on anything for more than a second or two. It probably was compounded by the fact that the field-trippers were at least 6 or 7 years old and there were simply too many of them to leave anything available to play with.
When we did get our chance though, boy did we have fun! It was a bit of a challenge getting any pictures of her that weren't blurred...in spite of learning to only use the sports/action shot setting on my camera when she's involved!
The Corner Grocery was what I deemed her favorite thing--I think she could have spent the day in there!
There was an agricultural section, complete with this "milk the cow"! Natalia and Kaleb both really liked sorting and stacking the eggs. I forgot to take a shot of the wall where you could pick corn--really cute.
Then there was the dress-up room with a pirate ship.
They really are best buds, even though Kaleb finally had enough of the hugs.
When we got home I asked her what her favorite part was. She said, "Ever-thing!!!" :o)
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