Clearance rack

It is amazing how a $2 leftover Easter tablecloth can cheer up a dreary back yard. I thought my mom was crazy when she brought it to me. We never spend time out back. My kids play in the front yard. But you know what? It makes my ugly yard (or lack thereof) bearable, or, dare I say, enjoyable. A little spot of sunshine amidst the grey of the house, garage, cement patio and pebbles. We have been sharing a lot more meals in this previously overlooked location because it just makes it so much more fun. What a difference a quick sweep, a little sunshine, and a tablecloth can make.

Taco Soup Recipe

My Friends stopped by last night as I was putting dinner on the stove. Now that church for us gets out at 5:30pm, we need some really quick or crock pot recipes for Sunday dinners. Last night I made taco soup which is about as easy as it gets. Here's how:

Brown 1 lb of hamburger and a chopped onion in a big pot. Sprinkle in a tablespoon or packet of taco seasoning. While the meat is browning, open one can each or corn, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, black beans and hominy (hominy is optional. My husband likes it, but I think it tastes like little kitchen sponges and the cans are always too big and add too much to my soup).  Add the cans' contents, including the soup can full of water, to the pot. Heat and serve with sour cream, grated cheese, and tortilla chips.

If your burger is defrosted this should only take 15 minutes or so. If you brown your burger and add the taco seasoning in the morning before church, all you have to do when you walk in the door is open 4 cans,  pour, and heat.

6 days until Christmas

I have cookies on the brain. Maybe I haven't eaten enough yet. Actually, since this is a scheduled post, I probably have had my fill by now since our church Christmas party was last night (or Friday night. Whatever). So today I have a cookie recipe for you.

This is my most favoritest cookie recipe in the whole wide world. I love it because it only takes 3 ingredients, it's easy to memorize and it is so versatile.

Cake Mix Cookies
1 cake mix
1/2 cup veggie oil
2 eggs

Mix all together. Make small balls (I like to use a rounded tablespoon that I have or a small ice cream scoop). Bake at 350 for 9 minutes, or until you see cracks in the cookies. Makes 2 dozen.

Okay. Here is the fun part. You can do SO MUCH with this recipe. I have made oreos with a devils food mix and vanilla frosting. I have placed andes mints on each one right as they come out of the oven and let them melt for a grashopper cookie (this is hubby's favorite). I have used a yellow cake mix and put in chocolate chips and nuts. I have made strawberry oreos (they were WAY too sweet). My sister-in-law sticks hers in vanilla mousse and chocolate syrup and eats them with a spoon.  I have made this recipe, flattened it into the bottom of a pie pan, baked it, let it cool, and heaped chocolate chip mint ice cream in it for an ice cream pie. Iv'e broken pieces up for a trifle with whipped cream and berries. I've made them with peanut butter chips and with reeces pieces. If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear them! Maybe rolling the balls in crushed candy canes on right before baking?

Alfredo Sauce from scratch, no cream!

Who has cream in the house, really. I never do. I was on the hunt for an alfredo recipe that just used milk and I finally found one here. I souped it up a bit and added a tablespoon of garlic powder, a half cup or more of parmesean cheese, and a handful of monterrey jack cheese. We had it over chicken the first time, and over shrimp the other night. YUM-O. It serves 4, if it's your main dish.

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons stick margarine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter-flavored granules* (butter buds)
3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup fat-free milk
pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan, melt margarine. Stir in flour, butter-flavored granules and bouillon until blended. Gradually add water and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Season with pepper.

What we did today

You can probably click on this picture to see the extra huge version and the recipe. One of our favs, for sure! John's favorite is the grashopper version- melt andes mints on top after baking.