Soup, Soup and more Soup

So as many of you know it was supposed to snow in the Central Valley Friday night. Well we were disappointed to say the least. Saturday morning dawned with COLD temperatures. So what better to make than some yummy warm soup.... I had an abundance of onions in the house so I decided on French Onion Soup.... Here is my recipe for French Onion Soup

10 Onions
1 stick butter
Sherry
Salt/ Pepper to taste
3 Packages of Au Jus Mix
Water
Crusty Bread
Cheese


Okay so get ready to cry....

Thinly slice the onions - I used a Mandolin which was quick but you can use a food processor, a knife, make the hubby do it.... whatever works.
Melt the butter in a dutch oven pot
Add the onions and cook them low and slow... You don't want them to burn....
Add a little salt to the onions
Mix the 3 packages of Au Jus mix with 9 cups of water (According to the directions on the package)
Once onions are good and tender add broth to the water and then add a little Sherry to it
Simmer on low to develop the flavors.
While simmering cut bread into slices. Toast in the oven so the bread gets nice and crunchy.
Ladle soup into bowls, top with bread and cheese,
**If cheese doesn't melt pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Side notes-
I know you are supposed to use Beef Stock. I normally do not have that on hand. I find the Au Jus gives it that beefy flavor and its' cheaper.

Also I used Mozzarella cheese to top the soup. You can use Swiss, Provolone, and mild cheese.

You think canned green beans are boring.... think again

I am sitting here thinking about whats for dinner. I have some chicken thighs defrosting and was thinking about some oven roasted white potatoes... Now a veggie... Lets' see what the magic pantry holds...
Canned Green Beans
Canned Corn
Canned Beets
Are we seeing a pattern....

So I am going to make my son's favorite green beans... If your kids or the kid in you doesn't like canned green beans try this...

2-cans green beans (1-drained)
garlic powder
butter
soy sauce

In a small pot mix green beans, garlic powder, small amount of butter, and some soy sauce
heat until nice and warm.

These green beans are a huge hit in my house. The kids love them. Never have any left overs when this one is made.

Hope you try some soon.

Don't know what to call it except yummy...

Good afternoon everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. My little girl's birthday was this weekend so we had fun. I am amazed how time flies... It seems like only yesterday she was a baby in my arms. Now she is a big 5 year old and knows it all.

So last night I had some small boneless pork steaks. Pork burritos were my intention but I got bored with that and came up a yummy dinner. Before I begin I am not a great one for measuring ingredients. If I am baking that is different but cooking is free-style.

Yummy Pork and Polenta.....

5-small boneless pork steaks cut into strips
1 medium yellow onion - diced
1 can of diced tomatoes
3 cloves of garlic minced
cumin
chili powder
salt/ pepper to taste
finely grated cheese - I like to use a lemon zester for the cheese. Gets it nice and fine so it melts good
oil

Okay so put a little oil in the pan and saute your onions and garlic
Add the pork strips
once the pork is browned nicely add tomatoes including juice
season with salt, pepper, cumin and chili powder to your taste
simmer on low for about an hour to get the pork nice and tender
once done place on top of grilled polenta
zest cheese over the top and serve.

for polenta:

you can use the pre-made stuff you can get at the store or make it yourself. On the flour, baking isle there is a bag of polenta. (mine is pheasant brand I think) There is a great microwave recipe that turned out good. I make the polenta then let it cool. Once cooled I cut it and grill to.


***Tonight I am going to take the left over pork mixture and tum it into a pseudo posole soup by adding some hominy and chicken stock.

** Okay here is a crazy side note.... I HATE cheese. I am not allergic, not intolerant, I just don't like it. So there are many recipes that I will make with cheese but I will omit it on mine. I thought it was fantastic without cheese on it.

Hope you get a chance to try this and enjoy

Well Here Goes Nothing....

If you are taking the time to read this, first let me thank you... I started this blog as a way to share recipes, ideas, and thoughts with my friends, loved ones, and new friends I am blessed to meet. So let me tell you a little about myself...

I am a busy mom of three beautiful children ranging in age of 5 to 13. My husband and I have been married to 10 years. He is my best friend and my rock.

One of my passions is cooking. I love to create things that people truely enjoy eating. There is something heartwarming when I receive an email from a past co-worker asking me for my recipe for artichoke bread because they haven't had it in so long. Some on my greatest memories of work is hosting luncheons for my employees. I would always try to make sure it was something they would remember. I am a firm believer in having a family dinner. It doesn't have to be spectacular just with family. It is our way to talk and unwind from the busy day. Now by no means am I a food snob. If you opened my freezer right now some would be horrified to see frozen burritos, mini pizzas, and fish sticks (yes I said fish sticks) waiting to be eaten. Though convenience food is nice I prefer a home cooked meal anytime. Some would say I go overboard (I know who you are) but I say why not. Let me introduce my kids to different foods, cultures, tastes, and hopefully along the way they learn to like some of it.

So meet me back here to hopefully have a laugh, hear a good story, and hopefully share some great food.

Until next time....