Ha! Okay so maybe once a week isn't even practical at this point.

Today was so great. I made "real" hot chocolate and we sat in the living room and read 4 books together today for school. I love it! So do they! The only thing missing was the roaring fire that I dream about. I love fall. Really, I love the beginning of every season.

Busy school days=the life of every mom

The love of real home cooked meals=the wish of most moms

Soup and a crock pot=reality at its finest in the kitchen

It can be done people. With joy even! Have a happy heart this week and try some of these crock pot recipes.

Taco Soup
1 pound ground beef
2 cans Rotel
3 cups cooked beans of your choice, (2 cans) -even better dried beans cooked in vegetable broth
16 oz bag of frozen corn
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
big can of tomato sauce
1 chopped onion
2 cups water
oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, cumin, garlic
Brown beef in skillet w/ onion. Drain fat and add to crock pot. Add all other ingredients (do not drain cans), and stir to mix. Cover and cook on low 8 hours or HIGH 4.


Beef & Vegetable Soup
a few squirts of Bragg's(soy sauce)
2 lbs. frozen mixed vegetables (I save left over veggies and use those)
2 pounds beef roast, cut into pieces or can use left over beef
salt and pepper to taste
1 (12 oz can tomato paste
6 cups water
Pour ingredients into a crock pot and stir well. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours. Serve w/ cheese toast or grilled cheese sandwiches.


Bean Soup
1 lb bag or 2 cups mixed beans, soaked overnight
7 C water
1-2 lbs ham, cubed
1-2 pressed cloves garlic
salt, celery salt, and pepper to taste
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
Put all ingredients into your crock pot and cook on LOW for 8 hours.



BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Makes 10 servings
3 pounds beef rump roast, trimmed
1 tablespoon Bragg's (soy sauce)
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
10 hamburger buns
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Rub flour into roast. Place in bottom of crock pot and add remaining ingredients, (except buns). Cook on low for about 14-16 hours. Serve over buns.