Crockpot Craze- Italian Beef

Does it mean you’re old if you become obsessed with crockpot meals? I hope not… because I am becoming overly excited at the thoughts of a good recipe for ye ole slowcooker. I spent more at the grocery store the other day than I have in a very long time. Why? Crockpot meal ingredients. I’ve only tried a couple so far, but I’m on my way to finding some seriously super suppers. Like my use of alliteration there?

Last night, I made what could possibly be the easiest main dish in the history of all cooking. It’s Italian Beef with only three ingredients! You’ll need a 3 lb. beef chuck roast, a jar of pepperoncinis (15 oz), and some garlic. All you do is put the roast in the crockpot, make a couple cuts in the meat and press garlic in between, and pour the entire jar of pepperoncinis (juice included) on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours and voila! Serve with a side of vegetables or on a sandwich topped with Swiss cheese.

Shameless

Not even ashamed to ask....DOES ANYONE READ MY BLOG ANYMORE??? I think I must need to announce a million dollar giveaway in order to solicit comments. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty unimportant. Unlike many of you, I don't blog to record my kids' milestones or document do it yourself projects that have turned out fabulously at my home. My sole intention is to connect with YOU and hopefully write about something that strikes you funny, interesting, challenging, or inspiring. I need to know you're here, friends! If not, I'm seeing the purpose of this blog going down the drain quickly.

Now, make yourselves known and motivate me to come up with a great post for next time....

Chili's Ain't Got Nothin' on Me! (Queso Dip)

Chili's queso dip is a family favorite around our parts. My mom orders it almost every time we go. My brother in law is a really picky eater, and he LOVES this dip, too. So, I decided to try and find the recipe and make this potion myself...and simulanteously become the hero to those that will eventually feast on it during football season.

Here's the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 16 oz. box Velveeta Cheese

2 teaspoons paprika

1 15 oz can Hormel Chili (no beans)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (I didn't have any, so I skipped this one.)

4 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Cut the velveeta in cubes. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir FREQUENTLY until cheese melts, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.

You can thank me later. :)

Blessings

I'm in Need of some Serious Help!

Here are two pictures of my living room. ***These were taken a couple weeks after I moved in. Thankfully, I have added more things to the wall, adorned the coffee table, and addressed that super boring mantle. Behind the couch is a really pretty piece of furniture that belonged to my grandmother that I LOVE and am so thankful was passed on to me. Other than the obvious elephant in the room, I like my little cozy leisure area. Can you guess what the problem is?

That's right- the TV wall. I am the most symmetrically minded person you'll meet. What's on one side I like to have on the other. I love my table from Hobby Lobby that I purchased for the TV (although you can't see the detail in the picture), but looking back, it's just not the right piece for this space. I've thought about a wall gallery of pictures around the television, but chickened out because I was afraid one would hang crookedly...and we just can't have that, folks. I thought about a chair on one side, but then thought I would still fret on what to put on the wall behind it. There is no other place for the TV, so moving it is no option. So, I'm calling on all seasoned decoraters, amateur decorators, and decorator wannabes.....I NEED YOU! I'm soliciting any and every idea you have to make this boring wall match what I feel like is the rest of my finished and tranquil living area.

Ready? GO!