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!

Favorite Things

I love these posts!

1. Great Value Naturally Sweetened Drink Mix I am super excited about this recent find at Walmart. I hate drinking so much aspartame in diet drinks. I can tolerate water sometimes, but I'm not a huge fan. Sweet tea is my favorite, but sugar isn't healthy either. This, until now, hadn't left me with many healthy choices of beverages. I found these drink mixes and was thrilled! I have been waiting for this for a long time. It's sweetened with truvia, which is a natural sweetener that comes from the stevia plant. I actually make tea now and sweeten it with truvia. The mango pineapple is good and the strawberry kiwi tastes great, also. Here's to having something healthy AND low calorie to drink!

2. My current obsession...



3. World Market- LOVE this store and wish there was one closer. Any time I visit Birmingham I like to go. They have the best curtains and kitchen equipment...or should I say cutest???!!!

4. True North Nut Clusters- SO good!

5. Shimmer Nail Polish

This is my most recent selection. It's Sally Hanson Midnight Sky. I'm all about some cool nail polish! Now if someone would only invent a way to make it stay on for more than a day without chipping.

I tag everyone to do a Favorite Things blog now. It's one of my favorites to read!

Another Edition of "Around Town"

It's been a while, but it's now time for another edition of what's going on "Around Town." In case this is your first time reading, these are ACTUAL newspaper clips from a super small town in Alabama. Their paper is published once a week and by reading the following, it's obvious there's not quite enough news to fill it. ***Note: This is NO joke. I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.

*Last Thursday, Shirley and Mary shopped and ate at Arby's.

*Violot enjoyed a visit recently from her daughter and her husband, Betty and Jimmy. While they were visiting, they and M.L. and Fay put up lots of kraut.

*Adean accompanied Dean to her eye doctor's appointment last Wednesday.

*Edree was amused to hear of the bird adventures her daughter, Billie, is having. Edree said when Billie went to pick figs for her preserve-making, the blue jays had a hissy fit and objected strenuously. They darted around squawking like they were mad as hornets.

*Elsie talked with her daughter-in-law, Benitta, last Wednesday. She said Charles Hall, who had fallen off a ladder, was doing some better.

*Jim and Pattie carried Mrs. Jimmie Nell to Bodacious Steakhouse on Thursday night for supper.

*Patsy and Dale ate lunch at Captain D's.

*Marjorie and Elwanda attended choir practice for the **** County Gospel Hall of Fame.

*Carolyn was sorry to hear her brother Ray was in the hospital on Friday.

There you have it friends. If you think you are bored...... think again.