Hamburger Bean Soup

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Freezing weather and a warm hearty soup go together. I usually have most if not all these ingredients available in my kitchen and you probably do too. This old time recipe is filling and perfect … in 30 minutes. From my mother’s recipe box but influenced by her friend Kay. Wrap up in a cozy blanket and enjoy a cup of this!

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Portuguese Sopas Recipes

Portuguese Sopas RecipesWhat do you do on a gloomy day? I make sopas! Usually my brother’s recipe, here. But today I’m trying a new recipe. I like the idea of this one … It’s full of red wine, my favorite flavor. And it’s a manageable recipe for 12 or so. Both recipes are delicious and revolve around fond family memories. You really can’t get better than that! Thank you Julie for sharing your Great-Grandmother’s Recipe. I love it! Here’s where Julie & I met, right on my Portuguese Sopas Pin. Thank you again Cardoza Family.

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TriTip Salad Dinner

One Dish Meal

TriTip Salad

Not only is this a one dish meal, it’s prepared together, roasted tritip and vegetables. My family … we love a vegetable. This delicious main dish meal is so easy and foolproof. It’s perfect for family and guests. Pop this into the oven … it cooks quickly and is perfect for the summer days that are just too hot for outdoors. 108 degrees here today.  Add some asparagus to the red potatoes, red onion and red bells to balance the color. Yes, I was advised this might have just a  little too much red going on. You just can’t see the arugula. Five of us had no difficulty eating all of this delicious meal. Give it a try!

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Beet & Arugula Salad with Feta

And Bacon, if you’re into it

Beet and Arugula Salad

104 degrees today and an ongoing drought have me thinking lighter more hydrating meals. This means fruits and vegetables. Are you thinking what I’ve heard many times before beets taste like dirt. I consumed my fair share of dirt as a toddler, so I’ve been told, and I can honestly say it’s not sweet and while red beets are earthy they lack the grittiness. Still fearful? For a less earthy taste try the golden beet.

Make this recipe an easy quick fix with jarred baby beets (not pickled) or use fresh with a little added prep time. Make this completely vegetarian or add a little cooked bacon. Just a great dinner salad for a hot hot day.

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Instant Beef Bourguignon

Well, Maybe Not Instant But Pretty Close

Quick Beef Bourguignon

 

Having success with this quick dish is to avoid substitutions of lesser cuts of beef … Definitely use fresh mushrooms, smoky applewood bacon and caramelize caramelize. I’ve tried to economize with other than filet mignon but the quickness of this dish requires a tender cut. Are you thinking why smother a filet mignon? I don’t consider quality red wine and cognac a bad addition to $25 a pound beef. Give this a try when you wish to impress.

 

And for those purists who just can’t do this to a filet mignon try this.

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Oven Overnight Pot Roast

 

Great meal in itself BUT I actually made this to use the meat in an Old Fashioned Tamale Pie. How easy this is! Yes, I have a crock pot but there is something just a little better about a roast coming from the oven. Follow this simple recipe and by morning you have a deliciously cooked pot roast.

The meat from this pot roast is to be used in my Old Fashioned Tamale Pie. In the meantime, enjoy this pot roast and a newer version of my Tamale Pie, here.

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Packed with Ingredients

Fresh Spinach Lasagna

Fresh Spinach LasagnaYep, that’s Sharp Cheddar! Cottage Cheese? Can I really call this lasagna? Well, it has lasagna noodles and marinara sauce … so, I guess so. For me, I prefer the traditional lasagna but I was making this for someone who requested some changes.

It always amazes me how much our tastebuds are influenced by the foods we experienced as children. Why cottage cheese? The texture is less grainy than ricotta, she says. And sharp cheddar? I couldn’t do the Velveeta! Quickly sauté 8 ounces of spinach and layer it in … It may not be traditional but it is delicious. And a one dish meal. Continue reading


Simple Albondigas Soup

Meatball Soup

Albondigas SoupThis is one of my brother’s family favorites and I can see why. Use your favorite meatball recipe or mine, meatballs … And with the simple addition of tomatoes and onions to a beef broth you’ve Albondigas Soup.

The secret is to keep it simple.

 

Thank you Ruth, my sister-in-law, for the suggestion and recipe … I can see this as our family favorite too.

 

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Beef Ragù with Kale or Spinach

Sunday Pasta

Beef Ragu with Kale

Nothing more comforting than Sunday Pasta and a glass of red wine … for so many reasons. This recipe can provide a one dish meal. Or add a little side salad to complete. Hope you enjoy this easy Sunday Ragù as much as I.

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Guinness Beer Stew

My Irish Stew

Irish Stew

As a “wanted-to-be” housewife, but had to work outside the home, and mother I strived to create home cooked for my family just because I felt better about the nutrition. (And cleanliness! One of my first jobs was a restaurant health inspector.) And let’s face it, there’s nothing like a cozy warm delicious home cooked meal. Working leaves little time for preparing meals if you’re spread thin which is certainly what I was as a single mom. I appreciate those who create time involved difficult dishes but I’m not totally convinced the taste is always better.

So, for St. Patrick’s Day I’m simply converting my oven braised stew to my Irish Stew.

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