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Archive for July, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

Posted in Menu Planning, tagged on July 11, 2011|

Another week has passed and Monday is here again which means it is back to work and routine after a shortened holiday work week.  I survived my 20 year class reunion Saturday night. I, along with three other classmates did most of the planning which means we had to get there early to set up and stay ‘til the bitter end to clean up.  We had over thirty classmates plus their guests and everyone seemed to have a good time.

I HAVE to go to the grocery this week to pick up some essentials and we are attending a baby shower for C’s cousin and his wife this coming weekend so this week’s list is, again, a little short.  The taco ring did not get made last week so it gets pushed to this week which is great since it makes enough for two nights.  Happy hot July to everyone!

Grilled pork chops with roasted potatoes

Taco Ring (2 nights)

Grilled hot dogs and chips

Southern Plate yellow cake with peanut butter frosting (This didn’t get made last week either.)

Grocery night

Baby shower

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Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Posted in Cooking, tagged , , on July 9, 2011| 21 Comments »

I am always on the look-out for slow cooker meals that my family will enjoy.  This recipe was featured on one of the best cooking blogs out, Our Best Bites, way back in February of 2008.  I just found it recently and decided to give it a try.

This is so easy, so good, and can feed about 6 or 7 people with one batch.  The only thing I changed was that the recipe called for red wine and we don’t partake so I didn’t have any to use.  I used more beef broth, but next time I may substitute some steak sauce or BBQ sauce for the wine for a little extra kick.

Also, if you have the time and patience, (I didn’t this time), let the leftover cooking juice set for a while and spoon the fat out.  It makes a great au jus for dipping the sandwiches.  I did pour a little of the juice on the sandwiches as I was putting them together.

Beef chuck roast, approx.. 3 1/2 lbs.

16 oz. beef broth

10.5 oz. French onion soup

6 oz. red wine

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

6-7 hoagie rolls

Sliced provolone cheese

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Trim the excess fat off of the roast and season meat on all sides with salt and pepper.

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Pour beef broth, onion soup, red wine, and garlic powder into a slow cooker and place beef roast in liquid.

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Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Take beef out and let it rest, covered with aluminum foil, for about 15 minutes.  Slice or shred the beef and return to the slow cooker on low or very low for 30 minutes.

Lightly toast the rolls and evenly distribute the cheese between them.  Divide the beef onto the rolls and spoon the beef juice into small bowls for dipping.

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This recipe is linked up at Lady Behind The Curtain’s Cast Party Wednesday & Miz Helen’s Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday.

Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by West Bend.

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Thoughtful Thursday

Posted in Fun, My Thoughts, Travel, tagged , , , , on July 7, 2011|

Let’s see…I think you are now up to Tuesday (our 10th anniversary) on your virtual vacation with C & I as we explore Virginia Beach a little more thoroughly.  Since we were on the East Coast and our hotel room faced the beach, we had an amazing view of the sunrise over the ocean.  There was also a little action on the beach before the sun came up.  The work crew use big John Deere tractors to smooth out the sand and vacuum up any debris that is on the beach.

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No wonder I couldn’t find any good shells!  Anyway, here comes the sun!  Just sit back and enjoy the view.

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The colors were just breathtaking!

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Dolphins!

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All of the above photos were taken between 4:30 and 5:00am so needless to say we went back to sleep for awhile after that.  We spent some time on the beach that morning and decided to go the Virginia Aquarium that afternoon.  The aquarium and aviary were enjoyable, but we agreed that the one in Gatlinburg is just as good.  Don’t go to Virginia Beach just for the Aquarium.  Go for the beach!!!

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This is a salt marsh which is where the ocean’s salt water meets the river’s fresh water.  I learned this fact from a handy-dandy info sign on the pier, but I also learned that salt marshes stink!!!  The smell was bad.

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Since this was our anniversary, we ate at two really good restaurants that are next door to each other and owned by the same people.  I am going to tease you with that information for a little while, because I think the food and restaurants need their own post.  Come back next Thursday for our continuing adventure.  The trip just got better and better.

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Almost Wordless Wednesday

Posted in Gardening, Photography, tagged , , on July 6, 2011|

My Nanny’s Daylily Garden…

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Menu Plan Monday

Posted in Menu Planning, tagged on July 4, 2011|

Happy Independence Day, everyone!  Hopefully, today will be filled with celebrations of all kinds.  C & I decided to celebrate by staying home and taking it easy on this long weekend and it was just what we needed! 

I don’t have as many meals listed this week because most of what I am making will last us for 2 or more meals which I like very much for a busy week like this one.  I made enough shredded BBQ yesterday to have enough for today as well and the other dishes make plenty, too.

This weekend is my 20 year high school reunion and I think it will be tons of fun.  I have helped plan it with 3 or 4 other ladies so hopefully everyone that is coming will have a great time.  I know it has been really enjoyable to spend time with people that I don’t get to see very often.

Shredded pork BBQ with oven baked fries & basic slaw

Cheesy steak sandwiches with oven baked fries (2 meals)

Taco Ring (2 meals)

Pizza night

Southern Plate’s Yellow Cake with Peanut Butter Icing

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Basic Cole Slaw

Posted in Cooking, tagged , on July 2, 2011| 11 Comments »

C loves Cole slaw so I try to add it to a meal at least once a week.  I usually take the easy route, like this recipe, and buy the shredded mix and make the dressing.  Soon, I hope to make it completely from scratch and add my own touch to the vegetable mix and dressing, but for now, I will stick with the quick and easy way!

1 package Cole slaw mix (This one has green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.)

1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use light.)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp sugar

2 tbsp milk

salt & pepper to taste

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In a large bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, sugar, and milk. 

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Stir in the slaw mix.  Add the salt and pepper to taste.  Chill until ready to serve.

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This makes a fairly dry slaw, so if you like yours wet, make a double batch of the dressing.

I am linking this recipe at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage’s Full Plate Thursday.

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