The Pink Cricut

I guess in December, I took advantage of 99cent bags of potatoes one too many times--because my pantry was overflowing with taters.  Since, I also had some cooked ham- I decided to throw together a simple potato soup.  However, I thought the taste was anything but simple-- since, I didn't write the recipe down as I went- I will try my best to remember exactly went into the potato soup, I can't stop eating!


8-10 small to medium sized potatoes cut in to small chunks
1/2 large white onion
1 clove of garlic diced
2 cups of diced ham
1 can of evaporated milk
4-6 cups of water
2 tsp chicken bouillon (penzey's)
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tb freeze dried chives
1 tsp paprika
3 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled


Throw all into a crock pot and cook for 4-6 hours.  May need to add spices to taste--since I didn't really measure--I am only estimating the amounts


Top with cheese and serve with fresh bread.  Yummy

Oh, how I have come to love coffee-- I am not addicted, I do not rely on it to keep me going-- but it sure does taste yummy and give me an extra little spring in my step.

I was so excited when my sweetie, wanted an espresso machine for Christmas, since he drinks straight espresso.  I did what I do best, and I researched the heck out of the espresso machines, because you know they can range from a Wal-mart model for $30 to upwards of $3000.  I was willing to spend more than $30, but definitely not willing to spend 3 grand.

I learned that the most important thing I needed to look for in a machine that would make it seem more like the pricier models was the pump- The walmart models only operate by the steam, and there is no pump--(okay, I am not mechanically inclined, so if this doesn't quite make sense--just pretend that it does).  Anyway, I found a model that was rated highly by Cooks Illustrated and at Coffeegeek.com, which also had some good reviews at Amazon.com-- and it was on sale for under $100.  Sounded good to me, so I got the hubby's wallet, and ordered it ;).

He loved it, He loves it-- and guess what?!  So, do I!  I have gottten some amazing lattes made for me, and my own private lessons on how to make the same killer lattes for myself while he is at work.  I know exactly what is going into it, and how many calories are in every cup.  It is quick and easy-- and gives me a Starbucks worthy drink within minutes for pennies.

I use 2 pumps of Starbucks Caramel or Vanilla syrup, nonfat milk, espresso or french roast Starbucks coffee beans, and sometimes a swirl of caramel on top.  I take between 2-4 shots of espresso per cup, because that is not the calorie part of the drink.  I figure at least this way, I am finally drinking milk--which I NEVER do.

To make my coffee even sweeter, I have the perfect cups to drink them from-- ( My mom got me a double layered starbucks cup with straw for cold drinks ((which btw, are selling for 36-75 on ebay right now?!?--)) and Kyle got me a PEACE, LOVE & COFFEE cup for my hot drinks ((which are the 3 things I want in my house at all times))  I am the luckiest girl alive ;)

One of my favorite feel-good meals, is simple and very, "country."   Soup Beans or Bean Soup-- whatever you call it,  I could eat it, and eat it 'til I make myself sick.  It is also very simple to make, and is always served with warm cornbread.   My kids LOVE it as much as I do-- and get excited when mommy makes it.

My grandma is the queen of soup beans-- and has really perfected the dish.  My mother made it when I was a child, and every time I would go home or go to my grandma's it was my one request.  But, then I had to learn how to make it myself and for my kids. 

The only thing that keeps me from making it on a more regular basis, is the lack of  ham bones  lying around my house.  To get a ham bone, I buy a ham, cook the ham, eat the ham, and then use the bone.  Some people can pick them up from a grocer or catering business- for cheap or even free- But, since my husband likes ham-- we do it the long way.

Now, my grandma and mom buy the beans in a bag, and soak them-- etc.  But, I have little patience when it comes to Soup Beans-- so I cut the corners a little.

You'll need:

ham bone (with ham pieces sticking to it preferably)
3 cans pinto beans
1 can navy beans (last time I subsituted black beans)
salt
cornbread

Rinse beans, and throw all ingredients into a slow cooker.  Cover beans with water.  Salt to taste.  Let cook until hot and soupy.  Make cornbread with your favorite recipe or box. 

Serve with cornbread and onions if you would like.  Yum, yum, yum.

So, the neighborhood kids were going to have a Christmas party-- and I volunteered to make the sweets.  My mom had told me about these cute melted snowmen cookies--so, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to give them a try!