Ham and potato soup

I had this soup at my sister-in-laws house.  She must have a magic touch because I've tried to make it about 5 times and although it is easy and delicious, I still haven't been able to make it quite as good as she did.  I'm gonna keep trying though!  It's basic, foolproof, hearty, and comforting. 

*Notes: I use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture in the soup.  Also, the more flavorful the ham is, the more flavor the soup has.  Once I used store bought ham, not so great.  I usually wait to make this when I have leftover spiral ham.

Beef Stew

I pretty much ate everything my mom made growing up, except for a couple things here and there.  First and foremost on the yuck list: beef stroganoff.  Just the name alone gives me the shivers.  I also happen to love a good beef stew, but somewhere along the line I realized that I don't like beef stews that have tomato bases.  Yes, I am very picky.  So as I was scouring the interwebs for tomato-less beef stews, I stumbled across this recipe.  The name threw me off, but when I looked at the ingredients, I thought how bad could it be?  I gave it a try and was very happy.  The first time I made it I even forgot to add the sour cream, and it was still delicious.  

*note: in her actual beef stew recipe, she gives a tutorial on how to add carrots without turning them to mush.  Basically she cuts them up and tosses with oil, salt, and pepper, and wraps them in a foil packet and places that on top of the meat inside the crockpot.  When the meat is finished cooking, add the carrots.  They will be nice and tender yet still retain their texture.

Lion House Rolls

This is a no-fail roll recipe.  Sweet and fluffy, soooo good.  They take a little time with a double rise, but worth it.  Just plan ahead, and you won't be sorry

*Note: I like round dinner rolls so I usually don't go to the hassle of rolling them out, just shaping into balls

*Note: this bread recipe is the same for cinnamon rolls.

Thin Mint Poke Cake

I almost broke my phone drooling over this picture when I saw it on Pinterest a few months ago.  It was literally screaming my name.  Luckily I had a baby shower to throw coming up and so this went straight to the top of the menu.  IT DID NOT FAIL.  I think I got more compliments on this cake than any other cake I've ever made in my life.  It was easy and unbelievably delish-if you like chocolate mint, then this is the perfect cake for you!

Pumpkin waffles

I'm not a big pumpkin fan when it comes to the actual vegetable, but I do love the flavors that usually surround it: ginger, cinnamon, molasses, clove, etc.  Warm and slightly spicy.  I had half a can of pumpkin puree leftover and always have a craving for waffles!  This recipe came to the rescue, and who can resist a flavored syrup?!? Not me.  We had a happy breakfast-for-dinner :)

Sausage, kale, and potato soup

This soup has been all over the internet for years, but I've never been apt to try it.  A few months ago I had it at a friend's house for dinner, and I almost died.  Absolutely delicious, in fact I would venture to say it is one of the best soups I've ever had.  Full of flavor and easier than easy.  Very filling.  And my favorite part: the kale.  I love the way it softens but doesn't melt.  It's hearty and warming and fabulous.  Can't believe it took me so long to try it.

Lettuce wraps

With Jeremy on a no-carb "lifestyle", I try to be nice every once in a while and make something special for him.  I had an idea for lettuce wraps the other day and set to whipping some up for him.  Easy, peasy, and full of flavor!  I looked at a few recipes and then threw together my own.  You can get as creative as you like with this recipe!

Ground turkey or chicken, about 1 pound

Finely diced carrots, celery, and onion (about 2 carrots, 2 stalks of celery, and a small onion)

A few cloves of garlic, minced, a knob of finely chopped ginger if you have it

1/2 can of chopped water chestnuts

Trader Joe's Soyaki Teryaki sauce

Sesame oil

Rice wine vinegar

For wrap assemly:

Romaine or butter lettuce leaves

Optional additions: cooked rice, matchstick cucumbers or fresh carrots, chopped peanuts or cashews, diced green onions

I browned the meat and then added the veggies and just kept the lid on until they softened up.  Added about 1/2 cup of Teryaki sauce, or until it was saucy enough for my liking, then just sprinkled a little vinegar for tang and a tiny bit of oil for some nuttiness.

My kids skipped the lettuce and ate the filling on top of rice.  Everyone was happy!