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Welcome to the weekend, my friends! It stormed all night and while it’s no longer raining and the sun is shining this morning, I just checked and the weather app says that humidity is 100%. HOW is that even a thing? I mean, the temp in Phoenix is likely still over 100°F, but that’s a dry heat, right? I simply have to laugh these days. I’ve traded one high for another this year. I’m so ready for my beloved sweater weather.
ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: This creamy, rich Slow Cooker Potato Soup with a sprinkling of rosemary and thyme simmers in the crock-pot throughout the day, until you are ready to eat. I’ve been calling this my “Busy Day Potato Soup” for years.
The rich and hearty flavors of cabbage and root vegetables combine with savory beef in a simmering pot of Cabbage Stew. This is the kind of comfort food that warms you right down to your toes. It’s essentially a classic beef stew with the added element of the cabbage. And as someone who loves cabbage, I’m thrilled with how it turned out.
Buttery, Cheesy Drop Biscuits are also filled with shredded zucchini and carrots, you don’t notice the vegetables at first, but they add fantastic flavor and they’re a perfect match for steaming bowls of soup or stew or chili. With their flaky interior, a golden top, and an awesome crunchy, golden bottom, these cheddar drop biscuits are rapidly becoming new favorites.
Pair either soup with this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad and it’s a whole meal you’ll love. The salad is made with crisp sweet apples, chewy cranberries and raisins, pecans, onions, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese tossed with shaved Brussels sprouts before being drizzled with a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It’s easy to make and hard to forget, the salad is a showstopper.
If it’s still warm where you are, or if you are like me and just love the convenience of having a pasta salad stashed in the fridge for easy make ahead lunches, this one is for you. Fresh, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, AND chicken and bacon? I never really have to sell this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad to get someone to try it. With all this and more, it’s no wonder that it is consistently a hit at our table.
I love pasta salads. They’re so versatile, supporting a seemingly endless array of ingredients. And I’m always experimenting with new versions. I was making my bacon pasta salad the other day and on a whim I tossed in some grilled chicken. It turned out soooo good! I knew I had to recreate it as its own recipe asap. So, here we are.
When the weather starts to change and I’m craving fall flavors, but not quite ready to start baking, this Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal is where it’s at for me. It’s hard to beat a hot fragrant breakfast that can be on the table in less than 15 minutes.
Hot tea is a perfect match for steamed milk in this beloved London Fog drink. I’ve enjoyed my tea with a splash of milk for as long as I can remember, but a simple frothy spin takes your average cup of tea to the next level.
Rich, chewy fudge Andes Mint Brownies are filled with melting Andes mints and plenty of chocolate chips. These mint lovers brownies are truly perfection.
What I’m CRAVING: Lynne’s Mom’s Lasagna. It is the best lasagna I have ever had the privilege of eating and I’m so excited that she’s visiting and making it for our family dinner tomorrow. I’m pretty sure my family is every bit as excited as I am, if I’m honest.
I should probably make it more often, as much as we all love it. (I kid you not, my family actually cheers when I tell them I’m making it!) But since she’s here, I’m letting her do it for us this time. I will happily make a salad and the garlic herb bread to serve with it.
My FAVORITE THING this week is my hand lotion. I just ran out and reordered it this week. I love this stuff. I have been using it along with this cuticle oil for years now.
What I’m READING: Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman. While I’m an enormous fan of Matt’s entire DCC series, this book was a bit of a slow start. However it eventually drew me in and then I couldn’t put it down. I don’t even know where to start as far as describing this one, so I’ll leave you with this blurb:
“All colonist Oliver Lewis ever wanted to do was run the family ranch with his sister, maybe play a gig or two with his band, and keep his family’s aging fleet of intelligent agriculture bots ticking as long as possible. He and his friends soon find themselves fighting for their lives against machines remotely piloted by gamers who’ve paid a premium for the privilege. With the help of an old book from his grandfather and a bucket of rusty parts, Oliver is determined to defend the only home he’s ever known.”
What I’m LISTENING to: All of My Days by Ellie Holcomb. There aren’t even words for how much I still love this album right now. It is a small album of Psalms and it is incredible. You can listen to the title song All of My Days on YouTube.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Wishing you a beautiful week filled with little things that make you smile!
Mary
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Your recipes are delicious, nutritious, and maybe best of all quick and easy!
Every one who has tasted these dishes you have created, is delighted!
Bless your generous Heart,
Judelon LaSalle
Central Coast of California
Thanks so much!
I love your recipes, there easy to follow and I almost always have the ingredients on hand.
I miss getting your email from you every day. I don’t know why I quit getting it. I keep look8ng in spam box and new mail and it hasn’t been in either. I was finally able to go in your website and find this one. You were alway an insuring.
I read Theo of Golden to my husband while he was in bed with a herniated disk. It kept us on the edge of our seats all the way to the end. Great read