MEXICAN TACO STEW

One of the nicest things about Louisville, KY is visiting the Whole Foods Store. I could go there everyday. For someone like me all the pretty labels and selection of foods was like being a little kid in the candy store.

Tonight we tried this delicious recipe called Mexican Taco Stew. With the addition of some homemade corn bread we had a scrumptious meal. Not only was it good but it was quick and easy as well as nutritious.

Even Tyler liked it!

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
1 large zucchini or summer squash, cut into small cubes
1 (15-ounce) can black beans
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup medium salsa

Method

Brown meat in a large pot over medium high heat. Drain, remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until onion is translucent. Add meat back to pot and sprinkle mixture with taco seasoning to blend. Add remaining ingredients and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes.

Claire at the old swimming hole.

Claire

This is Claire. We adopted her three years ago when a friend who is a breeder was retiring her. She was the sweetest of dogs, very slow moving and would eat everything - knapsacks, her leash, Max's leash, John's wash his car scrubbers, and car seat belts. Yet despite her penchant for eating all things I loved her to pieces. She could smell an apple under our trees from the driveway and off she would go. She was great to walk with because she would nicely walk behind me however she had an 1/8 mile limit - not very good for letterboxing.

Today, we lost Claire and even though I have had over a dozen dogs she was the one who brought a flood of tears to my eyes when the vet said she didn't recover from her surgery. She will be missed by a lot of people who grew to love her gentle ways.

This is how she would spend evenings - snuggled in Doug's lap - all 75 lbs. of her.

Applesauce Spice Cake

Sunday is my turn to bring the goodies to church. In trying to keep down the calories and make something nutritious I came across this delicious recipe for Applesauce Spice Cake.

3/4 c. unbleached flour

1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour

1/3 cup sugar (I'll use less next time)

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. ginger

1/2 t. allspice

Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Combine next three ingredients in a small bowl and stir until just moistened.

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup molasses or honey(again I'll use less next time)

3 T. egg substitute

Fold in

1/3 cup raisins (or any other dried fruit:prunes, dates, apricots)

1/4 cup walnuts (or any other nut or seed)

1.Coat an 8" square pan with nonstick cooking spray and spread the mixture evenly in the pan.

Bale at 325 for 30-35 minutes

Be careful not to over bake but make sure it is done in the center

2. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, remove from pan and wrap in plastic wrap (this will produce a softer, moister crust)

8 servings

180 calories

It was a hit at church. We try to have a coffee time with "treats" that are somewhat nutritious and kinder to ones diet. This one sort of fits the bill with no fat yet moist.

rum pum pum pum

Already a budding musician. Tyler not only can dance but can play the drums and guitar. Not bad. Better start saving for music lessons.

I am a Bunny

I AM A BUNNY - a favorite of my children and now Tyler's too. James and him are becoming best buds. Doesn't sit too long for story reading but some day cause I love to read aloud.

contentment

This is the guy I hurry home from work to see. Sssshhh don't tell his grampa. Today after dinner we sat at the table and play with our wooden people and animals putting them in and out of containers. He is a ham and keeps us all laughing at his antics.

I have become the grown up who gets to put him to sleep at night. Nothing can compare to having your grandchild snuggle on your shoulder as you dance and sing to him. Heavenly bliss and I am so blessed.

New Year's Fun

The annual sharing of the binky.
Uncle Joshua learning a few tips from Tyler.
Sledding down Hart's Hill School Hill. A favorite spot for generations. Had a bit of a problem keeping the mitts on.
Devouring Mama's birthday cake.
Helping daddy play wii.