Beef in Mushroom Sauce

Beef in Mushroom Sauce

2 lbs beef, cut into chunks

1 (8oz) pkg sliced mushrooms

1 (10oz) can cream of mushroom soup

1 pkg. dry onion soup mix

1 (12 oz) can lemon lime soda

Place meat in a crockpot, place mushrooms on top, pour soup over the top, and sprinkle with onion soup mix. Pour soda over all. Cook on low 6-8 hours or until done. Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes.

For more recipes check out Wonderful Food Wednesday 

Taco Pasta

Taco Pasta

1 lb ground beef

8 oz pasta, such as bow ties, rotini, or shells, cooked

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10) oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 Tbsp taco seasoning

½ C water

3 oz cream cheese

½ C sour cream

¼ C fresh cilantro, chopped

Cheddar cheese for garnish

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic. Add in tomatoes, taco seasoning and water, let simmer for about 5 minutes. Add in the cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until cream cheese is melted. Add in pasta and stir gently until mixed together well. Add cilantro, stir and garnish with cheddar cheese if desired.

Enchilada Casserole

Enchilada Casserole

Meat Mix:

1 lb ground beef

Salt free seasoning to taste

1 Tbsp minced dry onion

3 tsp chili powder

1tsp cumin

½ C water

1 (15oz) can refried beans

1 (4oz) can diced green chilies

Sauce:

1 (6oz) can tomato paste

Salt free seasoning to taste

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

2 C water

Additional Ingredients:

1 pkg corn tortillas

Shredded cheddar cheese as needed- about 2-3 cups

Nonstick cooking spray

Brown the ground beef and drain off any fat. Return to pan and add seasoning, onion, chili powder, cumin and water. Stir and let simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Stir in refried beans and chilies, warm though and set aside. Combine all the sauce ingredients and simmer together for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done set aside. To assemble spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place 2 layers of corn tortillas in the bottom of the dish, top with a little sauce. Spread half the meat filling evenly over the top, sprinkle with a little bit of cheese. Add another layer of tortillas, top with remaining meat mix and remaining sauce. Top with cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and bubbly at 350°F.

For more recipes visit Cooking Thursday

Foodie Pen Pals March

This was my first month participating in foodie pen pals and honestly it feels like a lifetime ago. I really apologize for the lateness of my post. My words have just escaped me for the longest time. During March my mom was in the hospital which I had somewhat gotten used to, she had been in and out of the hospital since last October. On March 20th my mom was placed on hospice and I was told by the doctors that she would live 2-3 days...a week at the most. I stayed by my mom the entire time and was there when she took her last breath. She lived 13 days after being placed on hospice. She was always a strong lady. She died Easter Sunday 3-31-13. She had end stage dementia- Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease. I have been taking care of her for 6 very long years. I'm just devastated as is the rest of my family.

To find out about participating in Foodie Penpals click here 

Tami, my pen pal sent me a wonderful box full of good snacks and I really have to thank her because the contents of that box is pretty much what I ate the first few days while I was at my mom's side.

I loved everything (almost) and had never had any of it before. I had to say I loved everything almost because once my daughter saw the cotton candy it was gone and I didn't get to try it. It made her really happy. Thank you for that Tami.

The person that I sent to was Cali. This is the box I sent her:

I got this note back from her:
Hi, thank you for my package- it was awesome. You were definitely right- the Inca snacks were delicious:) Thank you also for the handmade potholder! That was such a sweet and thoughtful addition.

Not in the picture was a potholder/dishcloth that I made her.
I'm glad she liked it.

In a few months once my life is a bit more normal I hope to participate again.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather.....

Right now I am....
Lost....I guess that is a good word for it.
 
Thinking....
All I can think about is my mom who past away Easter Sunday.

On my reading pile....
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever-Julia Quinn

On my TV.....
Nothing....just liking the quiet

Blog hopping (newly discovered blog)
no blog reading last


On the menu for this week....

Monday-
Italian Sausage Spaghetti 
Green Salad
Garlic Bread

Tuesday-
Stuffed Green Peppers
Sliced Melon

Wednesday-
Turkey Tetrazini
Green Beans
Garlic Bread

Thursday-
Beef in Mushroom Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli

Friday-
Crustless Potato and Ham Quiche
Sliced Melon
Toast and Jam

Saturday-
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken
Mexican Coleslaw
Corn

Sunday-
Orange Glazed Ham Steak
Texas Roadhouse Green Beans
Bacon Cheese Potatoes

On my to do list....
I don't even know....I can't concentrate more than a few minutes on anything right now

In the craft basket....
Crochet blanket

Looking forward to this week....
Nothing

Looking around the house....
I need to throw out the sympathy flowers they are starting to look bad
The whole house needs to be cleaned

From the camera....
Not a very cheery picture at all but one of the only ones I took last week. My mom and dad's grave with flowers from her funeral service last Thursday.

To join in visit Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-

Italian Sausage Spaghetti 
Green Salad
Garlic Bread

Tuesday-

Taco Pasta
Watermelon

Wednesday-

Roast Turkey Breast
Cornbread Stuffing
Mixed Beans
Strawberry Applesauce

Thursday-

Beef in Mushroom Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Friday-
Large, late lunch and then softball practice- no one was hungry afterwards.

Saturday-

Honey Pineapple Pork Chops
Broccoli Slaw
Bacon and Ranch Pasta Salad

Sunday-

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken
Mexican Coleslaw
Corn

For more menus visit Menu Plan Monday

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 C shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 C baking mix
1 C milk
2 eggs
Nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Cook beef and onion in a skillet until beef is brown; drain off any fat. Spread in pie plate; layer chilies, and cheese on top. Combine biscuit mix, milk and eggs. Pour into pie plate over beef mixture. Bake about 25 minutes or until bubbly and cooked through.

For more recipes and crafts visit In and Out of the Kitchen

Happy Homemaker Monday

The Weather:::

Right now I am:
Laying in bed under my grannie square blanket. I haven't been sleeping well.

Thinking:
Thinking about my mom. She is still in the hospital still and the Drs are saying there is not much more they can do for her. I think it may be almost time for hospice. At that point the Drs say she will live maybe 2 more weeks.

On my reading pile:::
can't concentrate to read

On my tv::: 
Not watching much TV

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::
  Haven't read a lot this week

Something fun to share:::
Can't even think about it right now

On the menu for this week:::
I didn't put any days because I have no idea what's in store for me and my family this week. I have everything for any of these meals on hand so depending on how much time I have and what I feel like eating I'll pick something from the list. I'm having a hard time eating- I don't feel like it at all and I only have dinner because I know my blood sugar will drop and then I will be useless at getting anything done. I feel like I'm force feeding myself some nights.

Grilled London Broil
Pasta Salad
Red Skinned Potato Salad

Crockpot Carne Asada
Mexican Style Rice
Refried Beans

Crockpot Chicken Fried Pork Chops
Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable

Maui Chicken
Rice
Stir Fry Vegetables

Crockpot Pot Roast
Baked Potatoes
Vegetable

Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Vegetable

Teriyaki Salmon
Sesame Noodles
Stir Fry Vegetables

On my to do list:::
Homeschooling
Clean Bathrooms
Attend to business regarding my mom

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Not doing much- I can't concentrate.
Striped Dishcloth

Love Dishcloth

Valentine Heart Dishcloth 

Very Easy Bath Mitt-

Modified Feather and Fan Dish Cloth-

Three Dishcloths-

Ruffle Scarf-

Coaster Set-

Diagonal Knit Baby Blanket-About 70% done at this point.

White Rabbit wristees- making these for my daughter for Christmas

Garter Stitch Slippers-I need to make 6 more pairs of these for friends and family 

Striped Afghan 

Homemaking Tips:::
Not really a homemaking tip but as I go through this journey with my mom I am learning how important having paperwork in order for the end of your life is. Regardless of your age you never know what might happen and it's better to be prepared than have no plan at all.


Looking around the house:::
I don't see much. Everything seems insignificant right now compared to what I'm facing.

From the camera:::

A painting from a book I was reading this past week it's called "A Life Well Spent"- the painting not the book- The book is "The Gentle Art of Domesticity"

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

To join in visit Sandra at Happy Homemaker Monday

Menu Plan Monday

Grilled London Broil
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Salad
Red Skinned Potato Salad

Crockpot Carne Asada
Mexican Style Rice
Refried Beans


Crockpot Chicken Fried Pork Chops
Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable



Maui Chicken
Rice
Stir Fry Vegetables


Crockpot Pot Roast
Baked Potatoes
Vegetable


Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Vegetable


Teriyaki Salmon
Sesame Noodles
Stir Fry Vegetables


Crockpot Chili Mac
Green Salad



Crockpot Greek Chicken Pitas
Green Salad


Honey Cashew Pork Stir Fry
Rice
Stir Fry Vegetables


Cauliflower and Cheese Baked Pasta
Green Salad


Spaghetti
Green Salad
French Bread

Chicken Club Pizza
Fruit Salad

Grilled Ham Steaks
Potato Salad
Coleslaw


Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese

Honey Hoisin Chicken
Fried Rice
Stir Fried Vegetables

Broiled Salmon with Rosemary
Baked Potatoes
Vegetable

Chicken Tacos
Southwestern Style Vegetables
Mexican Rice

Macaroni and Cheese
Green Salad

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini

1(10 oz) pkg spaghetti cooked and drained
3 C shredded cheddar jack cheese , divided
3 Tbsp. butter
1 onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced
1(10oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10oz)can cream of chicken soup
1 soup can milk
2 C cooked, diced chicken
salt & pepper to taste

Sauté onions and red pepper in butter until soft. Mix onions and peppers with spaghetti, 2C of the cheese, soups, milk, and chicken in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 350°F until bubbly and heated through about 30-40 minutes. 

For more recipes visit Mealtime Monday