My Favorite Cupid Says

Taco Soup

• 
  Taco Soup
  I make this in my slow cooker, but you can do it stove top as well, just plan on giving it about an hour or so.
  
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
  • 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
  • 2 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chilies
  • 2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chilies
  • 1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
  • Corn chips, for serving
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Grated cheese, for garnish (I like pepper jack or mozzarella)
  
  *optional: 2 tsp each: basil, parsley, oregano
  
  1. Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot.
  
  *For extra flavor in the meat, add basil, parsley and oregano and allow to simmer for a few extra minutes.  It might not sound like it "fits" into a mexican recipe, but it gives the meat much more flavor, and it really adds to the depth of the dish.
  
  2. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove.
  
  3. Ladle soup over crushed corn chips. Top with sour cream & cheese ENJOY!
  
  * If you use the slow cooker, add the corn closer to the end so it's still pretty crisp, to keep the dish bright and the texture firm.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

1/2 Cup Ketchup
1/3 Cup Worcestershire
1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Ground Mustard
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Dash Red Chili Pepper Flakes
Pinch Salt and Pepper
1 Medium red Onion, Chopped
3 Pounds Pork Shoulder, Trimmed of Fat.

Method
1. Combine all ingredients except for onion and pork into crock pot. Whisk all ingredients until well blended.
2. Place pork and onions into mixture, coating both sides of meat.
3. Cook for 8 to 10 hours under "low" slow cooker setting.
4. After meat is cooked, remove from slow cooker onto plate and break apart with fork. If meat has any bones, please discard at this time.
5. Place meat back into warm sauce to reheat.
6. Serve on hamburger buns or Rolls.
7. Enjoy.

Optional: I usually top the sandwich with coleslaw

3 Months Old!

Nixon is 3 months old today!

Paula Dean's Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables or niblet corn, prepared
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp each: Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Garlic Powder
• 8 to 10 medium red new potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 12 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups instant biscuit mix

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beef Layer: Saute onions in 2 tablespoons butter. Add ground beef and 1 tsp each: Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Garlic Powder . After beef is browned, drain and add tomato sauce; Mix in vegetables. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Potato Layer: Peel and slice potatoes 1/4-inch thick. Cook in boiling water for approximately 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Whip potatoes with electric mixer; mix until moderately smooth. Don't over beat them; a few lumps are nice. Add 1/2 cup heated milk, 1/2 cup butter, and sour cream. Salt and pepper, to taste. Whip until mixed. Adjust thickness by adding more milk, if desired.

Biscuit Layer: Combine biscuit mix and 1 cup milk. The mix should be thinner than normal biscuit mix but not runny.

Grease a 9 by 9 by 2-inch pan, or any similar casserole dish. Layer half way up with the mashed potatoes. Next, spread a layer of mixed vegetables or niblet corn on top of potatoes. Then add a layer of the meat. Pour biscuit mix over meat. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over top. Bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes until top is golden brown.

Happy New Year

We got the best New Years gift ever! Our Baby is home!!!

The Happiest New Year EVER

Today was an amazing day! After 77 days in the NICU Nixon is finally home where she belongs! We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful and perfect little girl. 

We are so excited to ring in the new year with our little peanut.  

Merry Christmas!

2 Months Old!

Nixon is 2 months old today!

2 Months Old!

Nixon is 2 months old today!