Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

(Wyatt frosted these beauties!)

I got this recipe from a co-worker several years ago. Now I make them every year around “pumpkin” season. They are so delicious! It was originally a vegetarian recipe (hence the soy milk), but I’ve always just used regular milk and they turn out perfect. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Makes 12 cupcakes

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup oil

1 cup sugar

¼ cup soy milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 ¼ cups flour

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

½ cup chocolate chips

1.     Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2.     In a medium bowl, stir together pumpkin, oil, sugar, soy milk, and vanilla.  Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt.  Stir together with a fork – don’t use a handheld mixer, as it will make the batter gummy.  Once well combined, fold in the chocolate chips.

3.     Fill liners two-thirds full.  Bake for 22 to 24 minutes.  Transfer to wire rack and let fully cool before icing.

Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Makes a little more than needed to frost 12 cupcakes

½ cup shortening

½ cup margarine

3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted if clumpy

1 ½ tsp vanilla

¼ cup soy milk

Cinnamon, to taste

1.     Beat the shortening and margarine together until well combined and fluffy.

2.     Add the sugar and beat for about 3 more minutes.

3.     Add cinnamon, to taste {I never measure, just like ½ tsp or until it looks/tastes how you want}

4.     Add the vanilla and soy milk, beat for another 5 to 7 minutes until fluffy.

The Best Burger Ever

Lately I've been craving Red Robin's Southwest Burger. The problem is that I hate to eat out. I hate it for many reasons, and one of the reasons is that I enjoy cooking, and I enjoy the satisfaction of eating a delicious meal that I made myself.

So I set out to make my own perfect burger:
1/3 lb, Bacon, Guacamole, Pepper Jack cheese (Red Robin uses swiss, so I made Mark's with Swiss, but when I go to RR, I get pepper jack instead)

Sorry I devoured the burger before I thought to get a picture.

Ingredients:
Guacamole: 2 avocados + packet of guacamole mix. I made the guacamole hours before dinner so the flavors would be nice and strong
1.5 slices of bacon per burger
Large Buns: I used Kaiser rolls with sesame seeds. It was the only ones in the store large enough for the burger I had in mind
Ground beef: 1/3 lb each burger
Mayo (RR uses Mayo as their only condiment, I don't like Mayo so I use ketchup)
Pickles
Red Onion
Lettuce, shredded
Cheese: I used Pepper Jack for mine because I like the extra kick. Mark prefers his with Swiss
Tomatoes, sliced
Salt, pepper, garlic powder all to taste

Tools:
Timer
Electric griddle
Metal Spatula



Directions:
Shape patties to be about 3/4 of an inch thick, with a diameter of approximately half an inch larger than the bun. Add seasonings while shaping, and once shaped, add a little more.

Once griddle is ready to go, preheated to 350 degrees, place buns on. Let buns become mostly toasted, because once the meat is on the griddle, the temperature will drop dramatically and will slow down the toasting.

Place patties on griddle, so that they're not touching each other, if they are touching, they won't cook as evenly. Turn on timer.
At 2:15, using metal spatula, flip burgers, carefully. As soon as you flip them, add cheese, otherwise it won't have enough time to melt. If the meat patty tears, the cheese can work as a glue.
Add bacon.
By now the buns should be properly toasted.
On the bottom bun add mayo, pickles, onion, tomato (order doesn't really matter, but to make it more organized, I prefer it this order). On the top bun spread the guacamole and mix the shredded lettuce (This is how RR does it).
At 6:15 (4 minutes after flipping) burgers are ready! Carefully place onto bottom bun and top with the top! Enjoy! If you want to make sure the burgers are cooked to perfect temperature, use a meat thermometer, it should read at least 165 degrees.


This burger was big enough that we didn't need anything on the side, and I still didn't finish the whole burger!

Delicious Pot Roast

I've made pot roast for years and years, always searching for that perfect recipe. That perfect taste, and soft beef. This recipe can be cooked in the oven for about 4 hours, or in the crock pot on low for 8+ hours. Either way, it tastes wonderful and is fall-apart-tender.

Delicious Pot Roast

Herb Rub:

1 TBS. dried rosemary

1 TBS. dried Thyme

1 TBS. olive oil

1 TBS. garlic powder

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. dried bay leaves

1 (5 pound) boneless beef chuck roast

4 cups low sodium beef broth, plus extra as needed

2 TBS. olive oil

3 beef bullion cubes

1. In a small bowl, mix herb rub ingredients until smooth.
2. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and rub on all sides with herb rub.
3. In frying pan, heat 2 TBS. olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 12 minutes.
5. Remove the beef and place in crock pot.
6. Add beef broth to frying pan and scrape up the brown bits that are on the bottom of the pan.
7. Poor beef broth in crock pot. Beef should be over halfway covered by liquid. Add more as needed.
8. Add beef bullion cubes to crock pot.
9. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
10. Beef will fall apart at this point. Pull it out of the crock pot and transfer to serving dish. Spoon some of the liquid over the beef to keep it moist.
11. Transfer the remaining liquid to a pot on the stove. Thicken to gravy consistency.

Fried Chicken

Another wonderful foodnetwork.com recipe. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Tim loves his fried chicken with mashed potatoes, and it makes for one delicious meal.

Fried Chicken

Chicken pieces (I like to get the picnic pack, with breasts, drumsticks, wings, etc.)

2 cups lowfat buttermilk

2 TBS kosher salt

2 TBS paprika

2 TBS garlic powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Flour for dredging

Vegetable shortening for frying

1. Place chicken pieces in plastic container and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
2. Melt enough shortening over low heat to come just 1/3 inch up the side of a 12 inch cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan. Once shortening liquefies, raise heat to 325 degrees F. Do not allow oil to go over 325 degrees.
3. Drain chicken in a colander.
4. Combine salt, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
5. Liberally season chicken with this mixture.
6. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
7. Place chicken skin side down into the pan. Put thighs in the center, and breasts and legs around the edges of the pan. Oil should come half way up the pan.
8. Cook chicken until golden brown on each side, approximately 10-12 inches per side. More importantly, the internal temperature of the chicken should be right around 180 degrees. (Be careful to monitor shortening temperature every few minutes.)
9. Drain chicken on a rack over a sheet pan. Don't drain by setting chicken directly on paper towels or brown paper bags. If you need to hold the chicken before serving, cover loosely with foil, but avoid holding in a warm oven, especially if it's a gas oven.

Family Friendly Chicken Enchiladas

I got this recipe from a good friend, Shalyse Clayton. The recipe makes lots of enchiladas. I doubled it this time and fed close to 30 people!

 

Family Friendly Chicken Enchiladas

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken

2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of chicken soup, condensed

1 cup sour cream

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilis, drained (optional)

1/4 cup dried minced onion

2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

12 plus corn tortillas

1/3 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. combine chicken, 1 can of soup, sour cream, chilis, onion, and 1 1/2 cup cheese.
3. Lightly fry corn tortillas just so they are flexible and don't break when you roll them.
4. Fill tortillas with a couple spoonfuls of chicken mixture. Depending on how full you fill them, you may use 15 or 16 tortillas.
5. Roll filled tortillas and place seam side down in a greased 9 x 13" pan.
6. Combine remaining soup with milk and spread over tortilla rolls.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
8. Cover and bake 25 minutes.
9. Uncover and bake 5-10 minutes more, or until heated through.

Serves 6-8

Variation: 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce can be used to top enchiladas, in place of the soup and milk mixture.

Christmas Treats

Every year for Christmas, we make a wide variety of Christmas treats. Some we give away as gifts, others we consume at home over the month. Some of these were traditional treats we made as kids growing up. Others I have added to my recipe book over the years. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Peanut Butter Haystacks
Chocolate Haystacks
Chocolate Snow Swirl Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Chocolate Covered Snow Peaks
Chocolate Truffles
Sugar Cookies

Sorry it took me so long to post the rest of those recipes. Hopefully you all enjoy them in the years to come.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

I can't remember where I got this recipe from, but it's pretty simple. There is not much better than chocolatey and salty mixed together.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

1 package (12 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips

1 TBS shortening

2 dozen pretzel rods or large pretzel twists

Assorted sprinkles or small candies for decorating (optional)

1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil.
2. Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a large microwave safe bowl and microwave until the chocolate is melted, stirring every 20-30 seconds. When chocolate gets overheated it thickens and becomes unworkable, so watch your chocolate carefully! Take it out of the microwave when there are still unmelted chips remaining, and stir until the final chips melt.
3. If dipping pretzel rods, hold a rod by one end and dip it in the chocolate, leaving an inch or two uncovered. If you are dipping pretzel twists, drop the whole pretzel in the chocolate and submerge it slightly. Use a fork to pull the pretzel out of the chocolate. Shake the chocolate dipped pretzels several times to remove excess chocolate, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. If you are using sprinkles or small candies, sprinkle them on when the chocolate is still wet. Repeat with remaining chocolate and pretzels.
4. Place the pretzels in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
5. If desired, melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the pretzels for a decorative look. Briefly return the candy to the refrigerator to set the white chocolate before serving. I like to do semi sweet chocolate drizzled with white chocolate, and white chocolate drizzled with semi sweet. Do whatever kind you like.

Sugar Cookies

This was an old family favorite that we always made growing up. Unlike a lot of people's sugar cookies, there's no frosting. We decorate them before cooking them, and then they are soft and yummy.

Sugar Cookies

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup butter

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth. 
2. Chill for 1 hour, wrapped in plastic wrap.
3. Sprinkle flour down and roll out the cookie dough.
4. Cut using cookie cutters.
5. Transfer to baking sheet to decorate.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes.

Chocolate Truffles

This is another recipe from foodnetwork.com. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, as long as you keep them refrigerated. They are yummy!

Chocolate Truffles

10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/4 cup brandy (I leave this out, but I do add in some almond and vanilla flavoring, a couple tsp. each.)

1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, and/or toasted coconut, for coating truffles

8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

1. Place the 10 ounces of chocolate and butter in a medium size glass mixing bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir, and repeat this process 1 more time. Set aside.
2. Heat the heavy cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture over the melted chocolate mixture; let stand for 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, stir gently, starting in the middle of bowl and working in concentric circles until all chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently stir in the brandy. Pour the mixture into an 8 by 8-inch glass baking dish and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Using a melon baller, scoop chocolate onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Place the cocoa powder, nuts, and/or toasted coconut each in its own pie pan and set aside.
5. In the meantime, place the 8 ounces of chocolate into a medium mixing bowl which is sitting on top of a heating pad lined bowl, with the heating pad set to medium. Depending on the heating pad, you may need to adjust the heat up or down. Stirring the chocolate occasionally, test the temperature of the chocolate and continue heating until it reaches 90 to 92 degrees F; do not allow the chocolate to go above 94 degrees F. If you do, the coating will not have a nice snap to it when you bite into the chocolate. Once you have reached the optimal temperature, adjust the heat to maintain it.
6. Remove the truffles from the refrigerator and shape into balls by rolling between the palms of your hands. Use powder-free vinyl or latex gloves, if desired.
7. Dip an ice cream scoop into the chocolate and turn upside down to remove excess chocolate. Place truffles 1 at time into the scoop and roll around until coated. Then place the truffle into the dish with either the cocoa powder, nuts or coconut. Move the truffle around to coat; leave truffle in the coating for 10 to 15 seconds before removing. In the meantime, continue placing the chocolate-coated truffles in the cocoa or other secondary coating. After 10 to 15 seconds, remove the truffle to a parchment lined sheet pan. Repeat until all truffles are coated. Allow to set in a cool dry place for at least 1 hour; or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Truffles are best when served at room temperature.

Chocolate Covered Snow Peaks

I got this recipe from foodnetwork.com. Delicious Snow peaks that are light and fluffy!

Chocolate Covered Snow Peaks

4 large egg whites at room temperature

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 cup plus 2 TBS super fine granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla (I tried peppermint one year and it was delicious)

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with wax paper.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites on low-medium speed with the whisk attachment until the whites become foamy.

3. Add the cream of tartar and turn speed up to medium, beating until just fluffy.

4. Add the sugar gradually, so it incorporates into the whites slowly without collapsing them.Once all the sugar has been added, add the vanilla and increase the speed to high, whisking until the meringue is firm and glossy (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Place meringue mixture into a piping bag with a medium sized nozzle attached. Pipe 24 bite sized "kiss" shaped meringues onto the trays and place in the oven.

6. Bake for 1 hour undisturbed then turn off the heat and leave in the oven overnight to really dry out.

7. Melt chocolate in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds.

8. Holding each meringue by the peak, dip the bases in chocolate so the bottom half of the meringue is coated. Let any excess chocolate drop off before placing back on the wax paper. Allow to set at room temperature-do not put in the fridge. Once set, store in an airtight container.

Peanut Butter Fudge

I looked high and low for a good peanut butter fudge recipe, since Tim loves it. After trying many different ones, this is the one we found to be the best. It is more yummy if kept cold.

Peanut Butter fudge:

1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pound (3 3/4 cups) powdered sugar

Microwave butter and peanut butter for 2 minutes on high. Stir and microwave on high for 2 more minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar to peanut butter mixture and stir to combine with a wooden spoon. Pour into 8X8 inch pan lined with waxed paper. Place a second piece of waxed paper on the surface of the fudge and refrigerate until cool. Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Chocolate Snow Swirl Fudge

This is a new recipe that I found a few years ago. Super yummy fudge!

Chocolate Snow Swirl Fudge:

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can Sweetend Condensed Milk
4 TBS. butter or margarine (divided)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Dash of salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Melt chips with Sweetened condensed milk, 2 TBS butter, vanilla and salt. Remove from heat; stir in nuts. Spread evenly into wax paper-lined 8x8 or 9x9 square pan.
2. In medium saucepan, over low heast, melt marshmallows with remaining 2 TBS butter. Spread on top of fudge with table knife or metal spatula, swirl through top of fudge.
3. Chill at least 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off wax paper and cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.

Chocolate Haystacks

Another one of Mom's recipes.

Chocolate Haystacks:

1 6-oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips.
2 tsp. oil
2 cups chow mein noodles
2 cups marshmallows

1. Melt chocolate in the microwave.
2. Stir in salad oil.
3. In a large bowl, mix chow mein noodles and marshmallows into chocolate and mix carefully. 

4. Drop dough into balls onto wax paper. Cool until set.

Peanut Butter Haystacks

This was one of Mom's recipes. Love these haystacks!

Peanut Butter Haystacks:

1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups chow mein noodles
2 cups marshmallows

1. Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter on top of a double boiler or in the microwave. Blend together.
2. Stir marshmallows and noodles gently into the melted peanut butter mixture.
3. Drop dough into "balls" onto wax paper. Cool until set.

Mary's version of INO

I worked at INO for 6 years, in doing so, I've learned to make a great burger. The real secret is great ingredients.

This is for a Double Double Animal style
Ingredients:
Ground beef (INO uses Front Corner Chuck)
Lettuce (iceburg)
Plump red tomatoes
Pickles (I use homemade, but any dill will work)
Mustard
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
American Cheese
Buns (INO uses a sponge dough, made specifically for INO, I have found the best douplicate is made by Wonder Bread)
 Onion
 Salt
Pepper

Equipment:
Temperature-controlled non-stick griddle
Metal spatula
Stopwatch (I use the stopwatch on my phone)

Prep:
Wash and leaf lettuce, removing any "spines"
Wash and slice tomatoes, should be approximately 1/4" thick, remove core (1 large tomato should be enough for 6 burgers)
slice pickles, 3 per burger, then julienne for "spread" 
Chop onion. I find it best to slice the onion thinly (same thickness as tomato) then chop the slices.
Combine equal parts salt and pepper in bowl.

"spread":
INO did a good job of keeping the recipe for their spread a secret. As associates, we were told to tell customers that it is mayonnaise-based and contains egg. Those who eat utah's famous "fry sauce" say it is similar in taste. I prepare my own spread similarly to fry sauce.
Mix equal parts ketchup and mayo and add the pickles.

Begin!
Set griddle to 350 degrees. Once preheated, add onions. Using the metal spatula, keep the tossing the onions by flipping them. Don't let them sit for longer than a minute at a time or they'll burn. You want the onions to be a nice golden color.
Once onions are ready (about 5 minutes), place buns face down on griddle (keep onions on too, still flipping). After about a minute, slide buns over close to the onions so you have room to cook the burgers. Place patties far enough apart so they don't touch. Turn on stopwatch. sprinkle salt and pepper mixture evenly on patties. With mustard, squirt (thin spout is best) in a spiral motion so most of patty is covered. It's important that the spout isn't too thick, otherwise the burger won't cook properly.
after 1 min 15 seconds, flip each patty, careful not to tear it. Take the American cheese and fold 1/5 down. the edge with the double cheese is called the "cheese fold" place the cheese fold on the same place on each patty (At INO we put the cheese fold on the left).
By now buns should be a nice brown toasty color.
Using the top bun to help scoop, put a layer of grilled onions on the second patty, enough to cover the entire patty. Place top bun on first patty.
On bottom bun, cover bun entirely with spread. Then with three pickles, place evenly. With the tomato, make sure the tomato covers the entire bottom (A motto we have is: See spread? Need more red) add lettuce, not too much is needed. Add extra spread on top of the lettuce, just a dallop is plenty.
At 4:15, place top patty/bun on top of second patty, placing straight so cheese folds line up nicely. From the front, burger should have the thickest part of the cheese showing, and no corners, place onto bottom bun.
ENJOY!!
I'd like to add, I no longer work at INO. This is not a copy cat, I just do my best to use the same steps I did while working there, since we don't have INO here in Michigan. Nothing can compare to real INO.

Next time I make it, I'll take more pictures of each step.

Chocolate Trifle

I don't really remember where I got this recipe, but I've only made it a couple times in the last 10 years. Then last year for her birthday, Rebekah requested it. She's not a big cake fan, and certainly not a frosting fan, so I made this to try something different. Everyone loved it. Including Wyatt, who also is not a big fan of cake. This year for his birthday, he really wrestled between the trifle, chocolate fondue, and red velvet cake (which I made for him last year). He finally settled on the trifle. Hopefully you All enjoy it as much as we do!

Chocolate Trifle

1 Package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix
1 package (6 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 heath bars (1.4 ounces each), crushed

Bake cake according to package directions. Cool.
Prepare pudding according to package directions. Set aside.
Crumble cake; reserve 1/2 cup. Place half of the remaining cake crumbs in the bottom of a 4 1/2 or 5 quart trifle dish or decorative glass bowl. Layer with half of the pudding, half of the whipped topping, and half of the crushed candy bars. Repeat the layers of cake, pudding and whipped topping. Combine remaining crushed candy bars with reserved cake crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Refrigerate 4-5 hours before serving.

Serves 8-10

Peanut Butter and Caramel Cream Cheese Dip

A few weeks ago, we had a dip-off at work. Lots of yummy dips were submitted. This incredible one won for the best dessert dip. I'm not a peanut butter lover, but this dip is SO delicious!

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature. (Do not use reduced fat or fat free. It will cause your dip to be very soupy.)
3 Tbs. brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1cup powdered sugar
1/2 divided Heath bar bits

Beat cream cheese and brown sugar together until smooth. Add all remaining ingredients, except Heath bits, and continue beating until combined and creamy. Fold in 1/4 cup Heath bar bits.

Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Pull it out a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften. Sprinkle remaining Heath bar bits on top as a garnish. Serve with big marshmallows or apple slices for dipping.

Creamy Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast
1 can of cream of chicken (cream of celery and mushroom work too, but we prefer chicken)
.5 of a bell pepper (it is better with multiple colors, but we usually use just green)
.5 an onion
1/3 cup of milk (this is an estimate)
1 packet of fajita seasoning mix

Marinade:
Fajita seasoning
Liquid smoke
Lemon juice
Vegetable oil


Toppings:
Cheese
Chopped raw onion
Cilantro
Avocado
Sour cream


Steps:
1. Slice chicken in strips and marinade for an hour.
2. Slice vegetables and pan-fry in 1Tbs of vegetable oil
3. Add chicken including marinade
4. Once chicken is almost fully cooked (3-4 minutes), add cream of chicken, milk and fajita mix.
5. Let mixture heat up and mix well with milk. Let simmer for a few minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy!

We eat this on homemade corn tortillas. I'll post about that later. Works well with flour tortillas also.
This is a great meal to freeze and enjoy later. Just place in a freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. Great meal  also to bring to someone under the weather along with tortillas and cheese. Just thaw, warm, and eat!

This recipe is for two adults with a little bit of left overs.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes - Mom's way. Actually, we used to call these, "Sloppy Davids"!

1 lb ground beef
Dehydrated onions
1 large (tall) can pork and beans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup worcestershire sauce

Cheddar cheese slices
Hamburger buns
Mustard
Pickles


Cook the ground beef and sprinkle in some dehydrated onions. Add the pork and beans, brown sugar, ketchup and worcestershire sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve on open face bun. We like to spread mustard on the bun, top it with cheese and a pickle slice, and top with the sloppy joes. Eat with a fork! Too sloppy to eat with your hands.

Taco Soup

Yummy way to use up your leftover taco meat. Warms you up on a cold night!

1 lb ground beef
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
1 can water
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
Taco seasoning
Chili powder to taste

Garnish:
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Chips


Cook the beef and mix with taco seasoning. I usually will freeze my leftover taco meat 2 or 3 times after having tacos and when I get enough, I'll just use this frozen meat.
Throw everything in the crock pot and cook on low for 6+ hours. Serve with your favorite garnishes.