the nativity. from Nicodem Creative on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family!!!

Italian Tomato Beef Stew

 I added my own little twist = 2 cans of Italian Stewed Tomatoes and 1 large can of Tomato Sauce.

 

 

ITALIAN BEEF STEW

I got this from the Cooking Classy blog.  I like it as a crockpot recipe.  Here is what she has to say about making it in the crock pot: "toss it all in the slow cooker (skip the browning), then walk away and come back to dinner."  I first saw this recipe after a friend pinned it on pinterest.

• 4 medium carrots, chopped into 1/2-inch thick pieces (2 cups)
• 3 stalks celery, chopped into 1/2-inch thick pieces (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 1/2 lbs rump roast, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3/4 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz cremini mushroom, sliced
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving (optional)

• Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Once hot add carrots, celery and onion and saute until lightly golden, about 5 - 6 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Pour mixture into a heat proof bowl and set aside.
• Place beef in a large resealable bag, add flour and season lightly with salt and pepper. Seal bag and toss well to evenly coat beef in flour. Return pot to medium-high heat, add remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot add beef and cook stirring occasionally until beef has browned. Add 1 cup broth and red wine vinegar and cook, stirring frequently while scraping bottom of pan to loosen browned bits on bottom, until sauce has thickened. Add remaining 3 cups beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, bay leaves, potatoes, mushrooms and sauteed veggie mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover pot and simmer 3 - 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender.
• Stir in fresh basil and parsley. Serve warm sprinkled with Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired.
• Recipe Source: Cooking Classy & Grandma's Slow Cooker Recipes

4th of July cupcake decorating fun...

Found these cute pinwheels for 4th of July cupcake fun!

http://static.myownlabels.com/images/printables/pinwheel-toppers-july-fourth/pdfs/pinwheel-toppers-july-fourth.pdf

Love this site:  http://www.myownlabels.com/printables/pinwheel-toppers-july-fourth/

Back home from our trip!

We had a blast and really enjoyed Disney and all our travels in June 2013!

Back to work we go, hi ho hi ho!  lol

Vacation Time - Traveling with my family!

I'll be traveling during June 14th until June 28th, 2013.  Going to Gatlinburg, then to South Carolina, on to Jekyll Island, next to DISNEY, and last to Captiva Island.

I'll post pictures as soon as I can!

Have a great mid June everyone!!!