Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Walkin' On Sunshine Day 9

It was 2 miles for me today. How did everyone do?! :-)

"The little farmhouse is waiting
Beneath the maples' rich yellow;
Corn shocks stand with pumpkins near,
And frost-nipped apples are mellow.

The red barn is filled with grain,
Cellar shelves hold treasures;
Oh, I am thankful to be living,
To share in autumn's pleasures!"

~Earle J. Grant
from Ideals magazine

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Days Gone By" by Jim Hansel

Farmhouse Hamburger Soup


Farmhouse Hamburger Soup
8 servings

oil
½ onion, chopped fine
1 pound ground beef
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 can corn, drained
1 can green beans, drained
1 can baby peas, drained
2 potatoes, chopped
1 cup baby carrots
1 small can tomato sauce
2 cups chicken stock
salt to taste
lots of freshly ground black pepper
cheddar cheese, grated
sour cream
tobasco sauce

Cook onions in oil until tender; add ground beef and cook until beef is done. Place onions and beef in a large stock pot (or crock pot). Add tomatoes, corn, green beans, peas, potatoes, carrots, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and seasonings. Simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender. Top with cheese, sour cream and tabasco sauce to taste. Serve with cornbread and enjoy!

I am trying this in the crock pot since it is soccer practice night. I am hoping four hours on high will cook the potatoes and carrots. :-)

Edited to add - four hours was just right!

Homemade Hot Cocoa

I've always thought the color of hot cocoa
was the loveliest color in the world! ;-)

Hot Cocoa
4 servings

2 tablespoons cocoa
3 tablespoons sugar
¾ cup water
3 cups total of milk and/or cream to taste

Mix sugar and cocoa. Add water and whisk until smooth. Place over low heat until mixture boils. Add milk; heat until scalded. Do not boil. Just before serving, stir smooth. Pour into a favorite mug and enjoy!

Country Oatmeal

There really isn't much decision to make, 
as far as what to have for breakfast on a rainy autumn morning... :-)


Country Oatmeal
2 servings

1 cup water
¾ cup milk
1 cup quick oats

Bring water and milk to a boil. Add oats and cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Cover, remove from heat and let sit 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with your choice of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon. Curl up in a cozy chair and enjoy!