Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Taco Soup and Cookies

Posted on By jennifer

Something a bit different today.  So much has been shared and said…and I have been blessed.  But my brain, sometimes, feels on overload.  When I need a break, I usually head to the kitchen:)  Cooking for my family is relaxing and comforting.  Not only does it feel “normal” but it gives me a sense of “doing” for them.  Providing, protecting and loving them through unsettled days. Cookies are not really protecting anyone but I feel better – emotionally and mentally -after I’ve been in the kitchen.

For now, I have been cooking some of our favorites; however, I would like to try some new things.  New recipes and new to me skills.  Think, homemade bread and cinnamon rolls.  Today, though, I thought I would share two recipes that are proven winners.  Tried, tested and tasty!!:)

The first is for soup.  I know spring is not typically soup weather..but this is comfort food.  It is easy and delicious.  I have had this recipe – jotted on a scrap of yellow notepaper – for years and have no idea where it originated.

Taco Soup

2 pounds hamburger (since I am vegetarian I used soy crumbles.  I recently discovered LightLife crumbles and they are so tasty, my husband eats them as well.)

1 medium onion (or less – I’m usually skimpy with onion)

1 can each: corn, kidney beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes (I used two different types of kidney beans because it was what I had…and I like them much better than chili beans)

V-8 Juice (large size)

1 envelope of taco seasoning (this is all the seasoning so choose your heat – mild or spicy – here)

Mix all together in the crockpot and slow cook for 4-8hours.  Serve with tortilla chips and shredded cheese.  Oh, and sour cream.  Always sour cream!!:)

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is another family favorite!  We have a birthday this week at our house and these were the requested sweet – in place of cake!  This recipe can be found on my Pinterest board and is originally from a blog called Butter with a Side of Bread.  I was checking to make sure the blog was still active and, oh yes, the latest recipe is for Easy Lemon Bread  – which looks divine!  Both of these recipes include a box of instant vanilla pudding.  I think I may have discovered the secret.  No need for me to rewrite the whole recipe, I will just link here.  These are amazing!

Other

Comments (4)

  2. Used to make this with my second graders only we called it Stone Soup to go with the folktale by the same name. We would make it in the library in crock pots and let it simmer all day. So good. I just made a batch here at home. We are doing a recipe swap and blog hop on o4.28.2020, why don’t you come join us!!

    1. I remember stone soup:) I was a teacher’s aide for years and years. Some days were long but so many days were just plain fun!!:) A recipe swap sounds fun!!

  3. Yes, comfort food. I’ve made lots of that over the last couple of months. I’m happy to say I haven’t gained any weight! I love soup all year round.

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