The Blizzard That Wasn't and Gratitude

It looked threatening enough.

Looking even more threatening....

The flakes begin to fall.

When it started, it snowed and blew pretty hard...

but it didn't last for long.
Oh well, the tree looks pretty cool anyway.

Gratitude

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and there's so much I'm grateful for!
My husband (the best!), my kids (awesome!),
our families, the gospel of Jesus Christ, wonderful friends,
a good roof over my head, Christmas music, scented candles,
my sisters, cars that run, food to eat, warmth,
electricity, exercise making me stronger, health and strength,
Cream of Wheat, dark chocolate. (Not necessarily in that order).
This is just a few because the list would be way too long!


Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Lasagna Soup

I found this recipe today over at Real Mom Kitchen.
I changed it up a little by using no green pepper,
adding a little olive oil, an extra tablespoon of brown sugar,
extra pasta and an extra garlic clove.
It really does taste like lasagna.
Give it a try and you won't be sorry!
Here's my version:

Lasagna Soup

1 lb. ground beef
a small handful of dry minced onion
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 T. olive oil
1 tsp. thyme
2 T. brown sugar
4 c. water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 14 oz. can tomato sauce
1 t. basil
1 t. oregano
3/4 t. sea salt
2 1/2 c. uncooked rotini pasta
3/4 c. grated parmesan
shredded mozzarella
garlic croutons

In a large pot, brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in olive oil.
Cook until ground beef is brown.
Stir in thyme, brown sugar, water, bouillon, tomatoes, sauce, seasonings and salt.
Bring to a boil and simmer 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta until just underdone.
Stir pasta and cheese into soup.
Continue simmering for another 3-4 minutes.
Serve topped with shredded mozzarella and croutons.