There's no place like home...especially in Autumn, with a bowl of soup in hand.

I've been busy around the house welcoming my favorite season.





I love the way my home feels all cozy when it's cool and crisp outside






and warm and inviting on the inside.





I wish you could all come visit- I'd make you a nice pot of hot mulled cider, and sit and relax with you on my sofa while we await a warm supper.

Nothing says "Welcome Autumn" like a pot of soup simmering on the stove.

This recipe I just threw together and Big Al ate 3 bowls (one right after the other) then another a little later, so I guess it's a keeper.

It's close to a Poor Boy Soup, and it's very economical and most ingredients are staples so I didn't even have to shop for this recipe.



If you want to give it a try, here's what you'll need:
1/2 onion (minced)
3 tsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. butter

Cook onion and garlic in butter until onion is transparent.
Brown ground beef and mix with garlic and butter and all to a large soup pot.

Add: 3 cans chicken broth and 2 bouillon cubes (That have been dissolved in boiling water), 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 small can (8 oz.) tomato sauce, 1/2 can sweet corn.

Bring to a boil then simmer on low for at least 30 minutes. Add cooked pasta (I used spaghetti) and heat through.

Serve with crusty bread.

Enjoy.

Announcing a winner and the most requested cookie recipe...

As promised, I will announce the winner of the cookbook giveaway and the cookie recipe most requested from the book in my comment section.

The most requested recipe from the cookbook is:


Grand Slam Triple Chocolate Cookies
Here is the recipe if you want to try them.

I have NOT made these cookies, so if you make them, let me know how they turned out.


You will need:
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 c. brown sugar
6 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T. + 2 tsp. cocoa powder (if you are making this for a jar recipe gift, clean inside of jar with a paper towel after this layer)
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

Layer ingredients in order given in a wide mouth jar or container. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient.

Attach a gift tag with the following mixing and baking directions:

For 3-4 dozen cookies-

i jar cookie mix
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 T. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In lg. bowl, cream butter, eggs, milk and vanilla. Add cookie mix and stir till well blended. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

The winner of the Cookie- Jar Gifts Cookbook is...

Carrie from Carrie's Cooking Corner!

Congratulations Carrie. When I receive your mailing address, your new cookbook will be shipped to your door!

Thank you to everyone who participated. There will be more upcoming giveaways for the holidays.

Fast and Furious Friday- Taco Chicken Soup

Soup season is here!

My friend Molly shared this recipe with me that was passed along to her from one of her Southern friends. It's quick to throw together but has the taste of a dish requiring much more preparation. My family loved it! If you find yourself in a pinch this weekend, this would be the perfect soup to warm your soul.

You will need:

5 cans chicken broth
3 bouillon cubes
5-6 cups cooked chicken (To speed up the prep time- you can use Tyson plain grilled chicken strips or use the meat from a fully cooked Rotisserie chicken at your grocery store)
2 pkg. of taco seasoning
1 can red beans
1 small can of green chili peppers
2 cans (10 1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes
diced carrots (optional)
sliced celery (optional)
Dash hot sauce (optional)
Small bag egg noodles, boiled
Boil noodles separately, then bring other ingredients to a boil. Then add noodles Simmer on low about 20 minutes.

Serve with shredded cheddar, tortilla chips/strips, and/or grilled onions.

This is a mild tasting soup with a kick. If you need more heat, add more hot sauce or add your favorite hot pepper.

Check in next Friday for more meals that are


Before you leave, click here to have a chance at winning this:

For the love of Pumpkins

My favorite taste of the Fall season is pumpkin, so I will be posting many recipes featuring this delightful vegetable.

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake,pumpkin cookies and bars, pumpkin soup, pumpkin spice flavored lattes, pumpkin Blizzards just like Dairy Queen and even pumpkin fudge!


In a couple of weeks, I will be visiting Bandy's Pumpkin Patch here in So. Illinois with some family members that have small children.

We will not only pick out our own pumpkins for decorations and cooking, but will also enjoy a hayride and will walk through a giant corn maze and the kids will also enjoy play time in the barn.

I can't wait.

But until then, one of the most perfect ways to kick off the season is to enjoy a cup of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte



"a delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso and freshly steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices." According to their website, Starbucks.com

Go to allrecipes.com to find a host of recipes to make your own if you find that nearly $5 for a cup is a bit over the top!

What is your favorite Autumn flavor? What recipes to you enjoy cooking most during this season?

ANd before you leave, don't forget to click here so you will have a chance to win this:

My Special Feature and a Special Giveaway

Today I am being featured at Eat at Home so hop over to Tiffany's place to say Hello.

But before you go, be sure to check out this contest!




Just in time for the cool weather baking season, I have been given a book (by my generous cousin Angie) to pass along to one lucky reader of this blog.

The book is filled with delicious cookie recipes and gift tags, for your convenience.
It is a $10.95 value and will be mailed to one lucky winner!

First of all, before you decide that jar gifts are outdated, remember, these gifts don't have to go in the same old mason jars. For a new look and twist on the jar gifts, try placing your mixes in any of these styles which can double for canisters or storing jars to be used later in any room of the house to store treasures.




These are basic styles that can be purchased at Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Target. (Be sure to purchase one that is airtight).

These would make wonderful gift ideas to take to someone who is under the weather, or a school teacher, co-worker, birthday , Christmas or congratulations gifts. Everyone appreciates a gift of food that is already organized for them.

Some of the recipes included are:

Grand Slam Triple Chocolate cookie mix
Gourmet Cookies
Raisin Crunch Cookies
Orange slice Cookies
Trail Cookies
White Chocolate Macadamia nut
Oatmeal Scotchies
Candy Bar Cookies
and many more traditional cookie recipes.

The contest starts today, and will end on Sunday Eve. Sept. 27 at 12 PM. Winner will be announced on Monday,Sept. 28 by 9:00 AM (CT).
Winner will be chosen by the old fashioned name in the hat method.

TO ENTER: CLICK HERE.

A Cook Book Giveaway- and Some Great Gift Ideas

Just in time for the cool weather baking season, I have been given a book (by my generous cousin Angie) to pass along to one lucky reader of this blog.

The book is filled with delicious cookie recipes and gift tags, for your convenience.
It is a $10.95 value and will be mailed to one lucky winner!

First of all, before you decide that jar gifts are outdated, remember, these gifts don't have to go in the same old mason jars. For a new look and twist on the jar gifts, try placing your mixes in any of these styles which can double for canisters or storing jars to be used later in any room of the house to store treasures.




These are basic styles that can be purchased at Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Target. (Be sure to purchase one that is airtight).

These would make wonderful gift ideas to take to someone who is under the weather, a school teacher, co worker, birthday , Christmas or congratulations gifts. Everyone appreciates a gift of food that is already organized for them.

Some of the recipes included are:

Grand Slam Triple Chocolate cookie mix
Gourmet Cookies
Raisin Crunch Cookies
Orange slice Cookies
Trail Cookies
White Chocolate Macadamia nut
Oatmeal Scotchies
Candy Bar Cookies
and many more traditional cookie recipes.

The contest starts today, and will end on Sunday Eve. Sept. 27 . Winner will be announced Monday 28 by 9:00 AM.
Winner will be chosen by the old fashioned name in the hat method.

Here's how you enter:

For one chance to win, simply leave a comment telling me which cookie recipe from the above list you would like to try.
(I will post that recipe after the contest).

For two chances to win: Follow this blog.

For three chances to win: Put a link to this contest on your sidebar.

For Four chances to win: Post about this contest.

For 5 or more chances to win: Send others this way. Any commenter who mentions your name will help you earn another chance to win. CONTEST IS OPEN TO CONTINENTAL US RESIDENTS ONLY.

Old King Coal was a Merry Old Soul...Especially when he enjoyed this Simple Cranberry Pork Tenderloin Recipe

This week I will be helping with our OLD KING COAL FESTIVAL which will begin on Thursday evening here in So. Illinois. I'm in charge of advance ticket sales, I sing "AMAZING GRACE" every year at our Coal Miner's Memorial Service, and I will lend my time here and there throughout the course of the festival wherever I'm needed.

Our area is rich in Coal Mining heritage, and although our community was once a thriving area and is now considered a depressed area (in every sense of the word), we still honor the men and women who risk their lives to bring to us this precious commodity.

Here is one of the delicious recipes submitted by Tracy Smith.

BEST AND EASY PORK ROAST

1 5-8 lb. pork loin
1 can cranberry sauce
seasoned salt
1/2 cup brown or Dijon mustard

Rub pork with seasoned salt , to taste. Place in crock pot. "Ice" meat with mustard. Stir cranberry sauce, then pour over meat. Cook on high 1-2 hours, then reduce heat to low for 6 hours. (180 degrees on a meat thermometer.)

If you would like to order a cookbook (Less than 50 copies left) from area residents who submitted delicious family recipes and tributes to their coal mining family members, click here.

The books are $13.00 (shipping included- anywhere in the US) and proceeds go to keep the festival alive and well each year.

From My Cookbook Collection: TOP SECRET RECIPES- "Wendy's Chili"

I have made several great recipes from this book for many years- most recipes taste so close to the original recipe that you can't tell the difference- MANY of them taste even better.
Here is a great chili recipe that I think tastes similar but even better than the famous Wendy's chili--just in time for these chilly temps!

YOU WILL NEED:

2 lbs. ground beef
2 29 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 29 oz. can kidney beans (with liquid)
1 29 oz. can pinto beans (with liquid)
1 cup diced onion ( 1 med. onion)
1/2 cup diced green chili
1/4 diced celery ( i stalk)
3 med. tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp. cumin powder
3 T. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. salt
2 cups water

Brown and drain fat from beef. In lg. pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring every 15 minutes for 2-3 hours.
Top with grated cheese.

*I always serve sides of sour cream, Fritos, tortilla chips, and crackers and also stretch the meal further by serving leftovers as chili dogs and/or add some macaroni for chili mac.

Enjoy.

Fast and Furious Friday- Caramel Apples

I was minding my own business while shopping at the local Kroger and enjoying the last dog days of summer, looking for some interesting ingredients to spruce up an ordinary meal I had planned.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw it. The perfect symbol of autumn's entrance- even if it is a bit early.

Well, hello there.

I quickly pushed my cart over to the caramel apple section, and chose my triple apple package ( my choice was based on the apples that seemed to be the most covered in the chopped nuts) and placed them in the cart. Throughout the rest of my shopping trip, I could think of little else. Now, an interesting supper didn't seem to matter anymore. I just wanted to get into the car and rip open the package and enjoy my treat that not only tames the cravings , but also opens the door for autumn for the rest of the season.

I just threw some hamburger, buns and a package of cheese in the cart. An "interesting supper" didn't matter any more. I just wanted a dessert. It also became an appetizer. And a midnight snack.

Since I've eaten the caramel apple, I have also brought out my fall scented candles, and started decorating my home for my favorite season. There's no turning back now.
That caramel apple had me at hello!

The Food Network magazine shares this recipe for the perfect caramel apple. Enjoy.





Directions

Mix 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Cook, swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture is light amber and a candy thermometer registers 320 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Return to low heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool until the caramel is thick enough to coat a spoon.

Insert sticks into the stem ends of 6 apples and dip the apples into the caramel, letting the excess drip off. Roll in toppings if desired, then let cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Happy Autumn- a little early.

Amrita's Zeera Aloo (Cumin Potato)

This recipe is from one of my blog pals, Amrita, all the way from India. She had this posted on her blog, YESU GARDEN and I asked if I could share it with all of you.
She kindly obliged.

She doesn't give exact measurements, so you'll just have to go by your tastes.

Thinly slice potatoes.
Heat oil in a non stick pan.
Tip in a teaspoon of cumin seeds.
When they splutter
Add the potatoes.
Put in some salt
and you if - like turmeric powder
and pepper powder.
Mix well.
And cook till potatoes are done.
I like them crispy brown.

You have them as a side dish
or with rice or any kind of bread.

Tiramisu

For my birthday recently, several of the ladies in my family treated me to a delicious Italian meal at a local restaurant BENNIES. This photo is of me with my great niece Cortney.

I enjoyed all things Italian and topped off the meal with a delicious slice of Tiramisu. (Sorry for the bad quality photo)






tirami su literally means "pick me up" or "pull me up" in reference to the effects of the sugar and espresso.

Although I love Tiramisu, for some reason I have never made it. But I plan to very soon.

And I'm making this simple version by none other than the Beautiful Italian, Giada de Laurentis.

Here you go:

TIRAMISU by Giada de Laurentis


* *6 egg yolks
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 1 pound mascarpone cheese
* 1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
* 2 teaspoons dark rum
* 24 packaged ladyfingers
* 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.

In a small shallow dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.

Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.

Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.

Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate shavings.