Salisbury Steak

SALISBURY STEAK

Serves 4

Meat Mixture:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon ketchup

2 teaspoons dry mustard

4 dashes Worcestershire sauce

1 cube beef bouillon, crumbled (or powdered beef base)

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

Gravy:

1 whole onion, halved and thinly sliced (or diced if you prefer)

2 cups beef broth, more if needed for thinning

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 teaspoon seasoning sauce, such as Kitchen Bouquet, optional

4 dashes Worcestershire

1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional 

Salt and pepper

 1.     For the meat mixture: Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon and some salt and pepper. Knead until all combined. Form into 4 to 6 oval patties, and then make lines across the patties to give them a "steak" appearance.  

2.     Fry the patties in a skillet with the butter and oil over medium-high heat on both sides until no longer pink in the middle. Remove from the skillet and pour off any excess grease.

3.     For the gravy: Reduce the heat to medium and add in the sliced onions. Stir and cook until golden brown and somewhat soft, for several minutes. Add the beef stock, ketchup, seasoning sauce, if using, and the Worcestershire. Then combine the cornstarch with a little beef broth and add to the sauce if using. Stir and cook to reduce. 

4.     Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper and more broth if needed for thinning. Then return the patties to the gravy. Spoon the gravy over the top and let them simmer and heat back up for a couple of minutes.

2012 Ree Drummond, All Rights Reserved

Sausage and Potato Bake

Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake

Ingredients :

1 package of sliced Eckrich skinless smoked sausage

8 quartered Yukon gold potatoes

1 diced green pepper

1 diced yellow pepper

Green Beans

Carrots

2T butter

1t oregano

1t basil

½t black pepper

2t olive oil

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 375°.

In a pan, arrange the sausage, potatoes and peppers and place the butter over the top in small cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and season on top.

Bake covered for 40 to 50 minutes.

Simple, easy and yummy! I sometimes make this with veggies, carrots, zucchini, broccoli and some cheese over the top, it goes really well with the seasonings. I make this with ham too! Give it a try, you will love it!

Jan's Sloppy Joe's on Toasted Bakery Buns

2 pounds Angus Ground Chuck
1 large Sweet Onion, finely chopped
1 Red Pepper, chopped
1 Bottle of Masterpiece Original Barbecue Sauce
1 can of Campbell's Tomato Soup
1 teaspoon sugar
8 Bakery Hamburger Buns
Butter...

Instructions

Over medium heat the ground chuck and break apart into small pieces. When there is no more pink in the meat, add the onion and red pepper and cook for about 5-10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring often.

When the onion and pepper are somewhat soft, add the Barbecue Sauce until it's the consistency you like. I'll usually add an entire small bottle, along with a bit of water to remove it all from the bottle. Add 1/2 of the can of Tomato Soup. Sprinkle the sugar over the top and stir. Cover and heat through and then serve on the toasted buns, below.

You can freeze the barbecue for up to 2 months.

Buns

Lightly butter the burger bun tops and bottoms. Put under the broiler and watch carefully until they're brown OR put on a large griddle and heat til browned. That's it. The butter and browning really add alot of flavor and texture to these sandwiches. {Only brown as many as you plan to eat, as they don't keep well.}

Sawyer Celebrated

His 1st Birthday a bit over a week ago.  I can't believe he's one already!  He's so precious.

His mom is obviously reading a card to him, but he has his eyes on something going on, rather than on the card.  He loves watching everyone!

He knows he'll be eating some of his Birthday cake with whales soon...and look at his dimples when he smiles thinking of it.

Can you tell he is loving the cake?  He sure did!

Happy Birthday Sawyer....

Love Grandma

Turkey Club Roll-Up

This Recipe is so easy and the Wrap Tastes So Good!  I don't miss the bread at all.

BEST TURKEY CLUB ROLL-UP

www.Delish.com

You can watch the video for this Here

INGREDIENTS

4 slices deli turkey

2 tsp. mayo

2 slices cheddar, halved or quartered

1/2 c. shredded or chopped lettuce

1/2 tomato, sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 avocado, sliced

4 slices cooked bacon

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

On a clean work surface, place two slices deli turkey and spread a thin layer of mayo on top. Top with 1 slice cheddar, half of the lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado, and 2 slices bacon. Season generously with salt and pepper.  Roll up and secure with toothpick, then repeat with remaining ingredients.

Sawyer, My Grandson

Merry Christmas Sawyer!!  You're such a good and happy little boy.  Those dimples of yours are just adorable!  I can't believe that you were born over 9 months ago already.  I still lived in Michigan when you arrived and I was so anxious to meet you!  My first grand baby!  Grandma loves you so much.

You look like you're really enjoying getting to know Mickey.  You'll spend lots of hours playing with him and learning just who he is.  Have fun.

I wish I knew what you were thinking in this photo...your package unwrapped and that incredible dimpled grin!  You got alot of really nice toys and things that will keep you busy!

I can't wait to see you again!!  Maybe when daddy brings my present, you and mommy can come along!

Hugs to all of you...and Happy New Year!!

Love,
Mom, Grandma, Jan, Kittie ♥♥♥

Back In Wisconsin...June 6, 2018

My Grandson, Sawyer born March 12, 2018

My Son, Stephen - Baby Sawyer - My Son, Grown up

I can't wait to meet Sawyer and see the rest of the family and friends!!

 

All of My Pups, Have New Homes

On January 25th Ronda made a trip from her home in South Bend, Indiana to mine in Michigan.  Prior to our visit, we had several text and phone conversations.  I asked alot of questions.  I was intent on getting a home for my girl, where she had a furry brother or sister...and where she'd be taken care of and would be happy!   Angel is a 4 1/2 year old Coton deTulear.  The visit went very well and at the end of our visit, Ronda and Angel left for home to meet her furry brother, Mr. Darcy, a schnauzer.  When they left, I was crying and sobbing.  I knew I'd miss her terribly.  But I also knew that I had done the most difficult thing, but yet the best thing I could ever do for her.  And I knew she was happy.

The very next day, January 26th, Jenifer arrived for her meet and greet with Rosie, a nearly 8yr old Toy Poodle.  Jenifer and I spent many hours on the phone talking and texting back and forth.  She has worked for a dog rescue, so she knows first hand how hard these re-homings of my Pups was.  She was very interested in making Rosie a part of her family, but she was and still is, concerned about me and what I was and still am going through.  She was very loving and caring both to me, Rosie and Jasper when we met.  By the time the visit was over, I knew, without a doubt that Rosie would like a good and happy life, loved by both her mommy and furry brother, Enzo.  I also was assured that her a loving family, 3 step children and her husband would also fall in love with her.  Just this week, I found out that her dad now refers to her as his "little girlfriend".  How precious.

After alot of work, over a couple of weeks, Jasper finally had his first meet and greet.  Several other people scheduled theirs and then cancelled or didn't show up. before Mary and her loving furry Pup, Snowball showed up.  They drove nearly 900 miles coming here, all the way from South Carolina.  It was love at first site for all of us.  Mary and Snowball spent the night here at my house before heading for home the next morning, February 13th.  They drove about half way home and stopped at her son's house in West Virginia, where they spent the past 2 days.  They will be heading home to South Carolina today.  Jasper did very well at Mary's sons' house, with Snowball and Midnight, a much bigger dog who belongs to Mary's son. Jasper chased Midnight around the housing, barking at him.  I can just picture Jasper, who weighs 8#, chasing around a 50# dog...running him ragged!!  LOL!!

While this has been difficult for me and for the PuppyKids, in my heart I know I did what I had to do, to find someone to care for them, love them and provide for them...when I knew I couldn't.  I knew I did the best thing for them.  That's why I wanted to do the re-homing process myself, so that I would feel good about where and who they were with.  I wanted alot of things...and one was that the new families keep in touch with me, sharing photos, videos and everyday things...to help me through this difficult transition.  And they've all done that.  I am so thankful and very happy with my selections and the friendships I have formed with these new families. 

There are alot of things I'm working on, keeping busy with and adding things to my list, too!  I know I'll be fine...I don't give up.  I keep putting one foot in front of the other and getting things done.  One thing before I leave Michigan, I have to say goodbye to my two BEST friends here...something else that will be sad and difficult to do.

Please continue praying for me...I appreciate it very much.

♥

Jasper, My 9yr old Maltese Playing in the Snow

Christmas 2017 In My Sitting Room

This Christmas was quiet...just me and the Pups. 

I got my Cinnamon Rolls baked and handed out to neighbors and friends.

The Pups and I watched movies after everything was cleaned up and we all enjoyed a few treats.

My Son, Stephen and his wife, Lindsey [above, getting their Christmas tree this year] sent me an on-line Gift Certificate for PetCo.  I ordered the pups some food and some treats...and they arrived yesterday.  I didn't have much food when they returned last week and knew I needed to order it, but didn't want to have to spend much money, with the shortage of money I currently have...or don't have, really.  So that was perfect timing...the gift certificate.  My son is aware of the financial situation and what's been going on here and he decided to give me something that I could really use.  I'm so proud of him and his wife.  They are so thoughtful and I nice.  I can't wait til their baby boy arrives in March.  My goodness how that time has flown.  It seems like yesterday that Stephen was telling me they were expecting!  I'm going to be a Grandma!

I received a bottle of BareFoot Pinot Grigio Wine from a friend...it's been years since I purchased or enjoyed any wine.

Got lots of love and affection from the Pups.  They enjoyed the snow we got for Christmas...me, not so much.  I was glad to have them home for the Holidays.

Another Christmas Gift arrived yesterday, quite unexpectedly.  I was waiting for my pups' nail clippers, some other food and treats to arrive, from Chewy.com to arrive...and since I had 2 separate tracking numbers for Chewy, I figured they had to send the smaller things separate from the larger bag of food.  I got the smaller package first and opened it.  I had 4 individually wrapped in red tissue paper "somethings" and couldn't figure out what they could be.  They weren't clippers and they weren't treats.  So, I took one and began unwrapping it and saw a beautifully painted portrait on canvas of Jasper.  Oh my...tears began rolling down my cheeks.  Then I opened the next and it was another equally beautifully painted portratit...of Rosie.  The next was another portrait on canvas...of Angel.  I began crying.  The last package I opened held the beautifully painted portrait of my dog, Benny.

You see, last month when I ordered food for the pups, I knew [or thought I knew] it would be the last time, since they were going to be re-homed, due to my finances and the house up for sale.  So, I decided to send an email to the owners of Chewy.com, the place I'd been purchasing all things pup related for the last I don't know how many years.  Each year, they send a beautiful Christmas card with a hand-written message inside...straight from their hearts.  They have the best Customer Service I've ever come across.  They are a fantastic group of people!!  [BTW, I'm not getting anything for praising them and their organization...this is straight from my heart!!]  I told them the pups were going to be re-homed and I would be deleting my account on Chewy.com.  I thanked them for everything they do for all their customers, not just me.  I shared a photo of the 4 pups and said all these pups thank you too...and have enjoyed everything their Mommy has purchased for them through the years.  Here is the photo I sent along with my Christmas message to them...

Okay, are you ready?  Here are the four paintings I received as a Gift from Chewy.com of my Four Precious PuppyKids.

This was the BEST Christmas Surprise I could have ever received.  What a shock!  I wrapped them up and took them to two neighbors homes to show them off.  I couldn't believe it.  Thank you so much Chewy Team!!!  You made my Christmas!  Now, when the Pups have to leave me [again] for their new homes, I will definitely have something to remember them all by.

Do you see that the paintings were done from the photo I shared with them?

What a special company...and group of people.

Hope everyone of you had a Great Christmas!  And I wish you all a Happy New Year!

The PuppyKids Are Back Home With Me

Late Thursday afternoon, after speaking to the Mrs. of the couple who took my Pups almost 3 weeks ago, a friend and I went to their house for a visit.  A visit that I hoped would end with me bringing my Pups back home.  3 weeks ago, when the Pups initially stayed with this couple, we knew there would be a trial period of about 3 weeks, in case either of us saw a need to have the pups come back to live with me.

All of the PuppyKids, after baths and grooming...

Left to Right:  Angel, Rosie & Jasper

My friend and I arrived and the couple welcomed us, as did my Pups!  I said we needed to sit down because I was there to talk to them.  I said I felt that in talking to them, that they may have taken on too much with 3 small dogs.  They asked if I wanted to take them back home.  I asked how they felt about that and they said, "Fine".  The Mr. said that he had just asked the Mrs. after our phone call, if she thought that I might want my dogs back.  Then they said that yes, it was a bit much with 3 dogs, but they were trying.  Some things that they promised to do, hadn't been done and things I requested them NOT to do, they were doing.

Angel

 My dogs have always had my Garden Courtyard, approximately 900 square feet of enclosed patio area, with concrete block wall and gate to keep them secure.  Plus whenever they were outside to go potty or play, I was out there with them, or at least at the door the entire time.  So, my request was that they NEVER leave the dogs "off leash" in their HUGE un-fenced yard [approx 2 acres].  They had the Invisible Fence from 2 previous pups of theirs who passed away and until they got that up and running, they would take them out on a leash.  Well, just a couple of days in, they were leaving the pups out the patio door to run around their yard...no fence, a huge area of woods, a big pond and on a busy road.  We talked about changing that and they once again agreed.

Rosie

It's been cold and snowing here...and yet the pups never wore their coats to go out running around in the yard, in the snow.  These are small pups 8-12# each...and they need their bellies covered when they're in the snow.  And Angel ran a way out of sight, long enough that they wondered if she would return.  But, she did, "because she was probably cold and figured it was warm in the house".

Jasper

My Rosie, known to scrounge food from anyone's bowl or plate, be it dog or human...was allowed to even eat the cat food.  In her 3 weeks with them, she gained 2#.  She has problems when she is overweight...with her hind legs when she walks.

Angel

The pups usually go to bed [here with me] anywhere from 8-10pm, right after going potty. Then they get up about 7am. I could adjust the time if I needed them to sleep later or to even get up earlier...but it would take several days. That didn't work out for this couple, who sleep in until 9am. They were anxious to be able to sleep until 9am again, which they did on Friday morning.

Rosie, already bored with me taking pictures, she's mid-yawn!!

All in all, they were a lovely couple, anxious to keep the 3 Pups together, so the little family wouldn't be split up more, afterall, I was letting them go.  They had good intentions.  The liked having the pups around.  But...we all agreed that the pups needed to go back home with me.

While relieved having them back here...I'm already dreading when they need to leave with another family.  I don't know how that will go...but I know someday, it will happen.  I just don't have enough money [income] to support all of us.  Even when/if they divorce goes through, I'm not guaranteed to receive money from Tom.  And, no, no one has come to even look at my house, much less buy it.

Jasper doing what he does best...playing with his favorite toy!

But, for now...my Pups are safe and home to spend Christmas with me.  We do alot of snuggling since they've been home.  I've given them baths and groomed them too.  I've ordered food for them, since I only had a few days of their food left.  It's been quite a shock to my system, taking them out in the dark of night, in the snow, rain, wind and cold weather.  It's like they never skipped a beat...when we got home, it was right back to normal.

I feel so blessed that this couple opened their home to my pups and me like they did.  I feel bad for them that it didn't work out...but then also feel relieved for them, because I really believe they bit off more than they could chew with my 3 little pups.

I rescued my Pups!  It feels good to have them here.

Tom & I probably 8 years ago

I wish I could have rescued my husband, too.  That would have made the Holidays complete.  My friends say, your hubby could be knocking on your door, when you least expect it.  And, in a way, I guess he could.  I never thought I'd find him, let alone would be able to see him like I did 2 weeks ago.  I never thought I'd hear an apology from him, have him hold my hand or give me a peck on the lips again.  But, after much prayer and leaving it all to God, I did find him.  I did get an apology from him, he did hold my hand and he did give me a peck on the lips...all after being gone for nearly 3 years!  He made plans for me to come and get him and all his stuff to bring him home.  He said God will help us put things back together again.  Then his kids intervened once more and I can no longer talk to him.  But, I can continue praying and trusting God to work everything out, however that may be.  This is the time of year of Christmas Miracles.

Merry Christmas!