Five for Friday

Let's use Friday to recap the week a bit...  shall we?  Great!  Here are 5 highlights from my life during the past week:

1)  10 Minute Kitchen Clean Up: 
I actually got the kitchen cleaned up for reals and managed to keep it that way most of the week.  The best part of having and keeping a clean kitchen, is that when it comes to daily upkeep, it took all of about 10 minutes to unload the dishwasher, clean out the sink, wipe everything down, and even swept.
Yes, I know you are completely in awe of the excitement that is my life.  But sometimes it's just the little things - ya know?

2)  Target Sunset:
Late Tuesday afternoon, I made a run to Target for a couple of items.  Saw my mom there and practiced my stalking skills a bit before stopping her for a quick chat.  As I left the store to head home I saw this:

I wish the picture did full justice to how the sun rays broke through and went under the dark clouds. It was stunning!

3)  A Dog Wearing Headphones:

Because.  It's our dog.  Wearing headphones.  And he just sat there as if he were posing, and let me take a picture.  And that's just funny stuff, people.

4)  A Musical Interlude:

Thursday might was the end of semester concert for the male offspring's  Orchestra class.  

5)  Marshmallow Milky Way:

The Man of the House brought a few of these home the other night.  And what is there to say except "oh my,  gracious marshmallow caramel, chocolaty goodness!!"  

And that about covers it.  How was your week?   Share your 5 highlights from this week in the comments!

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Five Great Crock Pot Recipes for Cold Weather

I am all about cooking in the crock pot.  It prevents having to turn on the oven and heat the kitchen up during the summer months.  And it's perfect for making delicious soups, chili, and stews which give the house a warm, cozy "homey" smell and feel during the colder months of the year.

Over time I have found a few big winners which my family has approved - giving them a permanent place in my recipe folder. (and yes... a few failed experiments - but that's not what this post is about)

1)  Crockpot Gumbo
Spicy, warm, and de-li-cious!  I used to make gumbo on the stove top.  But I finally came up with a version for the crock pot.  Just as yummy - and super easy to toss together.

2)  Creamy White Chicken Chili
The family loves a good chili.  (in fact, this is the first of two which made it to this list!)  This recipe from Lovely Little Kitchen is a delightful change from the typical tomato based chili.

3)  Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
Several members of my family have voted this recipe from Creme de la Crumb "The best soup I have ever eaten".  Seriously... it's just that good. Even the pickiest eater in the house keeps requesting it!

4)  My Basic Chili Recipe
 This recipe is written for stove top preparation.  But once the meat is browned, all the ingredients can be tossed in the crock pot and left on low for a minimum of 4 hours.  You'll have a warm and yummy chili waiting for you at the end of a long, cold day.

5)  Crockpot Roasted Chicken
I love a good chicken dinner as much as anyone.  But it always just seemed like so much work to make a whole roast chicken.  Not so!  Especially if the crock pot is doing most of the work for you!

(recipes are available at the original source for all these dishes by clicking the names)
 

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