Food Fragrance

Imagine coming home from work or shopping, unlocking the door, and taking in a deep breath. Your face beams and your stomach growls with glee as the aroma of fresh baked bread and beef tips in the crock pot make your day!

When we buy beef tips we usually section the pack into bags and use our food saver. (Allen has renamed this valuable piece of kitchen equipment the sucker-downer.) We cook just enough for the two of us. We have a sweet little crockpot that's perfect. I do brown my meat and then toss it into the pot. I have fallen in love with the crockpot liners. They make it so easy to clean up!
I usually chop up celery, onion, and carrots and then add a cup of your favorite bouillon. This time I used the vegetable base of Better than Bouillon. You can make a great meal. The drop biscuit recipe is on the blog!

My friend, Nicole shared a great bread recipe with me. Of course I do my yeast a bit different than the recipe cause I'm an old dog who gets stuck in my ways. Years ago I learned that a bit of sugar in the yeast is an activator. So I always stir in a tsp or so of sugar to my yeast, add the hot water and let it foam and rise before I toss it into the big bowl. But, I know either way it works so well. Look at Nicole's loaves!

Makes you want an Italian supper! Or French toast for breakfast!
And now for pumpkin bars.

I am so blessed to have neighbors who will eat my experiments and new recipes. They are always gracious and never critical. These bars were okay, but I never used pumpkin pie spice. By now you probably know I love ginger, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. I suggest a change to this recipe. When you make the pumpkin filling, use the same amounts and spices you would put in pumpkin pie. I think it would be so much more delish! When things aren't as good as you wish they were, just grab the can of RediWhip and all sins will be covered!