quick and easy cooking

Tonight, I made beef stew in 20 minutes. I chopped up onion, carrots, celery and potatoes. I put two cans of stewed tomatoes in the blender for just a few seconds. I sauteed the veggies in olive oil for a few minutes and then poured in the tomatoes. I put all this in my pressure cooker and once it came to high pressure, I set the timer for ten minutes. When it was done I added in a can of roast beef that I had canned last year. Then I added 3 Tbsp. of sugar plus salt and pepper to taste. So quick. So good.

I don't use it as often as I should but I really love my pressure cooker. Roast in 45 minutes. Mashed potatoes in 10.

I do use canned meat often enough. It is so nice to just get a jar from the storage room and dump into dinner instead of waiting for it to cook. I've canned chicken, roast and ground beef and I use a jar or two each week. It works so well for things like casseroles, enchiladas and soup.

Just thought I'd share.

daily december: 19

I spent much of the day baking treats for neighbor gift plates. Peppermint bark, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies and fudge. I'm also spent much of the day thinking there must be an easier way! Dave tells me that we should give them something non-treat so I can avoid the baking altogether. I don't like that idea because I want to receive treats so I feel I must give treats. One of our neighbors brought over homemade caramels, chocolates and toffee! So delicious, I was very sad I had to share. Next year, I think I may have to simplify though. I think my mom made a whole slew of pumpkin rolls one year. That could be fun. Any ideas? Or maybe next year I will only make the peppermint bark because it is super simple. But knowing me, I won't be satisfied with simple.

PEPPERMINT BARK

1 pkg. candy canes, unwrapped and crushed
4 cups white chocolate (something with cocoa butter in it)
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1 bag milk chocolate chips

Spread milk chocolate chips on cookie sheet. Place in warm oven to melt (2-5 minutes). Spread with spatula to smooth. Place in freezer to set for about 10 minutes. Melt white chocolate in double boiler on stovetop (I just use a stainless steel bowl set over a pan over simmering water). Stir until smooth. Add peppermint extract. Spread over milk chocolate layer. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.