Friday, February 26, 2010

Coming Soon

More posts with pictures.

At one point we had 4 computers in our house. A few weeks ago, we lost one of the towers (which had our music and pictures on it). The current tower we are using is going down - it's only a matter of time - problems with it as well. If I load pictures onto it it will be as slow as a snail. Lyndsey has hers at college. And that leaves us with my mobile office computer for our church (I try not to use that one for personal use). We have currently found a computer we like but are trying to be frugal and just wait until this one has crossed the point of no return.

However, my Mr. Wonderful bought me an external hard drive a couple of weeks ago. I did happen to save all our pictures to cds which are in the safe so as soon as I find time to figure out how to work it, I will be able to load pics again here.

I have lots of pictures from January when we had a week of storms. Beautiful mountain pictures. But that will have to wait a little while longer!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Something You Need to Read

Update: Oops! I did the wrong link. I fixed it.

Just click on this link and read the post. You will find it funny! I promise.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Ragu Bolognese

I love getting my Taste of Home cooking magazine in the mail. It is always chock full of great recipes that are really yummy! The latest issue has not disappointed!

I tried the Ragu Bolognese and it is absolutely fabulous! I know it's great when my husband tells me to throw out any recipes I have for spaghetti sauce or lasagna sauce and use this one!

DO NOT let the amount of ingredients scare you. It's VERY easy to make. So here's the recipe:

Ragu Bolognese
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/4 lb. bacon strips, diced
2 medium onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes (I used stewed and they worked fine)
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. each ground cumin, nutmeg and pepper
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is ALWAYS better!)
Hot cooked pasta and additional Parmesan cheese

In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, pork, bacon, onions, celery and carrots over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Add broth; cook for 4-5 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaves. Add the cream, butter and parsley; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in cheese. Serve with pasta and additional cheese. Enjoy!