Violet is here!

We were blessed with a new grandchild on February 16. Violet Gail Burgess was born at 11:52 p.m. on her big sister Harlee's birthday. Happy Birthday to both my girls. Love from grandma and grandpa.

A Birthday for Lucas

Lucas turned 1 on February 12. We set his cake out for him to have the first taste but he wasn't too interested.

Meals on a Tight Budget.....

that don't taste like you're on a budget.

I have always liked a challenge and cooking on a budget is one of those things that can keep you awake at night, worrying if your family is going to blame you for not performing miracles. Actually, if you are able to be a full time homemaker, you can make some very delicious meals with just a little extra effort.

Last night we had beef stew and scones for dinner. I had picked up some round steak at the market and cut it up into my own stew meat saving a lot of money. I weighed it on my kitchen scale ( a good investment) and measured out 2 pounds for the stew and put the rest of the beef cubes in a plastic sandwich bag and popped them into the freezer to add to another meal. This recipe made 6 large servings.

BEEF STEW

2 lbs boneless beef cubes 2 tsp. Onera brand seasoning (if you can't

find, then season with salt and pepper)

Put the seasoning and beef cubes in a bowl or plastic bag and mix together. Then coat the meat with 1/2 cup flour. Brown the meat in a hot skillet about 1/4 at a time in a little olive oil. Put the browned meat into a large stew pot (or you could use a slow cooker). To the browned beef, add 1 chopped onion , 3 celery ribs, chopped, 1 carrot chopped, 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of beef bullion powder. Bring mixture to a boil and then turn down to simmer, covered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.. Next add 4 large potatoes, cubed, 4 carrots, sliced and 1 cup frozen peas. Stir and let continue to cook for 45 - 60 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.