Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Hearty Hamburger and Potato Skillet

I'm sure many of you grew up eating some version of a hamburger potato casserole. I didn't grow up eating many casseroles, but this is one I remember my Mom making. 

I've made this on a whim several times when I've needed a quick and hearty meal. I usually add a green lettuce salad and pickles for the girls.

It can be made with pantry staples. It's simple, creamy and delicious.








Hearty Hamburger and Potato Skillet

Serves 6

1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh cracker pepper

1 1/2 pounds potatoes, sliced thin
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 cups shredded colby-jack cheese
parsley flakes, dried

In an oven safe skillet brown beef with onions. Add salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Place sliced potatoes in a pot and cover with water. 
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil; add carrots. 
Simmer just until potatoes and carrots are tender. (around 10-12 min.)
Drain well and set aside.

White Sauce
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup sour cream
fresh cracked pepper

In a small saucepan, melt butter; add flour and whisk until
smooth. Add milk and salt and cook until thickened. Remove
from heat; add sour cream and fresh cracked pepper.

To assemble; pour cooked potatoes and carrots over the
browned hamburger in skillet. Pour white sauce over top
and use a spoon to makes holes for the sauce to be
evenly distributed to the bottom of the skillet. 
Top with shredded cheese. Sprinkle with dried
parsley flakes. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!
Hope




Thursday, January 3, 2019

Christmas 2018

Hello dear friends! It's been awhile!

We had a restful Christmas with Christmas Day to ourselves. We usually have our little family Christmas, Christmas morning. We started a tradition of waffle sandwiches for breakfast- and they are anticipated every year.

I am also excited for 2019! My cookbook comes out in September so I am excited for that, as well as a little less busy schedule. I know everyone else is busy too! 

Here are some photos of Christmas morning.



Bed heads love Dad








 It's been so much fun to watch these two interact.


 We iced and decorated sugar cookies and gifted some to our neighbors.


This is a humorous attempt at a photo of all 
the grandchildren in Joshua's family.

Best wishes for your new year.
I "hope" to blog more this year and post new recipes!

Hope

Friday, September 14, 2018

Natalie Turns One

Today our second born, Natalie Jane, turned one. She has brought so much joy to our family. She is full of spunk and reminds me of a bulldozer. 

She loves animals so I decided to have her a Safari party. She has a plush lion that she sleeps with and loves. 

Here are some photos from her birthday party this evening.


















 Two of her great grandmothers were here so we
took photos with the four generations.




We love you Natalie,
Mom and Dad

Monday, May 14, 2018

Mother's Day

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. It started Saturday evening going to the park and then out to eat. Natalie decided that going out to eat was not a good idea since she missed her nap so we took turns eating. 

Sunday morning Natalie was the first to wish me happy Mother's Day by throwing up a large amount of milk over me and the bed. I guess she knew the sheets and mattress pad needed a washing.

Caroline and Josh fixed a lovely breakfast. I felt loved and appreciated.

I am telling you those things because that's real motherhood and I wouldn't change it for anything. It's the hardest but most rewarding job I've done. My heart aches for those who's arms are aching. 

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

Here are some photos to document our day.


 My five star breakfast made by the best.






I'm so grateful for these two gifts from God.
I wasn't sure I would ever be called mom after having 
a surgery due to endometriosis.  

 Sisters








With Love,
Hope

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Caroline Turns Four

It's hard to believe our firstborn turned four. My how time flies. She wanted a bunny party this year because my Mom told her about the bunny cakes she used to make me for my birthday parties.

Here are some photos to document the evening.





 Bunny cakes like my Mom would make for me.



 
 







 favors

 carrot cake


 All the children ready to hunt eggs


We ended up inside because of the cool weather.

What a fun evening celebrating with family!

 Hope

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Easter 2018

Today was a meaningful day, it started with an Easter sunrise service at church and then lunch with my Shank family. We had to leave our home at 6:30 am with two little girls in tow (ready for Easter). I remembered my camera and pickled eggs but forgot my diaper bag. We borrowed a few diapers and got along just fine.

Here are some photos to document the day.





 Caroline checks our daffodils each day to see if more have bloomed. 
She was astounded at the amount Grandmother had blooming. 
She picked three bouquets while she was there.


 A photo to treasure. My Grandma Shank holding Natalie Jane.




a dream came true

 The grandchildren ended the fun day by digging in the garden.
Some ended up in the bath tub until it was all said and done.


I'm so grateful He is ALIVE!
Hope