I am looking for some comfort and peace this weekend. I had a VERY busy week between work, and taking the kids here and there to their respective after school activities. We also had a stop to the ER when Ethan sprained his ankle at his first basketball practice. Then I find out later in the week that my mom went and had gallbladder surgery without even telling us. Can you believe it? I didn't even know she was having it. She didn't want me or my sister to know, to not stress us out. I am still trying to take this in, as it is my nature to be a care-giver, and it would have been a perfect time for ME to take care of HER for once. But, she is always thinking of her kids first, and I guess that's what mother's do. She is doing well, so I must just be grateful for that. She is such a strong person. On top of it all, I got the cold that everyone at work was passing around, but luckily it's only a slight cold.
Sounds like a great week, huh? Well, it's life. It's ok. But it sure makes me want some comfort and peace this weekend...so I am going to make my very favorite comfort soup for dinner. It's warm, cheesy, and perfect for a cold winter's night.

Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground beef ( I used ground turkey)
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced peeled potatoes (1-3/4 pounds)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed ( Yes I know, PROCESSED cheese, but it's what's good in this recipe. It's ok. You will be alright. ;) )
1-1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

In a 3-qt. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same
saucepan, saute the onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1
tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add
the broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover
and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook
and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a
boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Stir in the cheese, milk, salt and pepper; stir until cheese melts
Remove from heat, blend in sour cream
ENJOY!

Cheeseburger Soup

I'm having my in-laws and Erik's grandpa over for dinner Sunday night for an early birthday get together for Ethan. His birthday always falls on the week of deer hunting, so this is a good time to have them over to celebrate. The menu is very simple, but Ethan's favorite meal:

BBQ Baby back ribs
Twice-baked potatoes
Roasted Asparagus
Tossed garden salad with Italian dressing

When I'm having a dinner party, I like to do as many things ahead of time as I can. The day before, I prepared my potatoes for the twice-baked potatoes.
The best way to bake a potato, is NOT in the microwave. It's the fastest, but not the best. Here is the best way (in my opinion) to bake a potato:

Baked Potatoes

Potatoes
Kosher Salt
Olive oil

Scrub potatoes and dry. Poke 8-10 holes in potatoes to let out steam when cooking. Rub potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour. If using more than 4 potatoes, bake about 15-20 minutes longer.

Twice-baked potatoes:
Now that we have our potatoes baked, we can 2x bake them! Cut in half and take out the flesh of the potatoes and put into a bowl. Add what you would like! I like to add:

butter
salt, pepper
sour cream

shredded cheddar cheese

parmesan cheese

parsely
chives

You could also add:

bacon bits

cream cheese

jalapenos

green onions

blue cheese

Once I add my butter, parsely, chives, salt pepper and cheeses with a little milk, I whip with my mixer until smooth. Fill each potato with the mixture and add more cheese on top with some toasted panko bread crumbs and a little more parsely, and either bake again at 350 for about 15 minutes, or place in the fridge and bake later or the next day!

Twice-baked potatoes~made ahead

Roasted Asparagus:

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh asparagus
Good olive oil
Kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 25 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

Roasted Asparagus

The other thing I like to do ahead is make my rub for the ribs. This rub recipe is my mom's ,and a really great rub. Here is the recipe:

Rib Rub Recipe:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp pepper
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp celery seed
2 tbsp chili powder

Rub on Ribs and let sit overnight in the fridge.

Rib Rub

Or bake right away. Which ever you choose, bake in the oven for 3-4 hours covered, at 325 degrees, or until meat starts to fall away from the bone. Add your favorite BBQ sauce, and bake uncovered, another 1/2 or so until sauce glazes the ribs nicely.

Ribs are falling away from the bone nicely...time for sauce!

Vintage item of the week:

My vintage item this week, is my Grandfather's (dad's side) tool chest. My mom had it in her basement for years, and I brought it home about 4 years ago. I keep it in my living room between two chairs, and we store board games in it. I love it and it is one of my most treasured things. I never met my Grandfather, but he was a very smart man. He worked for the railroad, as an arbitrator. He wrote a book for the railroad union that was published and even taught school in Canada.

Grandpa George S. Henderson's tool chest~ Circa 1900

Since November is the month to be thankful, I thought each week this month I would mention something I am thankful for. This week I have been incredibly thankful for my friend Rebecca. We hired her to tutor Ethan in Algebra, and she has been such a great help to him. Like me, math is not his strong suit, and he needed some extra help. She comes to our house two times a week, along with her two precious girls and needless to say it has been wonderful. Not only is Ethan doing much better, we are enjoying having her girls around. They are smart, lively and great girls. We are so thankful to have such great people in our lives!! Thank you Rebecca!

Ethan and his Algebra tutor, Rebecca

I can't forget something else I am thankful for. Our Veterans. My dad was a vet and he served his country in the Army, got wounded in WWII, was discharged and received the Purple Heart. He joined the National Guard and loved every minute of it. We might just add another to our family, as Ethan has wanted to be in the service since he could talk. He has decided on the Marines, and I am so proud of him. Here is a picture of my Dad and Mom at the Military ball so many years ago. One of the only pictures I have of him in uniform. Thank you Veterans. Thank you Dad!