Super Storm Sandy

Thanks to Sandy I've been "working" from home yesterday and today.  Thankfully we did not lose power or have any damage. 

I hope everyone else is doing well also.

NFL Player of the Week

A little early this week!  Look how organized I am.

Miles Austin - Cowboys Wide Reciever

Cheeseburger Casserole

I decided to skip the crock pot this week but still wanted to make something to make my weeknight meals easier.

So, I tried this Overnight Cheeseburger Casserole.  I did the "same day" prep rather than letting it refrigerate overnight.  It came out pretty good but was rather labor intensive. 

I think I might try it the overnight way sometime, see if that's any better.  Otherwise, while it was good, I don't think it was really worth the amount of work or dishes required.  I HATE washing dishes!

At least I still have some tasty leftovers for the rest of the week though.

NFL Player(s) of the Week

I've been bad again, was too busy watching the terrible Steelers vs Titans game in Nashville last weekend to post a player of the week.  So, two again this week...

First, Eagles safety Kurt Coleman:

The Eagles really have some hotties on their team!

And number 2: Colts wide reciever Austin Collie

Oh, and WTF Steelers - you took a picture of our sign but cut out our faces??

Crock Pot Beef Chili

Another of the family favorites...beef chili.  This recipe is SUPER easy.  Literally just throw everything in the crock pot and let it cook.  The only prep is to cut up an onion and rinse some beans.

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 1/2 T ground cumin
2 T chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves
7 oz diced green chilies (I used canned)
1 medium onion chopped (use discretion, you don't want to be overwhelmed with onion)
1 15 oz can chili beans, undrained
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
12 oz can tomato paste

Add everything to crock pot, mix, cook on low for about 5 hours.  We typically end up leaving it on warm or simmer for a while after and it's fine.

To serve I usually put some diced red onion and shredded cheese on top and serve with some crusty bread.

This is a big recipe, makes 8-10 servings.

The chili freezes well.  I like to freeze a couple of smaller portions to have later on as a topping for a baked/sweet potato.

Enjoy!

NFL Player of the Week

For R...Aaron Rogers (Packers QB)

I know how you love a guy with a 'stache!

And one where he looks less creepy

Random Rudy Post

Just cause he's a cutie...

Loungin' in the doggy bed.

Baked Sweet Potato "Chips"

I think I had mentioned in my pulled pork post that I had bought some sweet potatoes to have as a side.  Well tonight I decided to try a new way to make them.

Here's what I did:

• preheated the oven to 375 degrees
• washed and sliced the sweet potato into 1/4 inch thick "chips"
• tossed the potato slices in some seasonings (I used cumin and chili powder and some salt and pepper) and some olive oil
• spread in one layer on a baking sheet (I lined the baking sheet with foil to keep it clean, this came in handy later on too.
• baked the potatoes for 17 min
• I used the foil to help me toss the potatoes in the pan
• baked for an additional 5 min
• sprinkle on some sea salt, to taste
• ENJOY!

They came out really good!