Beef and Barley Soup

I received this recipe from Rachel Dansie years ago. It is still one of my favorites.

1 lb ground beef
Salt
Pepper
Onion
1 clove garlic
2-3 stalks celery, diced
3-4 carrots, sliced
2-3 potatoes, diced
1/2 c barley (not instant)
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
6-8 cups water
boullion cubes (1 per cup water)
1 12 oz can V8

Brown ground beef with onion, salt, pepper and garlic. Transfer to soup pot. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for a long time.

You can add more vegetables if it seems to soupy or adjust spices to taste. After simmering mix a little corn starch and water to thicken.

This recipe could easily be adapted to a crockpot.

Quick & Easy Banana-Oat Muffins

This recipe is one that Melanie had on the side to try. Well, we tried them... they were pretty good. However, I would say with kids it takes more than 5 minutes to prepare.

Leftover muffins can be frozen for up to two weeks. Prep: 5 minutes; Cook: 16 minutes.

Yield

Makes 9 muffins (serving size: 1 muffin)

Ingredients

• 2 mashed ripe bananas (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup white whole-wheat flour (such as King Arthur) or whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375º.

2. Combine bananas and next 4 ingredients (through vanilla) in a medium bowl; mix well, and set aside.

3. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife. Whisk together flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a small bowl.

4. Stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture until they are just combined.

5. Spray 9 muffin cups with cooking spray (or use paper liners), and spoon 1/3 cup batter into each cup (cups will be full).

6. Bake 16 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Nutritional Information

Calories:152

Fat:5g (sat 1g,mono 2g,poly 1g)

Cholesterol:27mg

Protein:4g

Carbohydrate:25g

Fiber:3g

Iron:1mg

Sodium:178mg

Calcium:85mg

Kitty Broiher and Kimberly Mayone, Health, MAY 2007

Tammy's Cheesy Italian Tortellini

Notes from Tammy first, then the recipe.

Here's one of our family favorites! I also listed the substituted ingredients for what I usually have on hand for my children's liking or for the convenience of simply keeping my kitchen clean and still having a fresh, warm dinner on the table on really busy nights!

Cheesy Italian Tortellini

1/2 pound ground beef
Substitution: Preparedmeatballs torn into pieces.

1/2 pound Italian sausage
Substitution: Kiebalsa links cut into pieces or we use a mild sausage.

1 (15 oz) container of refrigerated marinara sauce
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings, undrained
Substitution: A can of plain diced tomatoes can be used with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup shredded mozzarella or pizza style cheese (4 oz)

1. Break beef and sausage into large pieces in 10-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until brown.

2. Spray inside of 4-5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix beef mixture, marinara sauce, mushrooms and tomatoes in slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low heat setting 7 to 8 hours. Stir in tortellini; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook on low heat setting about 15 minutes longer or until tortellini is tender. (4-6 servings)

**DO AHEAD** Brown the meat the night before, then just mix the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and frozen prior to adding the tortellini. Make a double batch and put a jar or two in the freezer for a later time.

**GIFT GIVING** A fun sauce to put in a jar with a ribbon and french bread etc. Can be added to baby gift baskets for the new mom that can be prepared any time!