Slow-Cooked Bean Medley

We enjoyed this bean medley this weekend at one of our Easter gatherings. So delicious! Another great recipe from my Mom-in-law. :)

• 1 1/2 cups ketchup


• 2 celery ribs


• 1 medium onion, chopped


• 1 medium green pepper, chopped


• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped


• 1/2 cup brown sugar


• 1/2 cup water


• 1/2 cup Italian dressing


• 2 bay leaves


• 1 tbsp cider vinegar


• 1 tbsp prepared mustard


• 1/8 tsp pepper


• 16 oz can kidney beans


• 16 oz can black-eyed peas


• 16 oz can great Northern beans


• 16 oz can whole kernel corn


• 16 oz can Lima beans


• 16 oz can black beans

In a 5 quart slow cooker combine the first 12 ingredients, Rinse and drain canned beans and corn. Stir into the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until onions and peppers are tender. Discard bay leaves. Serves 12.

Any can of beans may be substituted with beans of choice.

Colored Eggs

I like to color eggs with Dillon every Easter (and Reid too once he's old enough). He loves it and its very simple to do.

• 1 cup hot water


• 1 tbsp vinegar


• food coloring

Combine ingredients, doing as many colors as you like. The more food coloring you put in and the longer the eggs are left in, the darker the color. Dry on wire rack with paper towel underneath so dye does not stain.

Options: 1.) Draw a design with a wax crayon before dyeing. 2.) To do different colors, wax between dippings. The wax can be removed in oven till wax melts. Wipe off.

Cake Decorator Icing

Feeling in the mood for something "spring-ish" I made these cupcakes for a bridal shower tonight. I tried a new icing recipe and must admit it's pretty tasty. It's not over the top sweet like some icings can be. The vanilla and almond flavoring are a delicious combination.

• 1 cup shortening


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 1 1/2 tsp clear vanilla*


• 1/4 tsp almond extract


• 1/2 cup water


• 8 cups sifted icing sugar

Mix shortening, water, vanilla, salt and almond extract with a mixer for 5 minutes. (It's very important to mix this long, before adding 1/2 the icing, then mix again for at least another 5 minutes because it takes out that "lardy" type taste that comes with using shortening). Add the rest of the icing sugar and beat just enough to mix in. Add additional water if needed, for desired consistency.

* I used a non-clear vanilla, which I think worked ok, seeing as I was coloring the icing anyway.

** Large recipe, so half may be sufficient, depending on what you're icing.

Taco Salad

This is a delicious salad, a little different from your average taco salad. Recipe from my mom-in-law. Warm weather is coming. Time to start thinking of some salads to go along with the burgers and steaks.

• 1 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing


• 1 cup Italian dressing


• 1 lb ground beef


• 1 small chopped onion


• 2 cups kidney beans


• 1 tsp salt


• 1/2 tsp pepper


• 1 head lettuce


• 2 tomatoes, chopped


• 375g pkg taco chips, crushed


• 2 cups grated cheese

Mix Italian dressing and Miracle Whip. Brown ground beef and onion. Add beans, salt and pepper. Toss the remaining ingredients then add warm ground beef mixture. (Temperature of ground beef can be cooled slightly to warmed slightly if it's been refrigerated). Add dressing; toss and serve immediately.