I recently opened my e-mail and saw a subject line that automatically brought a smile to my face.
"Recipe."
A simple word, but it excited me nonetheless.
And once I opened the message, I was even happier. You see, this time the message was from someone other than my mother.
Not that I didn't enjoy and appreciate the submission from my mom.
And I promise not to discriminate against any of my relatives who want to submit recipes and stories.
But it's really nice to see that someone other than my family is reading my column.
And it's even better that someone responded!
So I send my heartfelt thanks to Betty Ormsby for her submission.
This soup sounds delicious, and I hope it helps warm many families as the temperatures start to fall, bringing us into the chill of winter.
Here's what Betty wrote:
"I live in Sharpsburg, Ga., south of Atlanta, but was born in Kosciusko County at the Murphy Medical Center.
"I grew up Kosciusko County before I married and lived in Fort Wayne. My husband is in the military and we have been moving around for the last 17-plus years.
"Two years ago we bought a home on Chapman Lake and plan to move back to Indiana the spring of 2010.
"I read the Times-Union online and would like to provide you with a recipe that is great for this time of year and is a family favorite.
"Thank you for a great column.
"This vegetable soup is very simple and quick to make. It's better the second day!"
Hearty Vegetable Soup
2 pounds ground chuck
1 large onion, diced
1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 large can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Brown the ground chuck, then add the diced onion.
Add the can of tomatoes and a half can of water.
When this is almost to a boil, add the vegetables, salt and pepper, and butter and let simmer for a couple of hours.
Serve and enjoy!
Here's a quick, simple dessert that is sure to please a sweet or salty tooth!
I found this as I was looking through my box of favorite recipes. If you are like me, you like a little bit of saltiness to go with your sweets - these bars take care of both at the same time.
Crispy Pretzel Bars
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter
5 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup plain M&Ms
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for three minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
Stir in peanut butter until blended.
Add the cereal, pretzels, and M&Ms and stir until coated.
