The Autodidact

Here's a hearty dish for a cold night. It's kind of like chili; a bit sweeter, but just as satisfying. You can either bake it in the oven, or throw it in the crock pot. Typically, I use the following: 1 can green beans 1 can wax beans 1 can kidney beans 1 can lima beans 1 31 oz can baked beans But, sometimes I can't find wax beans, or I'm just not in the mood for limas. You can use two cans of a 3 bean salad if you can't find wax beans. Also, you can use another can of the baked beans in lieu of two cans of any of the beans. It's up to you! Anyway, whip up: 1 t chili powder 1 16 oz can tomato sauce 1 6 oz can tomato paste 1/4 cup water 1 T dry mustard 1 cup brown sugar OR 1/2 cup maple syrup and a pinch of stevia powder Set aside and start browning 1 pound of bulk breakfast sausage Meanwhile, cut up: 2 onions 2-3 stalks celery When the sausage is done, combine all ingredients in a very large casserole dish, or the crock pot. Cook in th...

MERRY CHRISTMAS  FROM THE MARINOS  Here are a few items of interest (or not) from our family: Let's start with the middle child since they usually get ignored. Jared, 13, is now almost as tall as mom. He has discovered Jujitsu and plans on exploring that for the foreseeable future. He is excelling in swimming, ice skating and art, and would prefer to spend all his time drawing. He disappears for hours while exploring the nearby creek, and would live there, except for the lack of Mom's cooking. Margie, my other middle child (since she is the one who gets left behind too often) is 16. She is singing in two choirs, pursuing piano, participating in swim team, and drives herself in those areas as well as in academics. She spent the summer working full time at the city pool, life guarding and teaching. Her quick wit and intelligence serve her well. Edie, who could ably fill in as the oldest child, is 11. She loves swimming and ice skating, and d...

Here's a quick and simple meal for after church or a busy day. In a crock pot, place slices of a bell pepper and an onion in the bottom. Layer raw Italian sausage over the vegetables. Last, pour over the contents a jar of spaghetti sauce or a 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, seasoned to taste with Italian seasonings and salt. Cook on high if you need this for after church, or you are in a hurry, for 3-4 hours. Cook on low if you are eating this for dinner for 6 hours or so. Serve on buns with a side of fresh baby carrots dipped in ranch dressing or a salad. Today, I had some corn on the cob that needed to be used and made for a lovely, colorful meal. \