(recipe of the week} my mom's crockpot lasagna with a spicy twist

I love trying new recipes.  I also love a new cookbook.  I'm obsessed and if our house was any bigger I would probably be a hoarder of cookbooks.  But before you start passing judgment let me just say that I DO use them all.  And I have them all color coded (maybe cookbook organization is for another day?)

Here was the dilemma for the night.

Sometimes I'm not feeling overly adventurous and just need some good ole wholesome comfort food (aka... momma's cooking).  My momma lives over 1800 miles away so I know we can't sit down at her kitchen table any time soon.

AND its my husband's birthday (well and mine.  We are a day apart) so I definitely don't feel like cooking.  And he loves lasagna which is such a high maintenance dinner I dread it.  (I always burn myself on those noodles) 

So... here comes Mom to the rescue (as always).  My three favorite ladies of all time gave me this handwritten recipe book for Christmas a few years back.  Its a treasure.  Her crockpot lasagna is delicious. Mom however never lived in south Texas.  Brandon and I usually enjoy a bit more "kick" to our food so here is her lasagna with my own personal twist.  If you don't like it spicy then don't add the kick!

Oh and did I mention its crockpot and SUPER easy???

Crockpot Lasagna with a Spicy Twist
{the goods}
1/2 lb. spicy italian sausage
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion (or a couple dashes of onion salt since we don't eat onions here)
1 green pepper chopped
dash of red pepper flakes
2 cans tomato sauce (i used spaghetti sauce)
2 tsp. salt
15 oz. carton part-skim ricotta cheese (or cottage which I prefer because its creamier)
1 small box of dethawed chopped spinach
1 c. parmesean grated
3 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
12 uncooked lasagna noodles

^ Got all your ingredients? ^

 ^ my new favorite crockpot secret -- no mess and easy clean up ^

^ get your little helper situated with something that will entertain her (for 2 minutes at least)

^ if you can buy already ground sausage that is recommended ^

^ I always buy my ground beef in bulk at Costco.  Then I divide and freeze the rest for another day(s) ^

 
In a large skillet, cook sausage, ground beef, and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink (8-10 min or so) stirring occasionally.  Drain

^ Cut up your green pepper (and onion) and any other vegetables you might want to add ^

^ I threw in some spaghetti squash puree.  Anna has decided she only likes finger food now.  No one in our family will even notice there are EXTRA vegetables in this lasagna.  Add squash, cauliflower, carrots, etc.  You'll feel like super mom knowing everyone is getting an extra serving of vegetables. ^

^ Stir in your vegetables, tomato sauce, italian seasoning, and salt. ^

^ In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesean cheese, 2 c. mozzarella cheese, and spinach.  You may need to add a little of one thing or the other to get the right blend. I like mine a bit creamier. ^

^ Check on your little helper --  where did she get to now? ^

^ layer your crockpot with a liner and a bit of PAM (I like to double duty)

^ Time to layer - Spoon 1/2 of the sausage mixture in first. ^

 

 ^ Add a thin layer of sauce ^

^ Layer with four noodles, broken into pieces to fit. ^

^ Next add 1/4 of the cheese and spinach mixture.  Repeat until the crockpot is almost full. ^

^ Layer the last of your shredded cheese on top (if you can fit it) then put the lid on it.  Cook 6-8 hours.

^ Cut and Serve. ^

^ "Are you going to eat that?" ^

^ HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful Husband.  As requested, a DQ ice cream cake for dessert ^

enjoying the little things at the {shanks household}

 

 ^ who knew this tiny little bottle of soap could make this much joy ^

 

^ "ok enough bubble making for one day - now what about me?!" ^

shanks household {a trip to the zoo}

A gorgeous weekend means a sunny trip to the zoo.  Maximus was less than thrilled he had to stay home.

: all pictures taken by sixteen sunbuckles :

{shanks household} cold all the way around

It hasn't been the greatest of weeks here at the Shanks household.  Only one word to describe it - cold.
We had the best weekend full of giggles.  Anna really is getting to a fun age where her little personality is shining through.  However, Monday morning I woke up to her not holding anything down and a fever of 100.4.  Our first stomach bug!  As any new mom knows, I panicked and worried all day long.  I of course rushed her to our doctor.  Our doctor just reassured me she would be fine and kids bounce back rather quickly.  I know I was just having "new mom anxiety" but it never hurts to go, right? All we have been doing is snuggling and I so wish I could tell her it'll be over soon and everything will be ok.  I am enjoying all these snuggles even if it is with a whimpering and fussy 8 month old. 

^ I walked in to find her STANDING up in her crib Monday morning - that's a first! *proud momma* ^

 ^ But then I noticed she wasn't feeling that great. Thought maybe she was just hungry? ^

 (Definitely not the answer)

 ^ and then the day just got more and more miserable... poor baby ^

 ^ thank God for technology and getting our mind off our fever for a few minutes ^

 ^ mickey mouse clubhouse definitely saved the day ... along with sesame street ^

^ Kind of amazing how our furry friends sense we don't feel good.  Maximus has been staying extra close. ^

And then I looked outside and realized it has finally stopped snowing after three days straight.  (these pictures I took this weekend) I am so looking forward to warmer weather and getting over colds and being able to finally embrace sunshine and long walks at the park.  I know Maximus is too.  He is so over being couped up inside.

{all pictures taken by sixteen sunbuckles / Anna at 8 months / Anna's monkey onesie is by Carters, past season}

eucharisteo: 451-500

I haven't forgotten about this.  In fact I've been thinking a lot about it and taking some mental notes.  The more aware you are of the joy surrounding you the more joy you find.  Here's a few more things that bring warmth to my heart.

451.  frost covered winter branches
452.  a super long icicle with small cold drips at the end (the sign of warmer weather approaching)
453.  the long wags of my friend's black labrador's tail
454.  Anna's struggle and self motivation to crawl and move forward
455.  bookmarks
456.  windchimes
457.  hot yoga
458.  seeing the pounds melt away on the scale
459.  knowing my fat jeans no longer fit and getting rid of them!
460.  a smooth plane ride
461.  direct flights
462.  warm sunny weather in the middle of winter (texas)
463.  standing on a balcony in the morning listening to the waves crashing against the shore
464.  the way your skin feels after you put on lotion
465.  the feeling you have after a great yoga stretch
466.  new workout clothes
467.  new socks
468.  finishing a jar of anything (it feels like an accomplishment for some reason)
469.  a few jar and the sound a lid makes when you open it the first time
470.  peach tea snapple
471.  snuggles with anna
472.  seeing my husband after a long work day
473.  snuggling in bed with my husband as we both read the bible in silence next to each other
474.  the wonderful church we have found here in Sherwood Park
475.  getting lots of compliments and requests for a new recipe
476.  my new magic bullet blender
477.  seeing how much anna loves baby swimming lessons
478.  being able to stay home with her everyday
479.  a new magazine
480.  sunday brunch
481.  the sunday comics
482.  the feeling you when you just finish a great book
483.  when everything goes "exactly by the book"
484.  anna's laugh (this probably counts as 1,000 joys in itself and i'll probably include it a few times)
485.  vintage luggage
486.  a new purse
487.  the feel of a worn in pair of heels
488.  bread baking in the oven
489.  knowing you accomplished everything on your to do list that day
490.  french windows
491.  my husband getting me to laugh so hard I cry
492.  my dog's unconditional love
493.  the stillness of a winter night
494.  big fluffy snowflakes falling at night
495.  the little boys in their hockey gear waddling out onto the ice
496.  movie popcorn and a giant coke
497   dinner reservations
498.  ordering dessert when we go out to eat
499.  a glass of champagne
500.  knowing my dog will always be by my side when I open a jar of peanut butter, a plastic wrapper of string cheese or get out an ice cube from the freezer.

this will have to wait

I was going to sit down and blog today but then this little face plopped down next to me on the sectional.

Clearly he is not impressed that we are sitting indoors.  The weather has been gorgeous this week.  I think we will take the day off and go for a walk.  Happy Friday everyone!

just a typical snowy day at the shanks household

We are still trying to get our almost 3 year old airedale used to having a backyard.  Of the 5 places he has lived he has never had a backyard.  We thought he'd love it and we would love it as well.  We could just push him out there and he'd keep himself occupied for hours on end.  WRONG!  Well for now at least.  There is still snow on the ground and he is a muddy mess if he is out there for more than 20 minutes.  I also feel bad pushing him out there when its only 30 degrees outside.

So here we are... longingly looking outside.  Maybe I'll let him out.  Looks like he wants to go out.  (Note the large tote of toys behind him.  Spoiled much?)

5 minutes later I come back to the door and see his little face all covered with snow.  He isn't thrilled to be outside.  He is even less thrilled that he is outside alone.  I decide to see if he'll give up begging to come in and hang outside for a few more minutes.

 

One minute later I hear excessive barking and tapping on the door.  He is clearly not happy to be outside and is now demanding to come in.  

 

This will continue all day everyday.  Welcome to our lives at the Shanks house.

recipe of the week: sweet potato fries

Things are finally slowing down a little at the Shanks household.   It was 40 degrees on Sunday here and sunny, gorgeous for Canada! So, we bought a grill to celebrate Spring is finally arriving.  (Well we hope its arriving, they say we can still get large snowfalls in April.  Let's hope not.  Pictures below of the grill)  I had one sweet potato left and decided to try making sweet potato fries.  I love ordering these at the restaurant and have wondered how to make them.  Well, ladies and gentlemen... its super easy!  and delicious!   The recipe from instructables says one sweet potato serves 2-3 people but if you love sweet potato fries like me you might one to cut two instead of one.

{the goods}
one large sweet potato
coarse sea salt (I used regular salt)
freshly ground black pepper, chunky
good quality olive oil
a peeler (I left the peeling on)
a sharp chef's knife
a cutting board
a large baking sheet (I used the one with sides)

{let's begin}
Set the oven to 450 deg. Rinse potato but don't soak.  (If you soak the olive oil won't coat) Cut the potato.  Cut the tips/ends off.  Then slice "hot dog style" down the middle.  Then take each half and slice up "fry style".  Thickness is up to you.  If you like more of a wedge then don't cut so many.  Repeat with other half.

 

Put fries in bag or bowl.  Add 1/4 cup olive oil and generous amounts of salt and pepper.  (Salt and pepper to your taste)  The fries to should have a drizzle of oil NOT drenched.  (If they are drenched they will be soggy)  Shake the bag or stir in bowl.  Transfer to baking sheet and evenly space.  Place in oven for 15 minutes.  Then turn and bake for an additional 10 minutes.  ***Watch them that last 10 minutes.  If you like them lighter than take them out a minute or two before the timer.

***I also cut up one regular baking potato.  The combination between the two potatoes looked nice and tasted great together.

the husband cooking on our new grill

"hey, what do you have over there?!"

 "has anything dropped yet?"

hand pattied burgers, yum!