Visitors mean we’ll take a break from the healthier norm

Grouchy Bear has truly been “whistling Dixie” this week. I have had to try out numerous new recipes and he has been FORCED to eat most of it. You could not find a happier bear.

 On Tuesday of this week a couple is coming from the Wichita, Kan., area and they will be staying at our home. They are the parents of Martin Burnham (and in-laws of Gracia). Martin was killed several years ago in the Philippines where all the family served as missionaries.

I tested the recipes to assure the best of eating for the Burnhams and other guests that will be visiting us for meals. He is getting a big reprieve from his healthy diet and is really enjoying himself.

 Since a group of missionaries from our church will travel with the Burnhams to the Philippines in January we are having numerous meals to allow everyone to get acquainted.

 Grouchy Bear can hardly wait for his meals for the week. He has his favorites and is licking his lips and truly growling just thinking about it all. He looked at me one evening and said, “What are you trying to do, kill me?”

 The first night of company we will have taco soup and a broccoli casserole. This is a recipe from an old church cookbook and is quite good.

1 1/2 lb ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can 28 oz. whole tomatoes and juice

1 can 14 oz kidney beans and juice

1 can 17 oz corn and juice

1 package taco seasoning

1 to 2 cups water

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown meat, drain. Brown onion and add rest of the ingredients. Simmer 15 minutes and serve over chips, sour cream and cheese.

 Since we will have eight I will double the recipe. I browned the beef and onion and mixed it all in the crockpot for several hours. I think it helps season the soup better.

Oh so good

broccoli salad



3/4 cup Miracle Whip Light Dressing

1 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 bunch broccoli florets (6 cups)

6 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled

1 small red onion, chopped

Mix dressings, sugar and vinegar in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mix lightly.

Cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Makes 12 servings at 1/2 cup each.

After the meal is completed several desserts will be enjoyed.

Mix a carrot cake mix with one cup water, three eggs and 1/3 cup melted margarine and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

While still warm poke holes over the cake with a wooden spoon handle and pour caramel topping into the holes. Keep back a half cup of the topping to drizzle over the top once it is iced.

Cover the cake and refrigerate for two hours. When it is cooled and set cover the cake with ready to spread vanilla frosting and drizzle a few tablespoons of the remaining topping over the top of the cake.

Imagine how the bear is handling all this. See you next week.