Buffalo Chicken Sub

1.5 lbs diced coked chicken thighs
3/4 c. Frank's original sauce
3 tbsp butter

3 celery stalks
1/2 c. tomatoes
3/4 c. carrots

1 c. feta cheese
1c. blue cheese dressing

1 long baguette or sub rolls

Warm chicken in sauce and butter. Dice veggies. Mix feta with dressing and spread on sliced bread and broil 2 min or less. Layer sandwich with veggies and chicken and put extra sauce on the side.

This was one of the appetizers I made for the progressive dinner and then again for the Ugly Sweater party on our street.

Black and Tan Beef Stew

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 pounds beef stew meat
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 large onions, sliced
1 can tomato paste
3 14.5 cans beef broth
6 oz ale
6 oz stout
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Brown meat in oil. Deglaze pan with onion. Put all ingredients in slow cooker on high for 6 hours.

Cheddar Beer Soup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion grated
3/4 c. carrots grated
3/4 c celery grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
1 (12 oz) bottle beer
1 c. milk
1 c. half and half
16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (shred yourself for better consistency)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
popcorn, to garnish

Grate cheese and set aside. Grate onion, carrots and celery and sauté in melted butter over med heat. Cook about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cooking about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and cook for a minute or two to eliminate the raw flavor. Gradually add the chicken broth, beer, and the milk, whisking constantly to ensure you don't have any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer then reduce the heat to low and continue simmering for about 25 minutes.

While the soup simmers, add all of the cheese to a large bowl and sprinkle with the cornstarch - toss to coat.

Gradually add the cheese, whisking until melted and smooth before adding more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with popcorn, if desired.

Mother's day

This is an attempt at making homemade soap by my daughter after getting her first pocket knife and trying to find something useful to do with the soap shavings. She thought she could microwave them and mold them into soap for Mother's day presents.

Even though it isn't Mother's day yet, the best present was hearing the words, "I'll clean it up."