Ah, For the Love of Fall

It's the end of September and that means Fall in Iowa.  The leaves are starting to change, our high temp is barely reaching 65 degrees and all things fall related are on most people's minds.

I find that I want to spend more time in the kitchen, snuggling up inside, while taking the occasional brisk walk while the air is still cool.  And of course watching TONS of football.  Who doesn't love this time of year?

Fall of course means soup season at our house.  I made my first big batch over the weekend and I'm happy to say that as of today, Thursday, we are finally eating the last of it.  But leftover soup doesn't irritate me, I could eat it every day!

Vegetable Beef Soup
1 large can vegetable juice or V-8
4 c. beef stock
1 lb. ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained
1 small onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can green beans, or 2 c. fresh
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. oregano
1 t. salt
1 T. pepper

Are you ready for this?  Throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, set and forget.  I cook mine on low for 6-8 hours, or until the veggies are tender, or you can do high for 4-6 hours.  Honestly, it is the easiest soup known to man.  Try it.

We've also been tackling some yard maintenance.  And by tackling I mean, the husband and little man.  He honestly goes EVERYWHERE dad does, and by god if dad is outside, there is no keeping him inside.  I have a feeling he will be his "tag along" for the rest of his life.



And speaking of Fall, how about these Apple Bars?  If you've been a reader of my blog for awhile, you know I am getting into the habit of making these each year.  It's my mom's recipe and it is stellar.  You will want to put these on your fall baking list.

Now.

My day is a little screwed up today - first off blogging at 6 a.m. - but our daycare provider is sick, which creates a different work schedule for the both of us, and my day totally out of wack.  I am a schedule person and when it is off, I am off.

Here's to hoping for a good Thursday!