Homemade Playdough :)

Ok so this is "1 new recipe/week" this isn't food, but it is a recipe ;)  And it's something the kids can help do!

Homemade Playdough:

What you'll need:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons cream of tarter
• 1 teaspoon cooking oil
• 1/4 cup salt
• food coloring

1. Combine all ingredients (except food coloring) in a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Stir over medium heat until smooth
3. Stir continuously until the dough balls (about 1-2 minutes) remove from heat
4. When the dough is cool enough to handle knead until smooth.
5. Form into a ball

6. Divide into as many colors as you'd like to make. A single batch makes a good amount for four colors.

7. Add food coloring to the divided dough. I used liquid food coloring, but I've heard the gel food coloring works better, or even koolaid packets.

8. Knead the food coloring into the dough, on wax paper, to protect your counters. I will be using gloves the next time I make it, because my hands are a very colorful mess now!

9. When the dough is a consistant color, ball and set aside.

Store the dough in separate airtight containers. The dough will stay soft for several weeks if stored airtight.



Abby had so much fun helping me make this... And even more fun playing with it!!! This was so easy to make, and I feel safer when they "accidentally eat" the playdough, because I know EXACTLY what's in it!!!

The Best Taco Soup!

A few weeks ago my fantastic Mother In Law made some Taco Soup. It was so good. I've never been a soup kinda person, especially taco soup, with all kinds of beans and tomatoes in it... But this was SO good that I had to get the recipe and make it myself!!!

TACO SOUP

What you'll need:

2 pounds ground beef

1 to 2 diced onions

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes

1 (10-ounce) can RO*TEL® diced tomatoes and green chilies

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans

1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans (I used Great Northern Beans instead)

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans chopped green chiles

1 (1-ounce) envelope taco seasoning

   1 (1-ounce) envelope ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix

Garnishes: Corn chips, cheese, sour cream, green onions

1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain, using a slotted spoon, as you transfer browned beef and onions to a Dutch oven, stockpot or slow cooker.
2. Add tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, corn and green chiles. Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch salad dressing mix.
3. If you’re cooking on the stove, cover the pot and simmer soup over low heat for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
4. Garnish individual servings with corn chips, cheese, sour cream and green onions, if desired.

Ya'll know mine went straight in the crock pot! My crock pot is a good friend :) I let it sit for about 8 hours on low. It was SO good!! Mmmmmmm