Sausage and Bean Stew

I love to try new recipes. I really, really enjoy creating (or experimenting, my husband says) new ones. Here's one I came up with today. It's a good hearty stew on a blustery cold day.

1 lb. sausage (I used mild, but any would work)
1 onion
1 small can tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup (diluted with 1 can water)
1 - 2 Tbsp oil
chili seasoning to taste (or any kind of seasoning packet you have on hand)

Saute onion in oil until golden. Add sausage and brown. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beans, and cream of mushroom soup. Add seasoning. Simmer on low heat until desired thickness. Serve with your favorite bread or over rice.

Pumpkin/Peanut Butter Apple Dip (or Harvest Fruit Dip)

You may be thinking that pumpkin and peanut butter are a strange mix. Hold judgement until you taste. My picky-eater (the 7 year old) absolutely loves this dip. In fact, she'll eat it by the spoonfuls. Try it and let me know if you like it.

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter (I like to use 1 cup)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie)
1 tsp vanilla

Mix and serve with sliced apples. Yummy!

Veterans' Day

Thank you to all the veterans who have served our country, and some of you are still serving. I appreciate your hard work and sacrifice. God bless you all.