Family Cook Book

If you only knew the amount of blog catching up I had to do.....so I must start somewhere!

My mom gifted us {our "What You Wanted For Christmas But Didn't Know It"} probably what will be one of my top cherished gifts EVER. A book filled with pages of family recipes. I cry as I type because I took for granted all the yummy food my grandparents made for us. Never taking the time to sit down with my grandmother and writing down recipes before she died. BUT thankfully my mom did and they are now at my finger tips reach, neatly organized! Recipes that are not elaborate or costly. Just simple cost effective delicious meals that fill our belly's satisfyingly full!

Like last week, we SOOOOO needed a healthy home cooked meal in the midst of all this holiday over eating unhealthy madness! I really had nothing on hand, so I grabbed the cookbook, knowing I could find something to make from the "nothing" I had at home......cause my grandma and mom are just THE finest at making something out of nothing! Lentil Stew it was.....we gobbled it down and I smiled all the while knowing my grandma would be proud. I seem to be relishing in that feeling lately......"she {my grandma} would be proud"!

And the other BEST part about this book is I can add to it......finding favorite of my family and tuck them neatly into this binder! Simple and Homemade.......it's what gives me warm comfortable feelings these days!

**ADD ON**

I realized I should maybe have added this super simple lentil stew recipe so here it is!

Spicy Lentil Stew

Serves 4

1 c. brown lentils {I had orange on hand and they worked just as well, just needed way less time to cook them}

2 c. chicken broth {I use Mckays}

2 c. fresh spinach {didn't have so I replaced with carrots and celery}

1/4 c. chopped red pepper {I added a full cup}

1 tbsp. dried cilantro {add more if using fresh}

1/4 c. salsa {can use mild all the way to very hot depending on how spicy or not you want it}

1 clove garlic, minced

Combine lentils with broth. Bring to an easy boil, reduce heat, cover & simmer for approx 20 minutes or till lentils are tender. Stir in remaining ingredients & heat till spinach is wilted. Serve over couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whatever you prefer!

Obviously this recipe leaves you lots of room to add what you want! I added my carrots, pepper, and celery after lentils were cooked. The carrots and celery weren't completely soft by the time we ate dinner so it added a perfect crunch!

Enjoy!