It's a Love-Hate Thing

For my birthday my mother sent me a recipe book that I had asked for. I can't believe I wanted it. I don't like cooking and try to avoid it whenever possible. But this cookbook planned out meals for a whole year, sort of. It has four meals a week for 12 months, one of which is most always a crock pot recipe. The clincher, for me, was the shopping list that it comes with. What can be easier than have meals planned out AND a shopping list to go with it??! So I said I wanted it and my mother obliged me (thank you Mom!).

I must admit that I love this recipe book and have often told family and friends about it. The recipes are easy and most of time quick to prepare. I've only come across a few that I've refused to make, because I knew that Ryan would not like it (he doesn't care for meatloaf so why bother making it and seek his approval?!). Then there have been a couple that I've made and then crossed off the list so as to never make again. But so far the book is loaded with great NEW recipes that my family really likes.

The other night I came across a recipe for a roast and then was surprised to find that the next day called for the use of the leftovers! The past two nights we enjoyed both of the new-to-us meals, and I thought I'd share them with you (for those who crave good, easy, and quick meals)

Roast

2 lbs roast
1 onion
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper
1 cup water

Place ingredients in a crock pot and bake on low for 6-8 hours (or for me, I put it all in at 2:00 then cooked on high for 4 hours). You can add potatoes and carrots half way though.

Barbecue Beef

2 cups ketchup (Mae used to call it chup-chup! hahaha)
2 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dry mustard (prepared mustard can be used)
4 tsp chili powder
6 Tbsp brown sugar
2-3 cups cooked roast, cut in small pieces

Mix all ingredients together in a pot, cover loosely and cook until sauce thickens. You can also add sugar until sweetened to your taste. Then add your cut up roast beef.