Real life with Lar

Lar's Sweet Potato Casserole It's Supercalifragilisticeexpialidocious! When I tell you this is a guaranteed crowd pleaser I am not exaggerating! Any one I have served this to that says they aren’t a sweet potato fan is a convert after just one bite! I first shared this recipe in 2016 and it still is one of my biggest blog posts. This is a super easy side dish that could also be a dessert. It is sweet, flavorful, and oh so decadent. If you have family or friends who are gluten-free just omit the bourbon and replace with a tablespoon of Vanilla Extract.  Here's what you need... Allspice is not shown  Part 1~ The Casserole Base 6 medium peeled and diced Sweet Potatoes 4 T Butter 2/3 C Orange Juice 1 T Cinnamon  2 tsp Nutmeg 1 tsp Salt (taste after its mixed to see if more salt is needed) 1 (or 2) shot of Bourbon (Omit this and add 1 T of Vanilla Extract for a gluten free recipe) Place the peeled diced potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Boil until fork tender then drain ...

                      Sausage Gravy Is there anything better then some good sausage gravy? Its requested so often by my family. It makes the house smell good and makes my fried chicken go to the next level of sinful decadence.and of course, topped on some biscuits on a chilly morning! Delicious!  * Picture is my Fried Chicken with Sausage Gravy and Roasted  Brussel Sprouts w/Pine Nuts  It is a very easy recipe. So give it a try Start with 2 pounds of sausage in an electric skillet or frying pan and brown up well With a slotted spoon take sausage out of frying pan and place it on a paper towel covered plate... To the fat left in the pan, add 3 T of butter  Add about 4-5 T of KY Kernel flour (if you only have regular then just add some salt and pepper to taste at the end) Whisk the flour and fat together to make a great roux.  This takes about 2 -3 minutes Add 2 tsp of garlic powder (Using fresh over powers th...

  Momma's Beef Chili  It’s our Trick Or Treat tradition! This by far the easiest tastiest chili I have ever made.  It makes quite a bit and with Mac n Cheese, it truly hits the spot on a cold Fall day. For the past 4 years we have a big family dinner before trick or treating at our house. Mom’s chili and Mac cheese! So whether it is just the  chili, just the mac & cheese, or both together in a bowl it is always a hit! 2 lbs lean ground beef (@least 93% lean 7% fat) 1 large, diced onion 1 large jar (24-32oz) Salsa medium heat (I prefer the white corn and black bean salsa) 1 T Cumin 2 T Chili powder 1 tsp Red pepper flakes 1 T Garlic powder 1 large and one small Bush’s Chili Beans ( they are gluten free) Siracha to taste I use about 1-2 T because we love the heat and flavor. In a large pot over medium heat combine the onion and ground beef, cooking till the meat is almost cooked through. Add the spices and mix well. Let it cook another 2-3 mins. Add the jar of sals...

Lar's Best Thing Since Sliced Bread... Pudding When I was a little girl my dad and his sister (my Aunt Candy) would order bread pudding whenever it was on any restaurant menu.  They loved it. I, however, would think, “why would you want to eat soaked bread?!” After I grew up I realized bread pudding was so much more than just “soaked bread“.  It is an indulgent dessert that has the simplest ingredients yet feels like you spent a lot of time and money making it.  My bread pudding is a cross between French toast casserole and sticky, nutty cinnamon monkey bread.  It would make a great dessert anytime of the year! Since it is Derby time again, I thought I would share this recipe again. After all what is Kentucky known for... The Derby and Bourbon! ENJOY!  What you will need... 2 c Granulated Sugar 6 lrg Eggs, beaten  1 3/4 c Whole Milk 2 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 tsp Nutmeg  1/2-3/4 c Raisins (optional)  1 Loaf Italian Bread, cubed, ...

Creamy Curry Butternut Soup I know what you're thinking, “I am not a squash fan”. Believe me when I say I'm right there with you, but this soup is so warming, so decadent, so GOOD you will change your mind about butternut squash. The ingredients are few and the process is simple. It’s a healthy soup and perfect for a cold winter day. And if you are super busy and looking for a quick dinner...dump in the crockpot all the ingredients except the coconut cream and set on low for 5-6 hours and in the last hour add coconut cream stir. After cooking is done check salt to taste and us a masher for a chunkier soup or an immersion blender for a smoother soup!! You’ll need… 2 lbs of diced butternut squash (Most Costcos carry 2lbs diced Butternut Squash) 1 T Curry Powder 1 1/2 tsp Ginger 1 1/2 tsp Cumin Salt and Pepper to taste 3-4 C Chicken Broth (you could also use vegetable broth) 2 Shallots, minced 1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 can 15oz Coconut Cream (not milk) Heavy whipping Cream(opti...

Quick Summer Breakfast Options Growing up, mornings were hard. Until I discovered coffee, in my late teens.  It took me quite awhile to become ‘human’ and not the ‘morning monster’ as my baby sister called me. My Dad had the worse time trying to wake me up. It didn't matter how much sleep I got. I could have had 6 hours of sleep or 16; I just didn’t like getting up in the morning. Dad would start out with his morning playlist of songs singing  This is the Day that the Lord has made , followed up by,  Rise and Shine and give God the Glory Glory ! When  fun loving Dad  would get frustrated,  ticked off Dad  showed up,  "Lar you better have your feet on the floor when I come back in here!’  I waited till I could hear him coming down the hall, then as the obedient child that I was,would throw my feet flat on the ground while still laying my upper half on the bed. Fast forward a few decades...  Well, now I have coffee and as long as I can hav...