Real life with Lar

Lar’s Homemade Stuffing This recipe is truly an act of love. About 32 years ago, my husband (aka Smokin) was wanting homemade stuffing.  I went searching for what makes a good stuffing and this is what I came up with. My husband loves it and so does everyone else. And, although I still love me some Stove Top Stuffing, nothing beats homemade.  My stuffing is easy to make, affordable and delicious which is the best kind of recipe.  Here's what you will need... 6 c Stale Bread (just tear up regular white or wheat bread(about 12-16 slices.) Leave out over night to dry out some) 2 Sticks Butter (one melted) 6 Stalks of Celery, diced (leaves included) 1 Lrg. diced Onion (White or Yellow) 1 tsp Pepper Salt to taste(I use between a ½-1 tsp) 1 T Rubbed Sage 1 ½ T  Thyme 1 C Applesauce ⅔ C Chicken Stock To make the stuffing… Put the bread pieces in a large bowl In a skillet or pot melt 1 stick of butter Add the diced onion and celery in the skillet, over med-high and sauté till softened, ab

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 in

                      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 the dish so I advise not using it) Add between 3-5 cups of whole or low fat 2% mi

  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 salsa and mix well