Simplify

On the windowsill behind my kitchen sink (where I spend 90% of my day!), there sits a very plain, very small plaque that reads "SIMPLIFY".  It's a reminder of my new goal, my new philosophy in life.  As a society, we tend to make things so hectic, so over-indulgent and so crazy.  I've found that downsizing what we own, what we worry about and what we do has been nothing short of life changing.  I've come to realize that the kids do not need 40 different outfits, every single new toy that is "the latest rage", or 20 pairs of shoes.  I've found that getting back to the simple pleasures in life, like reading a great book, is what I enjoy most.  And with that philosophy in place, you'll be amazed at the money you save! 

Sometimes with food, we need to get back to the simple recipes.  I get so frustrated when I'm looking at recipes and the recipe itself calls for 20+ ingredients.  Really?!  I'll go broke making one dish!  Yes, sometimes those fancy, indulgent recipes are delicious and fun to prepare, but more often that not, I enjoy something so simple and plain.  Think about a grilled hamburger...no fancy spices, just good old ground sirloin on the grill....pure delicious-ness!   With that in mind, I came across one of the simplest, not to mention cheapest, recipes just recently.  I was skeptical at first, wondering how something so simple could be any good.  I'm happy to report that the recipe for Ham & Bean Stew was a huge hit, with Curt giving it 2 thumbs up.  He was actually excited to have leftovers of the stew for his lunch today.  It's hearty, simple and delicious.  Serve it with fresh baked cornbread or biscuits and watch it disappear! 

Ham & Bean Stew

2 16 oz. cans baked beans
2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups fully cooked cubed ham ( I used a leftover spiral ham-bone...delicious!)
1 celery rib, chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 c. brown sugar

In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients, stir and cover.  Cook on low 7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.  Serves 6.