Crock Pot 16 Bean Soup

I love my crock pot especially for soups and stews. This soup is also called holiday bean soup and I've been making it ever since my first year of marriage. It started after a visit to PA when my mom handed me a bag of 16 bean mix and a leftover holiday ham shank to take back home. I didn't really know what I was doing, but the soup is now one of Justin's most requested so I must of done something right!

Crock Pot 16 Bean Soup

Ingredients:

1 package 16 Bean Soup (about 2 cups)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. chili powder
2 stalks celery chopped
2 carrots diced
1 large onion chopped
2-3 cloves garlic chopped
1 ham hock or shank
1 28 oz. can tomatoes stewed or diced
6 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the beans in a large pot or bowl and cover with water until above the bean line. Soak overnight. Drain in the morning.

2. In a crock pot, place all of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

3. Remove the ham and shred or chop the meat and add back into the pot. Continue cooking until ready to serve.

Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies

I crave brownies ALL the time so I'm always looking for that perfect chewy brownie recipe that will turn out just like the boxed mix. I came across this recipe and thought how perfect since I already had a tub of mascarpone that needed to be used up. So far every other recipe I've tried has failed me until now. Well, sort of...

These brownies win for taste, but are still lacking the right consistency- in my opinion. High quality chocolate is suggested for this recipe and makes all the difference in taste. I used Valrhona cocoa powder that I bought online from Chocosphere.

If you are craving something really rich and indulgent, these are for you. In the meantime my hunt will continue for the ultimate chewy and fudgy brownie. Anyone want to share their favorite recipe?

New year, New mixer

I am so excited I can barely stand it! I received the best Christmas gift this year a girl could ever ask for. Here she is... my beautiful, ruby red KitchenAid Mixer. It's a total dream come true!

My husband is the absolute best and totally shocked me on Christmas morning. I could not believe he pulled it off. I seriously find out about EVERYTHING. I had no idea what was in the box under the tree for 2 whole weeks and the thought did not even enter my mind. So needless to say, I was very surprised and it was great!

Now I have some serious baking to do this year!

**Update 1/19/2009**

So, I have decided to go with a different color- crazy huh? I have always had an issue when it comes to picking a color for my wish list, so this should not come as a surprise. I battled with this decision for over 2 weeks, but have finally settled. This Ice blue color is gorgeous and on it's way!