Hot dog stew.

I have been out of the blog world lately for a couple of reasons. Some personal and some not but I'm back and I hope that this will be a little more consistent.

So what's new you ask? Well, everything. I have been cooking a ton and to add to that I have taken up the sewing machine. This machine was given to me by my husband about 4 years ago. Over the last 4 years I have, on occasion, brought it out, tried to get it going to no avail. It's always a learning curve with me. I want to do what comes naturally and if I find something where I have to really get down and teach myself something... well, I usually quit. This is going to change.

My Mother was here visiting and I had her give me a real lesson (thanks Mom!) and I haven't put it down yet. I can't stop, it's like 2 a.m. and I'm in the "sewing room" (office turned craft mecca), cross eyed, exhausted but finding that I just can't put it down.

I have created a diaper clutch that I think is going to be my thing. I wanted to make something that was simple where I can make a lot of them but still really cool. I have a baby so yes this blog might turn into all things baby (not likely) but I will do my best to keep it interesting.

Like recipes, and this one is called "Hot dog stew"

3 T. olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 turnips, diced

3 T. gumbo file (it's powdered thyme and savory)

3 T. flour

2 cups lobster or veggie broth

2 cups water (or less)

1 lg can of diced tomatoes with juice

4 hot dogs, diced

In a lg pot

heat the oil and add onions for about 4 minutes

add gumbo file, salt and pepper stir until heated, about a 1 minute

add veggies, tomatoes (with juice) and broth, add water so that the veggies are covered by about 2 inches.

put a lid on it and boil for about 12 minutes

when the veggies are done, you're done.

Add the hot dog to the bowl, I usually serve this over bamboo rice, and cover with soup. Garnish with sour cream. Yum.

And yes I know hot dogs are disgusting but I love them and so does my son. I use all natural ones from Trader Joes, they are still disgusting but better for you... like American Spirit cigarettes I guess.