Hamburger Soup

This soup is in our monthly wintertime dinner rotation. It is so delicious! It is a twist on traditional vegetable soup. Very simple and very satisfying.

We always put cheese on top because we can.

Hamburger Soup

2 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 bell peppers, chopped (I use an assortment of red, orange & yellow)
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
One pound carrots, chopped
28 oz can diced tomatoes, not drained
4 cups beef stock (homemade chicken stock is good too)
small can tomato paste
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

In a large pot over medium high heat, brown the beef with onions, peppers, celery and the carrots, crumbling the beef as it cooks. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook over low heat for about 45 minutes.

Chocolate Cake with Fudge Buttercream

It's my middlest middle baby's birthday today. He requested chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I made him this cake. It's so good, so easy and did I mention it's delicious? Moist chocolate cake topped with fudgy chocolate buttercream. You should make it, even if it's no one's birthday.

You'll be glad you did.

Chocolate Cake with Fudge Buttercream

1 cup canola oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 tap baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup hot water

Icing:
1.5 sticks butter, softened
6 T whole milk
1 tsp vanilla
6 T cocoa powder
5 cups powdered sugar

For the cake, combine the oil, buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk together in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, except hot water, and whisk until combined. Do not over mix. Pour in the hot water and mix until just combined. Pour into a greased 9 by 13 baking dish and bake on 350ﾟfor about 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it. Allow it to cool.

 For the icing, beat together the Butter, milk and vanilla. Add the cocoa and powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.