Beef Dip with Rosemary Garlic Butter

There is something about beef dip that is so comforting. And in times like these, when the summer whether hasn't quite kicked in yet; when spring showers and grey skies push you into sweats and winter behaviour, a beef dip seems like the answer to life's problems.

The great thing about making a beef dip is that it requires very little effort and makes enough food to get you through the rainy day blues. Served with great bread and a rosemary garlic butter, this sandwich just cannot be beat!

In this recipe, I use a slow cooker for the first time. I borrowed this slow cooker from my sister to see how it works. To be honest, I still don't have any inclination to get one for myself. I find that it's another appliance that I need to store and that takes up counter space. If you are like me and don't have a slow cooker, this recipe works just the same in a large casserole covered and put into the oven and left to cook low and slow (at about 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit) or on a low stove top.

Homemade Chicken (or Turkey) Noodle Soup

The ultimate comfort food. Who doesn't like Chicken Noodle Soup?

I was  sitting in my office at work the other day when one of my staff walked into my office with a cup of instant chicken noodle soup. The smell was so comforting and I instantly wanted some.  So on the weekend, I went to the grocery store and wandered down the soup isle until I found the cup-a-soup. But I just couldn't bring myself to buying it. I knew if I wanted tasty, satisfying Chicken Noodle Soup, that I would need to make it myself.

As I was buying all the ingredients, I noticed that there were turkey parts available in the poultry section, so I thought I would put a little twist on the classic, but of course, you could make it with a whole chicken or chicken parts as I usually do.

The result was so delicious, and honestly, it is quite simple to make. You could make a whole stock pot and then freeze the stock for later use as well.