How to Cure the Mid-Week Blues - Beef Stroganoff & Cucumber Side Salad

If you are a working girl, then there's a friend you should get to know REALLY well - the CROCK POT.

My crock pot comes in handy at LEAST once a week. (I own two, a small one and big one). If you don't own a crock pot, go buy one. They are around $20-$30 and will save you tons of time in the kitchen! :) Buy it, open it, become friends.

Below is a recipe adapted from Cooks.com for an easy and hearty Beef Stroganoff - made right in your crock pot throughout the day...waiting for you when you get home!

CROCK POT BEEF STROGANOFF

1 lb. beef sirloin cubes (you can even buy pre-cut!)
2/3 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sprinkle of onion powder

1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Salt & Pepper

For browing the meat:  2 tablespoons olive oil

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle sirloin with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Lightly brown raw sirloin cubes for just a minute (do not cook)! Add to crock pot. Combine other ingredients above. Cook 8 hours on low - serve over noodles or rice!


Note: You can add 8 oz. sour cream (if desired) after serving crock pot mixture over noodles/rice. We didn't - and it was still delish!

Recipe derived from:  http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1727,157187-234204,00.html

In the mood for a salad too?

SPRING GREENS & CUCUMBER SALAD

2 cups spring greens - fresh
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
10 croutons
Olive oil/vinegar or balsamic dressing (if you have the Penzey's Country French Vinagrette - use here!)

LOVE! <3