Welcome back to Grammie’s kitchen! I’m so happy you’ve joined me once again. It’s a real pleasure to have your company each month, so make sure you tell your friends about our visits. Perhaps, they will join us next time.

Thank the good Lord January is over! At my age, I know I shouldn’t be wishing my time away but after such cold weather, I’m willing to take my chances. I’m blessed to be able to stay inside, cosy and warm, but nevertheless after days of -40º temperatures it becomes a bit too much. I felt heart sorry for people who had to work outside on those cold days.

I always try to have lots of yarn and books on hand for the winter. When I grow tired of knitting I pick up a book and escape to another time and place for awhile. You have to keep your mind active and try to appreciate every day no matter how cold and long.

We are strange people in Atlantic Canada. If you’re talking to a friend on January 31^st, you can bet they’re complaining about the long cold winter. But come the first week in February, what do we hear? "January’s gone. We have the winter beat now."

What a difference a week makes!

A good way to pass the winter days is to prepare some hot and hearty meals. Here are a couple of recipes I really enjoy. The best thing about them is that there are always lots of leftovers to enjoy for a few days.

Sunday Soup

Meatballs:
1 ½ lbs. ground beef
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tbsp. water
½ cup dry breadcrumbs
¼ tsp. salt
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tbsp. butter

Soup:
2 cups water
1 can (10-½ oz) condensed beef broth, undiluted
1 can (1 lb. 12 oz) tomatoes, undrained, chopped
1 envelope (1 3/8 oz) dry onion soup mix
1 cup sliced carrots
¼ cup chopped celery tops
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. dried oregano leaves
¼ tsp. dried basil leaves
1 bay leaf

To make the meatballs, combine beef, egg, water, breadcrumbs, salt and parsley. Mix lightly; shape into 24 balls. In 5-qt Dutch oven, melt butter and brown meatballs, a single layer at a time, on all sides. Drain off fat; remove meatballs and set aside.

To make soup, combine ingredients in same Dutch oven. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add meatballs; simmer 20 minutes longer. Makes about 2 qts.

Sweet and Sour Beef

1 tbsp. shortening
2 lbs. cubed lean stewing beef
½ tsp. salt
2 cups canned tomatoes
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vinegar
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ bay leaf
1 green pepper, cut into thin strips

Melt shortening in large skillet; brown beef on all sides. Add salt, tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, onion, and bay leaf. Cover skillet; lower heat. Let simmer about 2 hours, until beef is tender. Add pepper strips to beef; cook 10 minutes to blend all flavours. Serve with hot rice or noodles.

I hope that you give these a try. I’m sure you will enjoy them.

As you know, February is the month for love and sweethearts. Take time to show the one you love how much you care. Give yourself the joy and time to love someone. Ask yourself how much they enrich your life and show them the positive difference they make. Bring her a rose. Prepare him a special dinner. Go out dancing. Become Ginger Rogers for your Fred Astaire. Enjoy this time together. You deserve it. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Until next time, remember I made it especially for you!