Cooking and a Gift

 Hello all - hope this finds you all well today.  It is a chilly morning here, in the 20's.  Yesterday was a blustery day with flurries all day, as was Sunday.  Nothing major at all - so can't complain - because we all know some places have a right to complain right now.  Goodness, blizzards and cold in places that don't usually see those things.  Sounds like even Florida is in the deep freeze.

Last evening from my front porch!  I just can't get enough of the sunrises and sunsets - God's art is beautiful.

The kitties are all fed - boy they were excited this morning.  Usually they get mainly dry food, but this morning they got a treat - canned food!  The past few days has been cold, so I was afraid it would freeze, but lets say it didn't have a chance.  A whole clan of kitties scarfing wet food!!!  It was so cute - of course they have their dry food to eat on all day.

Birds are out and singing - nothing coming from the sky - a good day.

I had a couple ask about the lentil taco filling I made.  I did not follow a REAL recipe - I just sort of winged it.  I was very skeptical - but it tasted like taco meat to me.  I used one cup of lentils and I had tacos one day, made burritos one day and stuck some back in the freezer - will throw in the next batch of chili.

1 C lentils

2 C water

I sauteed some onion in a pan (for flavor), threw in the lentils for a couple minutes after the onions were soft.  I then added the water - taco seasoning - beef bouillon.  That is it!!!!  Cook until done.

What I had left for freezer - I threw in a small amount of beans I had left over from another dinner.

I used just like taco filling in the tacos, added my toppings and yum.

I made burritos with this and some rice and cheese - grilled and tasted so good.  

I swear it tastes just like taco meat.

It sure is a money saver.  Ground beef is pretty pricey anymore.  Of course you can used ground anything for filling, but this is just so darn cheap.  It is healthy and tasty.  I will definitely be using this again for many things.

It takes me a while to try 'new' things - but I am often pleasantly surprised when I do.  I know many of you already use lentils for tacos.  I am sure there are many ways to fix them.  I did simple!

I got a candle warmer for Christmas, unlike any that I have had before.  I have had container that you place a jar candle in, then turn on.  The heat melts the candle and thus it smells good.  This one is a light of sorts.  I decided to try it this morning.  Goodness sakes, within minutes I could smell the candle.  So cool, and no dangerous flame.

I am sure many have these or have seen them - I am always late to the party!!!!  I really do like it.  My house smells so good this morning.  The orange band you see in the picture, is where it has melted already.  That was after about 15 minutes.

Nothing exciting this morning - just a bit of this and that.

Maybe it will give someone an idea or two. 

I am tired today - yesterday was a long busy day - so I will just hang out around here and piddle around.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and that you are SAFE and WARM if in the bad areas.

Blessings to all.