Super Crockpot

I've been asked a lot recently to share a recipe that I have modified from a few different sources. Carol and the kids love it, and it would be a perfect meal for this Sunday's Super Bowl. This is definitely a cheat day meal! Let me know what you think. - Jeremy

 

Turkey Potato Corn Chowder

 
Not my photo, but it should look something like this!

Not my photo, but it should look something like this!

 



1 package of Trader Joe’s mirepoix (Carrots, Onions, Celery)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
3 slices precooked Bacon diced (optional)
1 bag of Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn
1  32oz Container Organic Chicken Broth        
1/2 cup water
3-4 large gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
 
1 pint half & half
1 cup shredded cheddar or mixed cheese

Minced fresh parsley, optional


Directions:

Separate onions and celery from mirepoix mixture. Add diced cooked bacon, carrots, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and chill powder to Crockpot and set to low for 4-5 hours.


While Crockpot is warming, sauté onion and celery with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until onions sweat.
Add Turkey meat to mixture and brown (I always use a couple of dashes Italian seasoning here too).

Transfer turkey meat, onions, and celery to Crockpot and continue to cook on low for 4 hours (taste periodically and season accordingly) or until potatoes are cooked fully. Add 1 pint of half & half and 1 cup of cheese at the end of cook time, continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Broken Bow Get-a-Way!

Since moving to Texas Carol and I have been hyper focused on raising our family and building an even more successful business, consequently our time for travel has been confined to long weekends and day trips around North Texas and Oklahoma. Surprisingly, there are many beautiful places and interesting towns that have satisfied our hunger for travel. Crepes overlooking the Seine have been replaced by breakfast tacos overlooking Lake Travis, and the latter may be even more enjoyable out of sheer need to get away. Recently, we found another wonderful get-a-way called Broken Bow Lake, just 3 hours away in south-eastern Oklahoma near town of Hochatown. Hochatown/Broken Bow Lake is a charming blue collar area that is quickly gaining a reputation for its beautiful views, fishing, food, and local brewery. Nestled in the arms of the Hochatown and Beavers Bend State Parks, Broken Bow Lake is 14,000 acres with shores that sparkle pink from quartz formed 300 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian period. It really is a bazaar site to see. There are no homes on the lake and camping is designated in a few areas. The uninhabited shores offers a beauty not found in the normally crowded shores of most lakes, rather the local luxury cabins are located a short drive from the lake, and luckily we had a great connection.

As it turns out, we had some friends that own cabins in a gorgeous area of town hidden among the enormous pine trees that stand guard like soldiers at attention. Roughing it is not an option in these exquisitely finished homes. These fully finished "cabins" have all the modern touches while still paying homage to their surroundings. Rich woods and exposed beams bring the outside in. We had a wonderful time relaxing on the deck, grilling out, and enjoying cold beverages in the hot-tub. The kids had fun rock hunting and splashing in the clear-water stream that twists and turns around the properties.

There are plenty of places to keep the kids busy as well, but because of the remote location a map tends to help (see the one we created after our trip). Our friends liked it so much they are leaving them for their guests. A short drive away, we found a great little spot for mini-golf and paddle boating that the kids did not want to leave. There great spots for fishing, hiking, and bird watching as well. Whether you want a nice peaceful spot to finish that book, or to get out there and get your hands dirty, Broken Bow offers both.

Matching the stunning vistas and fun is the delicious food including wonderful southern fare, a family friendly pizza joint with cold beer, and a spot known for fried chicken that would be worth the drive alone, as well as a grocery store with everything you need. Broken Bow is really just the right balance of nature and convenience. A lovely get-a-way.

Next time your itching to get out of the DFW area, check out our list below of our favorite places to stay, play, and eat while in Broken Bow.

 

You need this for 2017

 2017 is here, so we thought we'd share some of the things we loved from 2016. Check out these products and vendors, and you'll be sure to have a smile on your face for 2017.

LOCAL FAVORITES

Younique Mineral Touch Pressed Powder

This is a makeup staple for any woman on the go,  awesome quality and a must have in your purse. Our friend Lindsey Ganter is a true talent and amazing mother of 3... Can't stop this momma. Make sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

This is a makeup staple for any woman on the go,  awesome quality and a must have in your purse. Our friend Lindsey Ganter is a true talent and amazing mother of 3... Can't stop this momma. Make sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

An awesome gift especially for teachers.  Our kids teachers absolutely loved them. Molly's low quantity high quality letterpress tags are the image of perfection. They are the first of their kind to offer low quantity Letterpress for a great pr…

An awesome gift especially for teachers.  Our kids teachers absolutely loved them. Molly's low quantity high quality letterpress tags are the image of perfection. They are the first of their kind to offer low quantity Letterpress for a great price! A unique gift for sure, and Molly the owner is an absolute talent and sweetheart. Another mom making it happen. Lover her. Follow Molly on Instagram.

An amazing talent on the rise. I absolutely love her stuff. Best thing is that as good as her calligraphy is, she is a better person.

An awesome dark chocolate that you won't feel too guilty about enjoying. A perfect way to satisfy that chocolate craving.

An awesome dark chocolate that you won't feel too guilty about enjoying. A perfect way to satisfy that chocolate craving.

As a cider aficionado I can attest that this is one of the best I have ever had. Flavors including honey, pineapple, and even a hopped cider are absolutely fantastic.

As a cider aficionado I can attest that this is one of the best I have ever had. Flavors including honey, pineapple, and even a hopped cider are absolutely fantastic.

ENTERTAINMENT

Hardcore History

If you are a fan of history, you need to check out Dan Carlin's Hardcore History at dancarlin.com. From Alexander the Great to his current event podcast, called common sense, Dan Carlin provides theater of the mind like no other podcaster out there.

If you are a fan of history, you need to check out Dan Carlin's Hardcore History at dancarlin.com. From Alexander the Great to his current event podcast, called common sense, Dan Carlin provides theater of the mind like no other podcaster out there.

Set in England during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth, The Crown is a fascinating look into not only the life of the Queen, but of her young family. A great show to binge watch on rainy days while having a cup of Early Grey tea!!

Set in England during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth, The Crown is a fascinating look into not only the life of the Queen, but of her young family. A great show to binge watch on rainy days while having a cup of Early Grey tea!!