Beef Tips

Today I have decided to post a super easy recipe from the kitchen of my dear friend Hollie. When my husband and I go to re-enacting events, Hollie is pretty much the company cook. She does a fabulous job! One of our favorite recipes is her Re-enactor's Beef Tips. I hope you enjoy it too!
Re-Enactor Beef Tips

2lbs round steak cut into chunks {I buy the already cut up chunks, it's much easier}
1 can Golden Mushroom soup {the soup is Golden Mushroom, it is different from cream of mushroom}
1 bottle cheap red wine

1/2 pkg Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Place beef in a lined crock pot. Mix wine and soup in a bowl. Pour over beef. Cook in a crock pot on low for 8 hours.

Serves 4

Rehearsal Dinners/Family Gatherings

Ok, I know I haven't blogged in FOREVER due to circumstances out of my control.  However, I hope to blog more often.

I have been talking about weddings and one of the important traditions of a wedding is the rehearsal dinner.  My husband and I had to provide for our own rehearsal dinner so we decided to have good old fashioned Bar-B-Que (either pork, chicken, beef, you name it).  You can have this catered or you can make it yourself.  

If you are someone who loves to grill, there are many kinds of bar-b-que and grilling sauces available. If you wish to bar-b-que or grill chicken for your gathering may I suggest a Smokey Bacon Grill Sauce.  Although it tastes great on any grilled meat I personally prefer it with chicken.

Depending on the people at your event, if they are comfortable with a good old-fashioned cookout, you can dress up your hamburgers and steaks with a Merlot Sauce.  It gives your dish added flavor.

In addition to your main dish you need some fabulous sides.  If you are having a summer, outdoor gathering a nice salad is refreshing.  I love a nice spinach salad in the summer.  Instead of using iceberg lettuce, use raw baby spinach leaves.  Top it with slices of boiled egg, bacon, and raw mushrooms.  For dressing use a Vidalia Onion Dressing.  On the side serve Beer Bread.

Just a side note on beer bread.  You can use any carbonated beverage, you don't have to use beer.  I also discovered a yummy way of fixing beer bread is to brush it with Balsamic and Basil Dipping Oil and put it in the oven until it is crispy.  Then top it with shredded cheese and it is delicious!

There are many options for dessert in the summer time.  You can make classic dessert cheese balls, such as a Key Lime Cheese Ball or a Chocolate Cheese Ball. You can even serve refreshing drinks and smoothies to add a twist to your gathering. Most importantly, keep it simple and keep it fun!

About Me

First of all let me say welcome to my new blog! I'm Melanie and I'm a consultant with a gourmet food company but I also love to plan parties and gatherings. I am NOT a professional event planner by any means. This is just something I enjoy doing. If you want a professional I can help you contact several. I am just sharing thoughts, ideas, crafts, recipies and products, my journeys, tips and websites that may be able to help you. I went to a bookstore the other day looking for a book on event planning and they didn't have ANY!!!!!!! Yes they had lots of helpful information for planning weddings but not for general events. So welcome to my muli-faceted blog and I hope you enjoy it!!!!