Recipes

Sunday Traditions:

I am sure many of you have family traditions or traditions of some kind. One that my family has taken from my childhood and I hold near and dear is my families Sunday tradition of dinner at grandma and grandpa Drakes. From the time I was little to growing up into a young adult we would always attend our church services and head over to my mothers parents home. It is there where some of my first memories were created and valued lessons learned. My grandmother, Vivian raised 10 children. Although she has passed and crossed the veil she shaped many of my fondest memories and learning experiences. Now, when we get together as a family and I have the privilege of being around my mother and her sisters I see the traits of my sweet grandmother. Compassion, love, patience, endurance, and faith.
My grandmother taught me the value of balancing hard work and play. I remember digging up potatoes for dinner, picking beans, and various other fruits and veggies. She helped me learn to peel and cut the fruits of her gardens. She taught me to sew my own jeans and helped me find artistic abilities I didn't know I had. Visiting grandma was so much fun. BUT one memory that has lasted over years of Sundays is grandmas cooking. Every Sunday we were served a delicious roast beef and mashed potatoes. Although, I have changed the recipe my family has a roast and potatoes nearly every Sunday. I cheat a bit and use a crock pot but, honestly with 10 kids of her own I don't know how my grandmother managed the kitchen with just your old fashioned pots, pans, and kettles.
My first recipe I want to share is one of personal favorite roast recipes. It is quick, simple, and yes; made in the crockpot. It makes for an easy Sunday dinner and leaves plenty of time for family bonding and making new memories.

CROCKPOT ROAST BEEF

Ingredients:

• 1 Beef Bottom Round Roast ( Or your preference of beef roast. Sometimes, if I buy a large roast I will cut in half and freeze one half for the following Sunday )
• 1 Packet Dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
• 1 Stick of Butter ( You can use less but, I feel the whole stick makes for the best flavor )
• 2 Cups Water

Directions:

1. Place desired roast into the crockpot.
2. Pour 2 cups of water into bottom of crockpot.
3. Sprinkle entire packet of dry ranch onto roast (try to get as much as you can on the roast not in the water).
4. Top with stick of butter.
5. Cook on low until beef is cooked through (usually I just put it all together in the morning and let in cook until about 5:30. The longer a roast cooks, the more tender it will be).

You can then serve with your choice of veggies and potatoes. Our family likes gravy with our dinner so I will also include that recipe.

CROCKPOT GRAVY

Ingredients:

• All liquid from the crockpot after roast is removed.
• 3 Tablespoons Flour (more if needed to thicken)
• Salt (as needed)

Directions:

1. Whisk in flour to the liquid.
2. Cook until the gravy thickens (whisk constantly to remove any clumps of flour)

It is that easy. I hope you enjoy this family meal as much as I do!