Spaghetti is my go-to when I have no idea what I'm going to make for dinner. I love this recipe because it takes the store-bought jar of spaghetti sauce and amps it up a couple of notches. I love mixing in the noodles so they can absorb the tomato-y goodness. Don't know what to fix tonight? Give this a try.

Spaaaaahhhhghetti

1 lb ground beef browned (oil drained)
12 oz spaghetti noodles cooked al dente and drained
2 cans (or jars) prepared spaghetti sauce
1 onion chopped
1/2 - 1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs Red wine vinegar
1 Tbs (rounded) brown sugar

Saute onion in olive oil. Add minced garlic, browned ground beef and spaghetti sauce. Then add red wine vinegar and brown sugar. Stir and let simmer. Add cooked spaghetti noodles and fresh basil (optional). Serve with Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese. Printable recipe

Do you feel sluggish? Like you ate WAY too many treats over the holiday? Are you like me and feel like you need a little detox? This always works for me...a Green Smoothie. Drink one for breakfast for a few days and you will feel full and satisfied until lunch. Please note: although the smoothie is an unattractive green color it tastes sweet like the fruit...not spinach-y. This is how I make mine:

Green Smoothie Jodi Style

1 apple, sliced
2 oranges, peeled
1 banana, peeled
1 cup water
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup other frozen fruit ie raspberries, blueberries, mango, pears etc
2 generous handfuls of spinach
1 Tbs agave to sweeten (optional)

Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Other add ins: carrot juice, flax seed, coconut water, olive oil

Interested in more green smoothie recipes? Look here

I love Paula Dean. She is such a cutie and her accent is so fun to listen to. My sister mentioned this stew that PD made so I thought I'd try 'er out. It is called Old-Time Beef Stew. Stew is such a great comfort food. This one is flavored nicely...I knew Paula would pull through for us. I just wish I had some of this bread.

Old-Time Beef Stew
*Paula Deen

2 pound stew beef
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 c. water
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
3 large carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 Tbs. cornstarch

Directions:
Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, and paprika. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove. Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer. To thicken gravy remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly. Printable recipe.

Here's to a new year full new beginnings and new experiences. I hope you are all looking forward to 2011...I know I am. Mazletov!