French Onion Soup in the Slow Cooker

Anthony came home with two beef stew bones and I was looking for a recipe other than the typical beef soup. I came across this recipe and will defiantly add it to the cookbook.

French Onion Soup in the Slow Cooker

• 2 pounds beef bones
• 4 yellow onions, halved and sliced ¼ inch thick (Do NOT use sweet onions)
• 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2½ Tablespoons cornstarch
• ⅔ cup applesauce
• ¾ cup white wine
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 32 oz. low-sodium chicken broth
• 32 oz. beef broth

1. Slice onions and place into slow cooker. Drizzle butter, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, brown sugar and thyme over onions and toss.
2. Arrange beef bones on paper towel-lined plate and microwave until well browned, about 6 minutes.
3. Whisk cornstarch, apple butter, sherry and soy sauce together in bowl until smooth, then stir into slow cooker. Nestle microwaved bones into onions. Cover and cook on high setting until onions are softened and deep golden brown, about 8 hours.
4. Discard beef bones. Bring chicken broth and beef broth to boil in covered saucepan over high heat, then stir into slow cooker. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Let soup sit until heated through.
5. Just before serving, heat desired bread to serve with the soup.

Featuring Shina Welch Photography

The Serpa Family had another successful family photography session with Shina Welch. As I have stated before, Shina always goes above and beyond to accommodate and provide us with beautiful family photos. For Giada’s first birthday, we headed out the Fresno Fairgrounds for the session. What a wonderful place for pictures, with endless ideas!

Please visit Shina Welch Photography and Facebook to see her work!

Giada's Country Fair

As I brainstormed a theme for Giada's 1st birthday, there were several cute ideas that caught my eye. Once the "fair theme" came to mind, I knew we had to make it come to life. As many know, we love the fair and so it was fitting to have a Country Fair for Giada's birthday.

As invites we sent out, my mind began spinning with ideas. For the longest time, it felt as though the ideas would never come together, but as usual, Anthony and I pulled it off!!!

As our guest arrived, they were welcomed by the birthday girl and a big smile. A Gold Fish Toss, Can Toss, Balloon Pop, Corn Holes and Face Painting (Thank you Dad!) were all available for the kids to play and enjoy. A lemonade stand, made by my hubby, was fully stocked with drinks for the little ones and a full bar for the adults, of course. The concession stand was filled with corn dogs, tri-tip sandwiches, watermelon, grapes, chips, meatballs, popcorn and margaritas. To wrap up the goodies, there was a dessert table with cake, brownies, miniature apple pies, cupcakes and animal crackers.

Giada was blessed with a party full of family and friends that love her. We can't thank everyone enough for celebrating our little peanut. In addition, we would not have been able to accomplish all we did without the help of our parents....and of course Jeff for housing the hounds for the day and showing up early and taking any order I gave him:)

After the guest had left, the boys cleaned up the yard and played a little corn holes. My mom and Val cleaned in the house and I was able to take a short break. As the evening rolled around, Annie and Emily came back over to open gifts and enjoyed some Chinese food with us!

The day was a success and cheers to many more!