I made lots of new friends and strengthened existing friendships. Purchased new books for my shelves - which reminds me, I must buy a 4th bookshelf. The other 3 are overflowing. Mind you, these are my shelves filled with books from author friends I personally know. Our other books are all on shelves in the play room.
I digress. Conference = awesome.
Recovery = a week of relaxation filled with day time naps and new books to read.
I've been too tired to cook, so the crock pot is once again my best friend. Today I put together a stew. One of my Facebook friends requested the recipe, so here it is:
Sweet Potato & Beef Stew
1 lb beef stew meat
1 can 14 1/2 oz beef broth
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2" pieces
1 lg onion, chopped
2 slices of bacon, diced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 TB cornstarch
2 TB water
1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add beef, broth, sweet potatoes, onion, bacon, salt & pepper. Cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours, or cook on high for 4-5 hours.
2. Transfer beef & veggies to a serving bowl.
3. Turn slow cooker on high. Combine cornstarch & water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the juices in the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until desired thickness, stirring occassionally. Add beff & veggie back into broth. Cover & cook for 15 minutes, until veggies are warmed through.
Makes 4 servings. *I double this recipe for my family.
And here are a few of my favorite pictures from the conference weekend. You can find more on my Facebook album.
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| This was my daughter's very first writers conference! |
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| Josi Kilpack, Lisa Mangum, Danyelle Ferguson (me), my daughter, and my awesome hubby John Ferguson. |
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| Heather Justesen, Traci Hunter Abramson, Danyelle Ferguson (me), & Laurie Lewis. |
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| The Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference Committee: Lynn Parsons, Danyelle Ferguson, John Ferguson, Don Carey & Heather Justesen. |
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| Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference 2012! |
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| Karen Hoover - shooting food at my husband. She also taught my daughter how to use a laser to distract presenters. =) |
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| Danyelle Ferguson, Steve Westover, & Heather Justesen |
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| The conference guys - James Blevins, Steve Westover, Don Carey & John Ferguson. Yes, four guys surrounded by 36 women. But they survived. |
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| Barnes & Noble Authorpalooza Book Signing. It was fabulous! |
