I'm having a food drive - and you're all invited!!!

          A few months ago, I heard on a local radio station that the Woodstock Salvation Army was low on food. I know that we all get bombarded with requests for help & donations on a regular basis, but this one stuck with me.
        I LOVE food. Probably more than is healthy, but I'm okay with that. So to hear that there are a lot of people needing food that are going without, particularly children, did not sit well with me. So I decided to do something about it.
          Lo & behold, the Fall Food Drive to benefit the Woodstock Salvation Army was born. This Thursday, October 21, about 175 volunteers will canvass our city asking for food donations. When they are finished, I hope that the Salvation Army will be overflowing with food. I am appearing on a local radio station, 104.7 Heart FM Monday morning at 8:10 to talk about how people can help. At this point, we need 2 things:


1) VOLUNTEERS! We are still about 60 people short of covering the entire city. The good news is that somehow I have managed to get 115 volunteers (I didn't even know I knew that many people!) but the bad news is, we still need more and are running out of time.


2) Donations - If you live in Woodstock, ON, please leave any desired donations on your front porch by 6pm Thurs Oct 21. Some items especially needed are baby food, kids lunch items (ie granola bars), cereal, canned meat, pastas.

             I chose the Salvation Army Food Bank because they are the largest - and best equipped - to help those in need. Its not about religion or politics here, its simply about giving back to those in need.


          Can't wait to see the results!

Taco Bake

               The husband loves Mexican-inspired dishes (really, there isn’t much he doesn’t love, but Mexican is certainly up there!). To his excitement, I love to make them. This recipe is a great one-dish meal for those that need something delicious & filling. It can easily serve a family of four & is a great alternative to taco night. The only downside? Its chock full of calories and fat. But those calories and fat are real delicious!!

              The pictures don't do the dish justice. You shall have to trust me on this one.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 package reduced-sodium taco seasoning

½ cup water

½ cup salsa

1 green pepper, chopped

1 can corn, drained

1 tomato, chopped

3 medium or large tortilla wraps

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Spray a large skillet with non-stick spray, then add ground beef & onion. Cook over medium-high heat until beef is browned. At this point, turn on oven to 375F.
2. Add taco seasoning, water, salsa, pepper, corn, and tomato & continue cooking for about 5-6 more minutes, until vegetables are softened.
3. Spray a 9” round baking dish with non-stick. Place one tortilla wrap into bottom. Fill with ½ the ground beef mixture. Place another tortilla wrap and 1/3 of the cheese on top. Add 1 more wrap, then remaining beef mixture. Cover with wrap and remainder of shredded cheese.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in oven, until cheese is bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.