It is finally Friday—and I don’t think I’ve ever been more relieved to see the end of a workweek. Even though it was technically a short week, the last few days have been tough. I think my mom said it best—I’m still in that “vacation mindset,” and jumping back into real life has been a little bit of a shock to the system. But today, I’m showing up, doing my best, and really trying to make a difference where I can.
As if the week itself wasn’t enough, Oklahoma got hit with tornadoes last night. Enid took a direct hit from what’s being reported as an F4, causing damage to the Air Force Base and surrounding areas. It’s heartbreaking to think about the families who’ve lost homes and belongings. I’m just incredibly thankful that, from what I’ve heard, no lives were lost. That alone feels like a blessing worth holding onto today.
This morning started early—I was already out the door and sitting at the intersection to head south on Highway 81 by 6:40 a.m., which means I’m actually making pretty good time. Not gonna lie, I’m strongly considering a quick stop at Sonic for a drink to help me power through the day. Sometimes it’s the little things.
We have plans for a cookout this weekend, something I’d really been looking forward to, but the weather has other ideas. Storms and rain are in the forecast. We have went back and forth about postponing the cook out. Then we said nope we are going to do it anyways.
I’ve been thinking… this might be the weekend I actually cook something good. I don’t cook often, but rainy weekends feel like the perfect excuse to try. I’ve been eyeing my Instant Pot (which, let’s be honest, has been sitting there unused), and I’m thinking a cozy potato soup might be the way to go. Luther probably won’t touch it—he’s not exactly adventurous when it comes to food—but that just means leftovers for me on Monday.
And since I’m already in the mood to try something new, I’m also considering a hearty, comforting casserole with hamburger meat—something familiar enough that it might actually pass the “Luther test.”
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### 🥔 Instant Pot Potato Soup (Small Batch)
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but worth it)
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Quick release, then mash slightly (leave some chunks for texture).
4. Stir in milk, cream, cheese, and half the bacon.
5. Let it sit on “warm” for a few minutes to thicken.
6. Serve topped with remaining bacon and extra cheese.
Perfect for a rainy weekend and even better as leftovers.
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### 🍲 Easy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 box pasta (elbow or rotini works great)
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- ½ onion, diced
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Brown ground beef with onion, season well, and drain excess grease.
3. Mix beef with marinara sauce.
4. In a baking dish, layer pasta, beef mixture, and sour cream.
5. Top with cheese.
6. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Simple, comforting, and familiar enough to win over even picky eaters.
I’m leaning into the slower pace, the rainy vibes, and maybe even a little time in the kitchen for this weekend.
