Favorite Family Recipes

I am not the best cook in the world. I enjoy cooking but often find myself in a rut… unsure about what to make. Luckily, I have some wonderful family recipes that never let me down and are loved by everyone in our family. I wanted to share them with all of you in hopes that they bring you as much joy as they have brought to my family.

To get started, my mother-in-law introduced me to her delicious salsa recipe about 11 years ago and it truly is my favorite salsa I’ve ever tried. The ingredients are typical for salsa but somehow she created the perfect mixture.

WEEKS FAMILY SALSA

Heat in a medium saucepan at medium heat for about 10-15 minutes:

1 large can of Tomato Sauce (12 oz)

4-6 Serrano Peppers, finely chopped (usually the smaller peppers are hotter)

¼ tsp. Cumin

½ tsp. Chili Powder

1 tsp. Ground Cayenne Pepper

¾ tsp. Salt

½ tsp. Black Pepper

¾ tsp. Garlic Powder or 1-2 gresh cloves (I prefer fresh cloves if I have them)

Chop with food processor to desired consistency:

4 or 5 Roma Tomatoes

1 Sweet Onion

1 bunch Cilantro

Drain off some of the liquid from the chopped tomatoes and onions so the salsa doesn't get too watery. Then add it to the sauce and remove from heat. (We like the onions to have some crunch to them).

Serve Warm or Cold

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When my sister got married, her husband blessed our family with this delicious Meatloaf recipe. I’ve always loved a good meatloaf. There is something so “Homey” about it. But this recipe is by far my favorite.

ROB’S MEATLOAF

Loaf Mixture:

1 ½ pounds of Ground Sirloin

¾ cup Rolled Oats

¼ cup chopped Sweet Onion

1 ½ tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Pepper

1 egg (beaten)

Optional: Chopped Walnuts (We love adding walnuts)

Sauce Mixture:

½ packet of Meatloaf Sauce Mix

⅔ cup Ketchup

4 Tbsp. Brown Sugar

1 Tbsp. Yellow Mustard

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix all loaf mixture ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix all sauce mixture ingredients. Add half of sauce mixture ingredients to loaf mixture bowl. Mix well.

Place Meatloaf in a loaf pan.

Bake for 1 hour. Add remainder of sauce mixture to meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

*Make a double batch of sauce if desired for dipping

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Who doesn’t love a good dessert? Especially around the Holidays! In my family, we have a delicious and fun take on pumpkin pie. Everytime I make this and bring it to an event or party, I always have people asking me what the recipe is. Now, I’m excited to share it with all of you!

MOM’S PUMPKIN PIE CAKE

4 eggs, slightly beaten

2 (16 oz) cans pumpkin

1 ½ cup Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Cinnamon

½ tsp. Cloves

1 tsp. Ginger

3 cups Evaporated Milk

1 package Yellow Cake Mix

2 sticks Butter

1 cup Chopped Nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Optional: Whipped Cream

Beat all except the cake mix, butter, and nuts. Pour batter into greased 13x9x2 “ pan.

Sprinkle cake mix over it (using a sifter). Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle nuts over top.

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. 20 Servings

Best if well chilled. Top with Whipped Cream if desired.

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I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as our family has over the years. Please message me if you have any questions or let me know how you liked them!

Together We Rise,

Lauren Weeks

Your Mrs. International 2018