Pantry Revisited

! Well hello world!  Our group this month decided to cook foods from Sweden.  The first thing that came to my mind of course was Swedish Meatballs.  But I wanted to try something a little less ordinary.  I was watching the Rachel Ray show one morning this week and she prepared a dish called Swedish Sailor's Beef and Potato Casserole.  I knew that was it for me!! First I browned the meat.  I used bottom round steak just as Rachel suggested, but I think next time I would just go with top round steak. Next you saute up some onions with a few seasonings and butter, then you layer sliced potatoes, then top with onions, then meat, and repeat repeat.  Pour a bottle of light beer (I used Sam Adams Summer Ale) over it, cover it and let it cook in the oven for 2 1/2 hours on 275.  As you can see, I could have used a little more steak to top it with, but for just the two of us I was trying to get buy with six slices. Delicious and hearty! The beer makes it tender and jui

My friend Chaya suggested I might enjoy being in her Ina Friday's cooking group.  It meets once per month. Even though this is the fourth month for the group, I decided to join in today. This month the theme was appetizers.  There are so many wonderful Ina appetizers I had a hard time choosing just one.  I finally settled on Ina's Herb Dip.  It will go nicely with the lasagna pizzas that I plan to prepare for tonight's dinner.  It was easy to make and tastes delicious!  When I make dips, I really wonder why I ever buy the prepared ones at the store because to make your own really only takes a little preparation and a little time.  The finished product is so delicious. Here is the recipe: 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature  1/2 cup sour cream  1/2 cup mayonnaise  4 scallions, white and green parts, minced  2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced  1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced  1 teaspoon kosher salt  3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pe