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Hello from Colorado. We’re in the middle of a blizzard warning, and already have 4 inches of snow with a foot or two more to come. So I hope to get this out before the power goes out. We’re staying home today, but it’s so bad that our dentist in Boulder called to cancel tomorrow’s appointment.

First a few safety tips. While it’s still light out and your power is still on, gather up your flashlights, portable radios and batteries. Charge up the portable DVD player and your iPod. Start recharging all your camera AA batteries, too. You may need them for your radio. If you have one of those gas fireplaces that are turned on by a switch on the wall, turn it on now. It won’t fire up if the electrical isn’t working. Get all the extra blankets and sleeping bags out of the basement, too, while you can still see around.

Then start cooking! Here’s what I made last night. I’m thinking of putting it back in the crock pot to heat up, otherwise we’ll be eating it cold by candlelight.

Sausage, Sauerkraut and Apple Crock Pot Meal
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 pounds kielbasa, regular or low fat turkey kielbasa, cut into 3-inch lengths
2. 2 bags (16 ounces each) sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
3. 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut crosswise into rings
4. 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced and into rings
5. 1 2/3 cup chicken broth
6. 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
7. 8 medium red potatoes, (about 3 lbs.), peeled and quartered

Directions:

1. Place half of the kielbasa in an electric slow cooker; top with sauerkraut, remaining sausage, apple slices, and onion rings.
2. Pour broth over mixture, and sprinkle with caraway seeds.
3. Cover with lid, and cook on high-heat setting for 4 hours or until apples and onions are tender.
4. Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook 20 minutes or until tender; drain.

Finally, some good books to read by flashlight:

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa - I picked this up at the last Scholastic Book Fair because it’s illustrated by Betsy Lewin who also did Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. For kindergarteners through second graders, this easy chapter book is about Kate, a "cowgirl from the boots up," and Cocoa her smart alecky but adorable horse.

A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee - If your camping out in front of the fireplace, why not read a camping story about Mr. Magee and his dog Dee and their adventure with a hungry bear. For ages four to eight.

The Other Dog - By Madeleine L’Engle the author of A Wrinkle in Time. This charming book is perfect to share with your dog (I’m serious) or a sibling of a new baby. And it’s the answer to, "Mom, can you take the baby back to the hospital now?" For ages three to seven.

The Paperboy - This came with the Scholastic Story Time Collection. A paperboy and his dog enjoy the quiet of the early morning as they go about their rounds.

Technorati tags: children’s books, Christmas, recipes, crock pot, snow

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