Whitney Houston - A True Icon

I was so shocked to hear of the passing of Whitney Houston on February 11, 2012, initially thinking it was some kind of Internet hoax. A true talent was taken from us much too soon. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and the millions of fans who she never met but had such an amazing impact on.

Although she went through some rough times, like so many do, it was unfortunate that it was splattered all over the media. I'll always remember her at her best. And will always remember her beautiful, flawless, angelic voice. One that will likely never have a comparison.

When I hear her music, I immediately think back to my childhood and the meaning that each of her songs has had in my life. Here are some of my favorites from the great Whitney Houston for your reminiscing pleasure.


I Have Nothing @ the 1993 Billboard Awards

I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Music Video

One Moment In Time @ the Grammy's

I Will Always Love You @ the 1994 World Music Awards

National Anthem @ 1991 Super Bowl




Whitney, we will always love you!

4 Reasons You Will LOVE Campfire Beans (recipe included)

I tried this dish while home for a holiday a couple years ago. It was just so delicious I had to snag the recipe. Since then, I've made it a couple times and thought it was worth sharing along with 4 reasons why you will absolutely love it.

1. The way I make this is by tossing everything into a crock pot. By the end of the day, it's filled the house with a mouth watering, comforting smell and all that's left to do is scoop up a bowl and enjoy.
2. With all the beans and meat in this dish, it's bound to give you a kick of protein and fiber like you've never known. Unfortunately, I'm not nutritiously savvy enough to count up the serving size stats, but when just one can of beans alone packs 14g of protein per serving, you know you're in for a muscle building treat!
3. This large sized recipe makes quite a lot of servings, even if you're feeding hungry football players. So it's great for parties or if you don't want to cook for a week.
4. There's bacon in here. And let's be real, who doesn't love bacon??

Campfire Beans

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup Ketchup

1 teaspoon dry mustard (I never have this so have never put it in)

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

1/3 cup sugar (granulated)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 lb ground beef - brown & drain

1/2 lb cooked, crumbled bacon

1/2 lb cooked bratwurst (although, I don't like this so I either don't put it in or replace with mini hotdogs or some other kind of goodie I have in the kitchen)

1 - 15 oz can Kidney Beans, rinse & drain

1 - 16 oz can Pork & Beans

1 - 15 oz can Chili Pinto Beans in sauce

1 - 16 oz can Green Lima Beans - rinse & drain

In a large mixing bowl, combine first eight ingredients; mix well. Add cooked beef, bacon, and bratwurst. Stir in all of the beans. Pour into a 2-quart casserole. Bake at 350 degrees, uncovered, for 1 hour or until heated through. *Alternative: I always pour into a crock pot and let simmer all day. Much easier. :)

Serving ideas: I love serving this up with grated cheese on top. Also good with crushed saltine crackers.

Enjoy!