Define Art

The definition of art is controversial in contemporary philosophy. Whether art can be defined has also been a matter of controversy. The philosophical usefulness of a definition of art has also been debated.

What is the first thing that comes to mind? Do you picture a famous painting, statue, musical or literary work? I think one of the best definitions of the idea of art is that it is something that asks the observer a question. Should this three-letter word be abstract and hard to define? Perhaps, considering the fact that one classic painting, statue, symphony or literary work cannot sum up the meaning of the word or the depth that it implies.

Just a few examples to describe the word Art:

• the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.
• the products of human creativity
• the creation of beautiful or significant things
• a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation
• the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions.
• created to have an impact, to change someone else.

BAR-B-QUED BEEF BRISKET

Whenever I have out of town guest this is my first go-to recipe that was handed down from my Husbands family. Its super easy to make. I love that it cooks in the oven all day leaving you time to entertain or in my case usually run around the house cleaning up trying to make it look like we live like civilized people before our guest arrive.

The house will have the most incredible aromas that make us pause, breathe deeply, and sigh. Your mouth will water and yes, it taste’s just as good!

Ingredients:

3 to 4 Pound Beef Brisket
2 TBSP Liquid Smoke
1 TSP Garlic Salt
1 TSP Onion Salt
2 TSP Celery Seed
2 TSP Worchestershire
1 TSP Salkt
2 TSP Ground Pepper
1 Cup BBQ Sauce

Directions:

Place Brisket in a Baking Pan. (like a 9x13 glass casserole dish)
Cover both sides of brisket with:
Liquid smoke
Garlic Salt
Onion Salt
Celery Seed
Worchestershire

Refrigerate in Marinade Overnight.
Add Salt and Pepper
Cover with Foil
Bake at 300 for 5 Hours

Add BBQ Sauce
Uncover for one more Hour of Baking
Baste occasionally (I dont think I ever do this - lol)
Serves 4-6

Cut in slices or Shred the brisket for serving and add BBQ if you want more. We usually add a bunch to the shredded version, makes great sandwiches.

Enjoy!

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Crock-pot Ravioli with Meatballs

By popular demand I am going to share this recipe with you all.  I recently asked for a new Crockpot for Christmas this year after losing mine in a move a few years back and got a brand new shiny pretty one that I’m so proud to own.

Now, I don’t know about you but when 6pm rolls around, I’m about spent for the day and will find any excuse to take the family out for dinner! I’m one of those people that has a lot of energy in the morning, so preparing dinner and throwing it in the oven or a crock-pot to cook all day is sooo for me.  Plus, it makes the house smell awesome and makes me feel like a domesticated housewife when I’m really a urban type of gal that would rather hire a maid and a cook … I so wish!

Needless to say, this crock-pot is getting a workout with all the new recipes I’ve been trying.  I made this last night and it was a big hit and super easy to make. Pick up some frozen garlic bread and throw a little flour on your apron and let the praise begin!

By the way, I should mention that I did not create this recipe, remember “Urban Girl” here :)

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 2 26-ounce jars spaghetti sauce with mushrooms and onions (I just bought one of those really big 4 lb jars of Ragu and used the whole thing)

• 2 24-ounce packages frozen meat-filled ravioli

• 1 12-ounce package frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed [12] (pay attention to the word “thawed” I didn’t and had to thaw them in the microwave .. no biggie)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)

• 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (2 ounces) (yep, I just used the good old Kraft grated parmesan cheese)

Directions

1. Lightly coat a 5 1/2-or 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce.
    

2. Add one package of the frozen ravioli and the meatballs. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce from first jar.

3. Add remaining package of ravioli and remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Pour spaghetti sauce from second jar over mixture in slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 1/2 to 5 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Turn off slow cooker.

5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Serves 10-12