baking is a good way to tenderize less expensive cuts of beef such as round steak and chuck roast.

We were so hungry when I made this easy to make slow cooker that I forgot to take pictures!

3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 chopped onion
6 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1 inch pieces
2 lbs boneless round steak
1 package dry onion soup mix
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup water

Place the potatoes, onion, and carrots into the slow cooker. Cut the steak into six pieces and place meat on top of the vegetables. In a mixing bowl, combine the soup mix, soup, and water. Then pour the mixture over the beef.

Cover and cook on low for 7 - 10 hours.

Image via Flickr

Using a serrated knife to cut the dough helps cookies retain a round shape.  Chill dough if it becomes too soft.

Image via Wikipedia

Shortbread’s traditional round shape comes from an ancient Scottish yule cake notched around the edges to signify the sun’s rays.