ASIAN SWEET & SOUR SHRIMP

This is a recipe I got many years ago from Rival, maker of the Crock-Pot.

1 can (13-oz) chunk pineapple, drained - save 1/2 cup of the juice
2 stalks of celery, sliced
2 medium-size tomatoes, cut into small wedges
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium-size onion, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/3 cup water

Combine all the ingredients, except for the shrimp, cornstarch, and water, in a crock-pot or slow cooker.  Place lid on cooker and cook on low 4 to 6 hours or on high 2 to 3 hours.  Add the shrimp to the cooker during the final 30 minutes of cooking and be sure heat is on high.

Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.  At the end of cooking, stir the mixture into the sauce in the cooker.  Stir to blend in well and thicken.

Serve over hot white rice.  (Personal note: For health reasons, never serve white rice.  Always serve brown rice as brown is a healthier whole grain.)

Yield: 6 servings.