BEEF AND VEGGIES IN RICH SAUCE

1 pkg (8-oz) baby carrots
1 pkg (8-oz) sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium-size green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 ( 2 1/2 to 3 lb) boneless beef chuck roast
1 can condensed golden mushroom soup, do not dilute
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 packet (1-oz) dry onion soup mix
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
4 cups hot cooked buttered noodles for serving, optional
Chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro), for garnish, optional

Place veggies in slow cooker and place the roast over veggies.

Combine the mushroom soup, broth, Worcestershire, onion soup mix, and pepper in a mixing bowl; mix together well. Pour mixture over the roast and veggies.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting 8 to 10 hours until meat is tender.

Remove roast to a cutting board and cover with foil. Allow to stand 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Meanwhile, blend the cornstarch in the water until smooth (a small whisk works great); stir into the cooker. Cook another 15 minutes or until broth is thickened.

To serve, place the sliced beef and veggies with gravy over the noodles. Garnish with the parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Yield: Approximately 8 servings

PORK CHOPS WITH MUSHROOMS AND POTATOES

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 pkt (1-oz) onion mushroom soup mix
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup water
1 medium to large yellow onion, sliced
3/4 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 medium to large potatoes halved or quartered depending on size
4 large bone-in pork chops

In a slow cooker, combine the soups, soup mix, Worcestershire sauce and water; stir with a whisk to blend.

Add the onion, mushrooms and potatoes, stir into the mixture.

Place the chops on the veggies and turn to coat with the soup mixture.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low 6 to 7 hours.

To serve, spoon the 'gravy' mixture over the chops.

Yield: 4 servings.

Note: File Photo