LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP FROM KRAFT

I got this recipe from Kraft Foods and it sounded so good I am sharing it before I even try it.  I love baked potato soup and Kraft's recipes are always good.  Thought some of you might be as interested as I am!  While I don't usually list name brand ingredients, since this is a Kraft recipe, I am leaving it intact.

8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 Tbsp. flour

1 carton (32 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided

3 lb. large baking potatoes (about 6), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

 

COOK and stir bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet with slotted spoon, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels; refrigerate until ready to use. Add onions to drippings in skillet; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour; cook and stir 1 min. Add 1 cup broth; cook and stir 2 min. or until sauce comes to boil and thickens. Pour into slow cooker. Stir in remaining broth and potatoes; cover with lid. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours (or HIGH 5 to 6 hours). USE slotted spoon to transfer 4 cups potatoes to medium bowl; mash until smooth. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese to remaining mixture in slow cooker; stir until melted. Stir in mashed potatoes and milk; cook, covered, 5 min. or until heated through.
PLACE bacon on paper towel-covered microwaveable plate. Microwave on HIGH 20 to 30 sec. or until heated through. Serve soup topped with bacon, remaining cheese, sour cream and chives. 

 

 Note:  File Photo

PORK MARENGO

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cubed
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 tbsp canola oil
1 can (16-oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp instant chicken bouillon granules
1 tsp marjoram
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
dash of pepper
1 can (3-oz)chopped mushrooms, drained
1/3 cup cold water
3 tbsp flour
Hot cooked rice for 6 to 8 servings.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil; add the pork and onion. Cook until the meat is browned on all sides. Drain well and transfer to the crockpot or slowcooker.
In the same skillet combine the undrained tomatoes, bouillon granules, and spices. Stir mixture together, scraping browned bits from bottom of skillet. Pour the mixture over the pork in the cooker. Add lid to cooker and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Turn heat up to high. Drain the mushrooms and stir into the cooker.Slowly blend the cold water into the flour until smooth; stir into the pork mixture. Cook, uncovered, on high setting until thickened, around 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

To serve, place the pork mixture over the hot cooked rice. Sprinkle with some chopped parsley for garnish, if desired.

Note: BHG File Photo

ROAST IN MUSHROOM SOUP GRAVY

3 to 4 lb shoulder roast
salt to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 packet dry onion mushroom soup mix

Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the roast.

Smear the undiluted cream of mushroom soup over the roast; place in a slow cooker or crockpot.

Sprinkle the dry soup mix over the roast. 

Place a piece of foil tightly over the cooker then top with the cooker's lid.

Cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours.

To serve, spoon liquid over the meat.

 Note: If you don't have the onion-mushroom soup mix on hand, the onion soup will work almost as well.

MAC AND CHEESE WITH TOMATOES

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tbsp water
1 can (14-oz) stewed tomatoes, drained; chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning*
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups grated double Cheddar cheese
1 pkg (8-oz) elbow macaroni, cooked just until barely tender; drained
1/2 cup low-fat milk
2 tbsp butter, melted

Brown the onion and garlic in a medium nonstick skillet that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker or crockpot; add the water, tomatoes, and seasonings and mix together well.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or on half that amount of time.  A half hour before end of the cooking time, add the cheese, macaroni, milk, and butter mixing together well.  Replace cover and cook out the last half hour of time.  Yummy.

*If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a combination of oregano and basil.

Yield: 4 servings

File Photo for reference only.

OLD FASHION STYLE CHICKEN AND NOODLES

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
2 cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
4 cans (10.5 oz each) chicken broth
1 stick butter, cut up
1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 pkg (24-oz) frozen noodles

In your slow cooker or crockpot combine the chicken, soup, broth, butter, garlic powder, pepper, and parsley.  Stir to combine well.  Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.  Remove chicken and shred; return to cooker.  Stir in the frozen noodles, replace cover and cook for another hour until noodles are cooked through.

Note: This is a file photo.

RED ONION MARMALADE

This is a recipe I saw in an old crock pot cookbook.  I haven't tried it yet but it sure sounds good.  A note with the recipe said to use as a topping on steaks and fish or spread on sourdough bread rounds to use as appetizers.  If anyone tries this before I do, please let us know how you like it!

5 large red onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive or canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp currant jelly

In a large skillet, caramelize the onion in the butter, oil, and garlic.  Season with the cumin, coriander, salt and pepper.  Transfer to crock pot or slow cooker and add the water and jelly; mix thoroughly to combine.  Place lid on cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.

Allow marmalade to cool before serving.  May be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

 Note: File Folder

SAVORY CHICKEN CACCIATORE

1 tbsp olive or canola oil
3 lb skinless chicken breasts, thighs, and/or drumsticks
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 can (28-oz) crushed tomatoes in puree
1 lb white button mushrooms, halved
2 large yellow onions, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 pkg (16-oz) fettuccine, cooked and drained
Chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish, if desired

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch skillet.  Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.  Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper and 1 cup of the chicken broth in a 6-quart slow cooker.  Add the chicken, turning to coat both sides.  Place the lid on the cooker and cook on low setting 7 to 8 hours until the chicken is cooked through.  Remove chicken and keep warm.

Stir the cornstarch into the remaining 1/2 cup of broth until smooth.  Stir the mixture into the cooker.  Cover and cook on high about 10 minutes until the mixture boils and has thickened.  Serve with the chicken and the fettuccine. Sprinkle with the parsley, if using.

Yield: 6 servings.

 Note: File Photo

LOW-SUGAR SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This casserole uses Splenda for those who avoid sugar.  This recipe is for diabetics or anyone who avoids sugar.

2 cans (18-oz each) sweet potatoes*, drained & mashed
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tbsp Splenda Granulated
1 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1 tbsp orange juice
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk


In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes, butter, Splenda granulated, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend together.  Beat in the orange juice, eggs, and milk.

Lighly spray the crock of the slow cooker or crockpot and transfer mixture to the cooker.

Topping:
2 tbsp + 2 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1/3 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp white whole-wheat flour
2 tbsp butter, melted

Combine the Splenda, pecans, and flour.  Add the melted butter stirring until combined.  Spread topping over the sweet potato mixture.

Place lid on cooker and cook on high setting for 3 to 4 hours.

Serves 6

*I recommend diabetics be careful not to purchase sweet potatoes in heavy syrup or cook and mash fresh sweet potatoes.

Note: File Photo

BBQ MEATBALLS SAUCE

1 large bag frozen meatballs

2 cups catsup
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp liquid smoke

Turn the slow cooker or crockpot on high setting.  Place frozen meatballs in the cooker.

In a bowl combine the catsup, brown sugar, garlic powder, chopped onion, and liquid smoke until well combined.  Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs.  Cook on high for a few minutes then turn the heat setting to low and cook, covered, 3 to 4 hours.

HAM AND LIMA BEANS

1 lb dry lima beans (soaked overnight in water)

1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb cubed cooked ham
1 cup water
1 can tomato soup

Drain the beans and place in the crockpot or slowcooker.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir together to mix well.  Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting 8 to 10 hours or on high setting 4 to 5 hours.

May I suggest serving these beans with a piece of hot buttered cornbread?  Yummy!

Note: File Photo

BRATWURST APPLE KRAUT

3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 can (27-oz) sauerkraut, drained and snipped

1 lb bratwurst links, halved lengthwise

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp caraway seed

1/4 cup water.

Combine the apples, sauerkraut, bratwrurst, brown sugar and caraway seed in a crockpot or slowcooker. Stir in the water. Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting approximately 4 hours.

Yield: 6 servings

Note: File Photo

BASIC CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

2 bone-in chicken breasts, skinned

1 onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 carrots, sliced
6 sprigs fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cartons (32-oz each) low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups egg noodles
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, optional

In a 5 or 6 -quart slow cooker or crockpot combine the chicken, onion, celery, carrots, parsley, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.

Remove the parsley, garlic, and bay leaf using a slotted spoon; discard. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board; let stand for 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Remove the bones and discard. Cut or shred chicken into bite-size pieces.

While chicken cools, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Stir the chicken back into the cooker along with the prepared noodles. Replace lid and cook on high until the chicken is hot, approximately 5 minutes.

To serve, sprinkle with the dill if desired.

Note: File Photo

BEEF AND TOMATOES OVER NOODLES

1 med yellow onion, sliced thin
1 (2-lb) round steak, 3/4-inch thick
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 cup beef broth 
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp pepper
2 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 medium tomatoes, peeled & cut into wedges
Hot cooked buttered noodles for 6 servings
Fresh snipped parsley or rosemary sprig for garnish, if desired

Separate the onion slices into rings and place in the crockpot or slowcooker. Trim any excess fat from the round steak and cut into strips approximately 2-inches long x 1/2-inch wide. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet and brown the steak in the hot oil; drain.

Stir the meat into the cooker along with the the beef broth, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cover cooker and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Turn cooker to high setting and skim off the fat from the broth. Blend the cold water into the cornstarch and stir into the hot mixture, along with the soy sauce. Replace the lid and cook until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook another 5 minutes.

To serve, place the beef-tomato mixture over the hot buttered noodles. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Note: File Photo

PORK STEAKS WITH PEACHES

4 pork steaks, approx 1/2-inch thick 

1 1/2 tbsp canola oil
3/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp salt
1 can (16-oz) peach slices
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp instant beef bouillon granules
Hot cooked rice
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp cornstarch

Trim any excess fat from the pork steaks. Heat the canola oil in large skillet and brown the steaks on both sides in the skillet. Sprinkle the basil, salt, and pepper onto the steaks.

Drain the peach slices; reserve the syrup. Place the peach slices in the crockpot or slow cooker. Place the steaks atop the peaches.

Combine the reserved peach syrup, vinegar, and bouillon granules and pour the mixture over the steaks. Add the lid to the cooker and cook on low setting for approximately 8 hours.

On a warm serving platter, arrange the steaks and peaches over the hot cooked rice and keep warm.

Skim excess fat from cooking liquid. In a saucepan, blend the cold water into the cornstarch until smooth then stir in the hot liquid. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Serve the gravy with the steaks.

Yield: 4 servings

This is a file photo.

MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST

1(3-5 lb) chuck roast 
2 tbsp olive oil or canola oil
salt & pepper to taste
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter 
8 pepperoncini peppers

Heat oil in a large skillet on high. You want it really hot to brown or "sear" the beef quickly.

Dry both sides of the roast with paper toweling; season with the salt and pepper. Add roast to the hot skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Sprinkle packets of dry ranch dressing and onion soup mixes over pot roast. Top with the butter and place peppers on and around roast.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Take two forks and start shredding the meat. Discard the fat before serving.

Note: This is good served over mashed potatoes.

Note: File Photo

MONGOLIAN BEEF

1 ½ pounds Flank Steak
¼ cups cornstarch
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
½ teaspoons mince Garlic, Cloves
¾ cups Soy Sauce
¾ cups Water
¾ cups Brown Sugar
1 cup grated Carrots
green onions, for garnish

Hot cooked rice for 4 for serving

Cut steak into thin strips. In a plastic bag with a zip top, add steak pieces and cornstarch. Shake to coat.

Add olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, brown sugar and carrots to a slow cooker; stir to combine. Add coated flank steak and stir again until coated in the sauce.

Cook for high 2-3 hours or on low 4-5 hours or until cooked thoroughly and tender. 

Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.

Yield: 4 servings.

Note: Recipe and picture from the recipe critic.