VENISON STEW

2 lb venison stew meat in 1-inch cubes

salt
pepper
1 tbsp butter
3 stalks celery, cut diagonally into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup red cooking wine
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
1 pkg (10-oz) frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

Sprinkle the meat cubes with salt and pepper. 

Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet; add the meat and brown lightly on all sides.

Place the celery and onion in the crockpot or slow cooker; add meat over the veggies.  Sprinkle with the parsley flakes.

In a mixing bowl stir the water, wine, and tomato sauce together until blended.  Pour mixture into the cooker.  Add the corn.

Place the lid on the cooker and cook on low setting for 8 to 12 hours or on high setting for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serving suggestion:  Serve with hot butter noodles or brown rice.

VEGETABLE LENTIL SOUP

2 cups lentils, presoaked & drained

5 cups water
2 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced into thin coins
2 stalks of celery, including tops, sliced
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
1 can (16-oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Place all the ingredients in a crock-pot or slow cooker; stir mixture to combine well.  Place cover on cooker and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.  Taste before serving and add any additional seasonings needed.

 Note: File Photo

CHICKEN CHILI VERDE

4 to 5 chicken breasts

1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 small can (8 tbsp) diced green chilies
1 cup green enchilada sauce

Set crock-pot or slow cooker at low setting.  Combine the chicken, onion, green chilies, and enchilada sauce in the cooker.  After 6 hours of cooking on low, remove chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool then shred.  Return the chicken to the cooker and cook for another hour or two.

This can be served alone or as a filler in burritos, tacos, on salads, etc. 

 Note: This is a file photo.

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE TOPPED WITH CHIPS

2 pkgs (10-oz each) frozen broccoli spears, thawed and cut up if necessary

1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 1/4 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup minced green onions
1 cup crushed potato chips

Grease crockpot or slow cooker lightly.

In a large bowl combine broccoli, soup, 1 cup of the cheese, and onions.  Pour the mixture into the cooker and sprinkle the chips over the top.  Top with the remaining cheese.  Place lid on the cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

To serve transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a few broken-up chips, if desired.

file photo

VEGETABLE-BEEF RICE PILAF

2 lbs ground beef

2 1/2 cups water
2 cans (8-oz each) tomato sauce
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2/3 cup sliced ripe olives
1 1/3 cups raw long grain rice

Brown the ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink; drain well.

Transfer the drained beef to a crockpot or slow cooker.  Add the water, tomato sauce, bell pepper, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and olives; stir to blend.  Stir in the rice; cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high setting for 3 hours.

 Sorry, I don't have picture so used this clip art.

IRRESISTIBLE APPLE PIE

I got this recipe from an old Electric Co-op Newsletter.

2 cans apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

Place pie filling in a slow cooker. Shake cake mix over the apple layer.

Place butter sticks on top of cake mix. DO NOT MIX INGREDIENTS TOGETHER.

Cook on high 4 hours.

Don't forget to serve with vanilla ice cream!

the file photo

SPINACH CASSEROLE

2 pkgs (10-oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained

2 cups cream-style cottage cheese
1/2 cup butter, cut-up
1 1/2 American cheese, cubed
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the ingredients. 

Spray the interior of the crockpot or slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray; pour the spinach mixture into the cooker.  Cover and cook on high for approximately 1 hour.  Reduce heat setting to low and cook for an additional 4 to 5 hours.

Note: This recipe is from the Rival Crock-pot Cookbook I got with my first crockpot.  My dad bought my mom, sister, and myself all the orange colored crockpot shown in the picture back in the 1970s.  I have been a crock-pot, slow cooker fan ever since!

PORK CHILI

2 cans (14.5-oz each) chicken broth

2 cans chili-ready diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15.5-oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15-oz) black beans, drained
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 (2 1/2 lb) boneless pork shoulder roast
8-oz shredded Cheddar cheese for topping
1 1/4 cups sour cream for topping

In a crockpot or slow cooker combine the chicken broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, onion, chili powder, and cumin.  Stir mixture to combine well.  Add the pork, place lid on cooker and cook on low heat setting for 10 to 12 hours or on high setting approximately 7 hours.

Remove the meat from the cooker and shred.  Return to the cooker and stir to blend meat in.
To serve, spoon the chili into bowls and top with Cheddar cheese and sour cream, if desired.

Note: File photo.

SLOW COOKED CHICKEN CACCIATORE III

1 tbsp canola oil

3 lb skinless chicken breasts and thighs
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 can (28-oz) crushed tomatoes, do not drain
1 lb fresh button mushrooms, halved
2 large yellow onions, coarsely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into long strips
1 1/4 cups chicken stock, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 pkg (16-oz) fettuccine, cooked and drained

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; brown chicken well on all sides.

While chicken is browning, put the garlic, Italian seasoning, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, and 1 cup of the chicken stock in a 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker.  Stir the mixture to combine well.  Add the browned chicken pieces, turning them to coat. 

Place lid on cooker and cook on low heat setting for 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.  Remove the chicken to a serving platter and keep warm. 

In a small bowl stir the cornstarch into the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken stock; blend until the mixture is smooth.  Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooker.  Replace lid and cook on high heat setting for 10 minutes until the mixture boils and thickens.  Serve the sauce with the chicken and the cooked fettuccine. 

file photo.

PORK CHOPS WITH PEAS

4 to 6 1-inch thick pork chops

1 pkg (16-oz) frozen field peas with snaps, mostly thawed
1 1/2 tsp dried mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp canola oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 can (10.5-oz) condensed chicken broth

Place the peas in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot.

Combine the dried mustard, salt, and garlic powder; sprinkle mixture over the pork chops. 

Place flour in a shallow pie plate and dredge chops through the flour, shaking off excess. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil until hot.  Place chops in pan (in batches in necessary) and cook approximately 3 minutes per side until browned.  Remove the pork chops from the skillet to the slow cooker, placing them over the peas. Sauté the onion in the hot pork chop drippings over medium-high heat for a few minutes until tender.  (This adds extra flavor rather just slicing onions into the cooker.)  Add the chicken broth and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring to loosen any particles left by the chops from the bottom of the skillet.  Spoon this onion mixture over the pork chops in the cooker.  Cover cooker and cook chops on low heat setting for 6-7 hours.

clipart

TASTY HOT MULLED CIDER

1/2 gallon apple cider

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp balsamic or cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves

Combine all the ingredients in your crock-pot or slow cooker.  Cover and set on low.  Cook 5 to 6 hours.  Discard cinnamon stick and cloves.  Serve in hot mugs.

Yield: 16 servings

Note: File Photo

CHEESY CROCKPOT POTATOES

1 small carton sour cream

2 cans Cheddar cheese soup
1 tsp dried onion flakes
1 stick unsalted butter
8 medium potatoes, peeled, thick sliced and parboiled until just tender

Drain the potatoes and place in crock-pot (or slow cooker).

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.  Stir the sour cream and the cheese soup, undiluted, into the butter until well blended.  Pour cheese mixture over the potatoes, cover, and cook on low for at least an hour.  Yummy!

 Note: This is a file photo.

SPICY BRISKET

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 lbs beef brisket, trimmed
3 tsp canola oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup catsup
1/2 cup bottled chili sauce
1/4 cup molasses*
2 tbsp strong brewed coffee
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce

Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray and preheat broiler.

In a cup, mix the chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Rub this mix onto the brisket and place brisket on the broiler rack.  Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the canola oil over the top of the brisket.  Broil 5-inches from the heat for about 5 minutes per side to brown.

While brisket is browning, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, just until golden.  Stir in the catsup, chili sauce, molasses, coffee, and hot pepper sauce.

Spread half of the sauce over the bottom of the cooker; top sauce with the brisket.  Top brisket with the remaining half of the sauce.  Cover cooker and cook on low setting for around 8 hours or until meat is tender.

To serve, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and cut across the grain into about 18 slices.  Skim the fat from the sauce and serve with the brisket.

Yield: 6 servings

*You may substitute brown sugar if you do not have molasses.
This brisket makes yummy sandwiches.  May I suggest whole-wheat buns?

Note: File Photo

CHICKEN, BROCCOLI, AND RICE CASSEROLE

 1 small onion, chopped

1 cup brown rice, rinsed and drained
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 pound broccoli, cut into small pieces (4-5 cups)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Combine onion and rice in bottom of slow cooker. Place chicken on top and sprinkle with the garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and water.
Cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours.
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and chop into bite-size pieces (or shred it in the slow cooker). Stir chicken back into the rice mixture in the slow cooker.
Place broccoli on top of chicken and rice; do not stir in. (This will steam the broccoli.) Continue cooking on high for about 1 hour, until broccoli is crisp-tender. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave and then add it to the casserole. See directions below.*

Turn slow cooker off. Stir in Greek yogurt, Parmesan and cheddar. Serve.

*If you don’t want to have to do the step of adding the broccoli to the slow cooker an hour before the casserole is cooked (or you won’t be home to do so), you can steam the broccoli in the microwave. This will also keep the broccoli a nice bright green color, if that is important to you.  Here’s what you’ll do:
1. After step 1 in the recipe, cook the chicken and rice for 7-8 hours on low, or 3 ½-4 hours on high, until completely cooked.
2. When the chicken and rice are done, chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and stir it back in to the rice in the slow cooker.
3. Steam the broccoli: place broccoli and 1-2 inches water in a microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender. Drain. Stir broccoli into the slow cooker mixture, followed by the Greek yogurt and cheeses. Serve.

Note: This recipe is from fellow blogger Kristine's Kitchen. She recommends you do not use white rice or double this recipe as it does not adapt well.

TURKEY BREAST WITH FRUIT SAUCE

1 (3 lb) boneless turkey roast (thawed, if frozen)

1 jar (10-oz) cherry preserves
1 can (8-oz) crushed pineapple, drained
2 tbsp lemon juice
dash of ground cloves

Place the turkey roast in a slowcooker or crockpot. Add the lid and cook on low setting for 8 hours.

Just before serving time, heat the cherry preserves, pineapple, lemon juice and cloves in a saucepan. Heat thoroughly.

To serve hot: Place turkey on a warmed platter and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon some of the sauce over the turkey and pass the rest with the turkey.

To serve cold: Remove the turkey from the cooker. Promptly refrigerate to cool quickly. When chilled, cover the meat. Chill sauce. Slice the turkey and arrange on a platter. Serve sauce over the slices.

Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

 This is a file photo for reference only.

SOUTHERN ARTICHOKE DIP

2 cans (14-oz) artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped

1 (10-oz) pkg frozen chopped collard greens*, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 shallots, chopped
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce
grated zest of 1/2 lemon
2 red bell peppers, cut into strips

Combine artichoke hearts, collard greens, Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, shallots, and pepper sauce in a slow cooker or crock-pot.  Cover and cook until the Parmesan melts and the dip is hot, about 1 to 2 hours on high or 3 to 4 hours on low.

After cooking, stir in the lemon zest.

Serve with the bell pepper strips.

*Substitute spinach, if desired.

 File Photo

PORK AND PEPPER STEW

3 tbsp flour

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp rubbed sage
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 lbs boneless pork loin, trimmed and cut up into bite-size pieces
2 tsp olive or canola oil
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Preheat broiler.
Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, garlic, marjoram, sage, salt, and black pepper; add the cubed pork and toss to coat. Shake pork cubes to remove excess flour and place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the flour. Drizzle the oil over the pork and broil 5-inches from the heat, turning frequently, until light brown (about 10 minutes).

Place the browned pork along with any juices to the slow cooker or crock-pot. Stir in the bell peppers, tomatoes, chicken broth, and the reserved flour mixture until smooth. Place lid on the cooker and cook 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low, until the meat is tender.

Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired.

 Note: File Photo

BEEF-MOSTACCIOLI STEW

1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat

1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
1 can (16-oz)diced tomatoes
1 cup sliced onion
3/4 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
pinch of black pepper
1 cup (uncooked) mostaccioli
Shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish

In a large skillet heat the canola oil. Brown the meat in the oil; drain off any excess fat.

In a slow cooker or crock-pot, layer the carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes. Place the browned meat over the vegetables.

In a small bowl, combine the water, salt, paprika, chili powder, and pepper; mix together well. Pour the mixture over the meat in the cooker. Cover the cooker and cook on high setting for 4 hours or low setting for 8 hours.

Cook the mostaccioli according to the package directions; drain well. Stir the cooked mostaccioli into the stew in the cooker. When serving, sprinkle mozzarella over the top of the stew.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

 File photo for reference only.

VEGGIE AND BEAN CHIPOTLE CHILI

 1 can pinto beans

1 can diced tomatoes with juice

1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce

1 pkg (8-oz) fresh mushrooms, large chopped

2 large yellow bell peppers, diced

1 large onion, diced

2 1/2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 lb zucchini, chunked

2 tablespoons cornmeal

1/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt), if desired

In a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot combine the beans, tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, chili powder, brown sugar, and salt. Press the vegetables down into the mixture to form a layer; Top with the zucchini. Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Approximately 20 minutes before serving, gradually stir in the cornmeal until well blended. Replace lid and and cook on high setting until the chili simmers and thickens. This will take about 15 minutes.

To serve, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

NOTE: This is good as a topping over a baked potato, too.

 

file photo

TURKEY VEGETABLE SOUP

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 envelope dry onion soup mix
2 pkg (16-oz each) frozen soup vegetables
1 can black-eyed peas
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can purple hulled peas
1 large can tomato juice
1 quart water

Brown the turkey meat in a nonstick skillet that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Place the two packages of frozen vegetables, slightly thawed, in bottom of crock-pot or slow cooker. Add the browned turkey, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, and hulled peas. Pour the tomato juice and water over all.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting for approximately 4 hours.

 Note: File photo for reference only. Not this exact recipe.

BARBECUE BEEF STEW

2 lbs beef stew meat

2 tbsp canola oil
1 cup thinly sliced onion, separated into rings
1/2 diced green bell pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 can (8-oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (4-oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Hot cooked rice or noodles for serving, if desired

In a large skillet heat the oil and brown the meat on all sides. Drain off the excess fat.

Place the onion rings in the bottom of the crock-pot or slow cooker; add the garlic. Place the meat over the onion rings and garlic; sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Pour the beef broth, tomatoes, mushroom pieces, and barbecue sauce, stirring to mix. Add the lid to the cooker and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

Turn the cooker to high. Blend the cold water slowly into the cornstarch until smooth; stir into the stew. Cover and cook until thickened and bubbly, stirring occasionally.

Serve over hot cooked rice or noodles, if desired.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

 File Photo used for reference only. Not this exact recipe.