VEGETABLE STEW WITH CORNMEAL DUMPLINGS

3 cups chopped, peeled butternut or acorn squash

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

2 cans (14.5-oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15-oz) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup water

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cornmeal

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp snipped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tbsp milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 pkg (9-oz) frozen Italian green beans

Paprika

In a 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker combine squash and mushrooms. Stir in tomatoes, beans, water, garlic, seasoning, and pepper. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours.

Shortly before serving, for dumplings, in a medium bowl stir together flour, cornmeal, cheese, parsley, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl combine egg, milk, and oil. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture just until combined.

If using low setting, turn to high. Stir in green beans. Drop dumpling dough by tablespoons on top of mixture in cooker; sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook for 50 minutes, leaving the lid on.

Yield: 6 servings

file photo