WELCOME

Welcome to this slow cooker/crockpot blog. I believe slow cookers are the best thing to happen to modern day cooks. I used mine often when I worked outside the home and continue to do so even in retirement. It is so nice to put food on and forget about it. Slow cookers also allow us to cook many things we would normally have to use the oven for; what a relief in hot Texas weather! Some of these recipes are mine, many are ones I have collected over the years.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

CHUNK-STYLE APPLESAUCE

8 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks

1/4 cup water

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup sugar 

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours or on low 8 hours.

Serve warm although it is also very good served cold.

file photo

 

Saturday, September 5, 2026

SLOW COOKER TACO SOUP

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (may substitute ground turkey or chicken) 

1 cup chopped red onion

1 pkg (1.25-oz) taco seasoning mix

1 pkg (1-oz) Ranch-style dressing mix

2 cans whole kernel corn, undrained

1 can pinto beans, undrained

1 can black beans, undrained

2 (10-oz ea) cans chili-style diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 1/2 cup water

Topping suggestions: Shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado slices

Cook the meat and onion over medium-high heat in a large skillet until browned, stirring to break up, drain well.

Combine the meat mixture with the remaining ingredients, except toppings, in a 5 1/2-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat 5 to 6 hours. Serve with your choice of toppings.

Yield: 16 cups

file photo for reference

Friday, September 4, 2026

REUBEN SANDWICHES

1 (2 to 3 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet

1 can or jar (14-16 oz) sauerkraut, drained

1/2 cup Thousand Island salad dressing

16 slices rye bread, toasted

8 slices Swiss cheese

Additional Thousand Island salad dressing

Trim fat from corned beef brisket. If necessary, cut corned beef brisket to fit in a 3 1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker. Place brisket in the cooker. Sprinkle spices from packet evenly over brisket, rub in with your fingers. Add sauerkraut and drizzle the 1/2 cup of salad dressing over all.

Cover cooker and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours.

Transfer brisket to a cutting board. Thinly slice brisket against the grain. Return sliced brisket to cooker and stir to combine with cooking liquid. Using a slotted spoon, spoon corned beef mixture onto half of the toasted bread slices and top with cheese. If desired, drizzle with additional salad dressing. Top with the remaining bread 

Yield: 8 servings

file photo for reference


Thursday, September 3, 2026

VEGETABLE CHILI CON QUESO

2 1/2 cups chopped zucchini and/or yellow summer squash
1 can (15-oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-oz) chili beans in chili gravy
1 can (14.5-oz) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup no-salt-added tomato paste
1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (best to wear gloves when handling jalapenos)
2 to 3 tsp chili powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese
16-oz baked tortilla chips

In a 3 1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker combine the first 10 ingredients (through garlic).
 
Cover and cook on low 6 to7 hours or on high 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Gradually stir in cheese until melted. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm or low up to 1 hour. Serve with the tortilla chips.
Garnish with additional slices jalapenos, if desired. 

file photo


Tuesday, September 1, 2026

DOLLY PARTON'S STAMPEDE SOUP

So many of us have had Dolly Parton on our minds since her passing last week. I thought you might like to try her Stampede Soup. I got to visit Dolly's Stampede Show in Gatlinburg not too long ago. I really enjoyed the show and the food was good, too. Here is a recipe said to be hers. It may or may not be, but it sounds good.
file photo


Monday, August 31, 2026

MEATLOAF FROM COOKING LIGHT

I don't like much meat, but I love meatloaf and I love mushrooms. I was immediately drawn to this recipe and thought some of you might like to have it, too.  I won't touch poultry so I will make mine all beef but I'm sure most of you will enjoy it just as listed.


Ingredients

  • 2 (1-ounce) slices whole wheat bread
  • 3/4 pound ground round
  • 3/4 pound ground turkey
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup grated fresh onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

directions

    Place bread in a food processor and pulse 10 times or until crumbs measure 1 1/3 cups. Combine the crumbs, beef, and next 7 ingredients (beef through garlic) in a large bowl, and shape meat mixture into a 9 x 6-inch loaf. Place loaf in an electric slow cooker.
    Combine ketchup, mustard, and pepper in a small bowl, stirring with a fork. Spread ketchup mixture evenly over top of loaf. Cover with lid; cook on LOW for 5 hours.
Because no evaporation takes place, the crock-pot makes an especially moist and tender meat loaf. The mushrooms add moisture as well.
Servings:6 servings (serving size: 4 ounces)

     
    Cooking Light Photo

Saturday, August 29, 2026

ITALIAN BEEF STEW

This is a repost of this very popular recipe I first posted in 2013.

I got this from the Cooking Classy blog.  I like it as a crockpot recipe.  Here is what she has to say about making it in the crock pot: "toss it all in the slow cooker (skip the browning), then walk away and come back to dinner."  I first saw this recipe after a friend pinned it on Pinterest.

  • 4 medium carrots, chopped into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (2 cups)
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 1/2 lbs rump roast, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 3/4 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz cremini mushroom, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving (optional)

  • Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large enameled cast iron pot over medium-high heat. Once hot add carrots, celery and onion and sauté until lightly golden, about 5 - 6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds longer. Pour mixture into a heat proof bowl and set aside.
  • Place beef in a large resealable bag, add flour and season lightly with salt and pepper. Seal bag and toss well to evenly coat beef in flour. Return pot to medium-high heat, add remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot add beef and cook stirring occasionally until beef has browned. Add 1 cup broth and red wine vinegar and cook, stirring frequently while scraping bottom of pan to loosen browned bits on bottom, until sauce has thickened. Add remaining 3 cups beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, bay leaves, potatoes, mushrooms and sauteed veggie mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover pot and simmer 3 - 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender.
  • Stir in fresh basil and parsley. Serve warm sprinkled with Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired.
  • Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Friday, August 28, 2026

HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS

4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup honey
½ cup low sodium ketchup
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Arrange chicken thighs on the bottom of slow cooker; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, oregano and parsley; whisk until thoroughly combined.

Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.

Close with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 hours on LOW, or 3 1/2 to 4 hours on high. Remove lid and transfer chicken to a serving plate. Spoon sauce over chicken and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
This recipe showed up on my page and I figured some of you chicken recipe lovers would enjoy it. I believe it is attributed to http://diethood.com

file photo for reference


Thursday, August 27, 2026

CROCK POT ROAST WITH GRAVY


12-3 lb. roast of choice
1 Tbspkitchen bouquet*
3/4 cbeef broth
1can(s)cream of mushroom soup
1 pkgonion soup mix
1 TbspWorcestershire sauce
1 Tbspred wine vinegar
1/2tspgarlic powder
1/2tspdried thyme
1/4tspblack pepper
2Tbspbutter
2Tbspflour

In a medium bowl, combine broth, mushroom soup, onion soup mix, Worcestershire, red wine vinegar, garlic, thyme, and pepper.
Stir to mix well and set aside.
Crock Pot Roast with Gravy direction step 2
2
  Rub kitchen bouquet over the roast, coating all sides.
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Brown both sides of the roast ( you'll know it's ready to flip when the meat no longer sticks).
Transfer to the crock pot.
Crock Pot Roast with Gravy direction step 3
3
  Reduce heat to medium and add butter to skillet. When melted add flour. Cook for a minute, stirring with a whisk.
Add gravy from bowl to skillet. Using a whisk, loosen up brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue to cook until thickened.
Pour gravy over roast.
Crock Pot Roast with Gravy direction step 4
4
  Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or until roast is fall-apart tender. Serve over buttered egg noodles.
Enjoy!



* Kitchen Bouquet is a browning/seasoning sauce that helps to add color and a little flavor to meats and gravy. You can usually find it in the grocery with the Worcestershire sauce. If you click on the picture next to step 1, you'll see what it looks like- a little brown bottle with yellow cap and a yellow label.
Note: I got this recipe from Just a Pinch several years ago.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

PAULA DEEN'S CROCK POT POTATO SOUP

1 bag hash browns

2 cans chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 tsp black pepper
1 8-oz block cream cheese

Combine the hash browns, chicken broth, soup, onion, and pepper together in the crockpot/slow cooker. Place lid on cooker and cook for 5 hours on low.

Stir in the cream cheese and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
file photo

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

CROCK POT DRESSING


1 cup butter, melted
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 cups mushrooms (drain if using canned)
2 eggs beaten
3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups chicken broth (enough to moisten well)
13 cups cubed dry bread
1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
2 tsp salt
2 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp marjoram, optional

Melt butter in a large skillet and saute onion and celery until softened. Mix with the remaining ingredients and toss together well. Pack in a large crock pot. Add lid and cook on high for 45 minutes then turn down to low and cook 6 to 8 hours.


file photo

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

CROCKPOT RANCH PORK CHOPS

A friend posted this on facebook. It is good so I thought I would share it with you.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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
flour
1 carton (32 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
baking potato
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
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. 
 
File Photo

Saturday, August 8, 2026

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 slow cooker.
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.

Old BHG recipe and file photo

Friday, August 7, 2026

ROAST IN MUSHROOM SOUP GRAVY

This popular recipe is a repost from 2017.

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.

Thursday, August 6, 2026

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. 


Monday, August 3, 2026

RED ONION MARMALADE

This is a recipe I saw in an old crock pot cookbook. 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. I have not made this as I do not eat steak or fish.

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.

file photo

  

Saturday, August 1, 2026

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.
file photo

Thursday, July 30, 2026

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 or Stevia Granulated
1 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend or equivalent of your favorite brown sugar substitute
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.

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

Topping:
2 tbsp + 2 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend or equivalent or your favorite brown sugar substitution
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.

file photo



Tuesday, July 28, 2026

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.


file photo

Monday, July 27, 2026

JAZZED-UP GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

2 pkg (16-oz each) frozen cut green beans, thawed

2 cans (10 3/4-oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted*

1 can (8-oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 cup 2% milk

6 bacon stirps, cooked and crumbled

1 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp paprika

4-oz cubed Velveeta cheese

1 can (2.8-oz) french-fried onions

In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine green beans, soup, water chestnuts, milk, bacon, pepper and paprika. Cover and cook on low 5 to 6 hours or until beans are tender; stir in cheese. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with the onions.

Yield: 10 servings

* May substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, if desired.

recipe & photo TOH 2026


Saturday, July 25, 2026

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 slow cooker.  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

Friday, July 24, 2026

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, bratwurst, brown sugar and caraway seed in a crockpot or slow cooker. Stir in the water. Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting approximately 4 hours.

Yield: 6 servings
file photo

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

JALAPENO, CRAB, AND CORN DIP

2 tbsp butter

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn

1/2 cup chopped red sweet pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise

1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeno chile peppers, drained and chopped

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp hot pepper sauce, optional

2 (6-to 6.5-oz) cans crabmeat, drained, flaked, and cartilage removed

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Corn chips for serving

In a medium skillet heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add corn sweet pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring, about 5 minutes until tender.

In a bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, jalapeno peppers

file photo



Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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.

file photo

Monday, July 20, 2026

MARINATED MUSHROOMS & ARTICHOKE HEARSTS

2 lb assorted mushrooms, such as stemmed shitakes, cremini and/or button mushrooms

1 pkg (8 to 9-oz) frozen artichoke hearts

1 14.5-oc can lower-sodium beef broth

1 cup dry red wine

2 tbsp butter, cut-up

1 tbsp packed brown sugar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried dill

In a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker combine mushrooms and artichokes. Add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours.

Serve warm or chill and serve cold.

Yield: 16 servings.

file photo for reference only


Saturday, July 18, 2026

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.
File Photo