CHEDDAR-BEER WEENIES

1 pkg (14-16 oz) beef cocktail wieners

12 - 16 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thirds

2 tbsp butter

1 cup finely chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup beer

3/4 cup cheddar pasta sauce OR one can (10.75-oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 tsp hot pepper sauce

1/2 tsp chili powder

Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Line a 15x10-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper. 

Tightly wrap each cocktail wiener in a piece of bacon and secure with a wooden toothpick. Place on the prepared baking pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until bacon is browned and slightly crisp. Cool slightly then remove and discard toothpicks.

Meanwhile, for sauce, in a medium saucepan heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add onion and garlic, cook 5 to 8 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

In a 1 1/2-quart slow cooker combine cocktail wieners and sauce. Cover and cook on low 4 to 5 hours or until heated. (If no heat setting is available, cook 3 to 4 hours) Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm or low up to 2 hours.

Yield: 8 servings

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LENTIL AND RICE STUFFED PEPPERS

1/4 cup water

4 green and/or red bell peppers

3/4 cup uncooked brown rice

3 cups water

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup uncooked brown lentils, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, undrained

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped celery

1 tbsp packed brown sugar

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1 tbsp cider vinegar

Snipped fresh Italian parsley for garnish, optional

Pour the 1/4 cup water into a 6-quart ovel slow cooker. Halve pepper lengthwise and remove and discard seeds and membranes.

In a large saucepan combine rice, 3 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil, stir in rice and reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in the lentils. Cover and simmer 25 minutes more or until rice and lentils are tender. Drain off any liquid and stir in tomatoes, carrots, celery, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt.

Fill each pepper half with the rice mixture and arrange in the prepared cooker carefully stacking pepper halves on each other. Cover and cook on low 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until peppers are tender and filling is heat through.

Carefully remove peppers with a large spoon. Sprinkle with the parsley, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

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CAJUN-SEASONED VEGETARIAN GUMBO

2 cans (15-oz each) reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (28-oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained 

1 pkg (14.4-oz) frozen sweet pepper and onion stir-fry vegetables

2 cups frozen cut okra

1 1/2 to 2 tsp Cajun seasoning 

Hot cooked brown rice or farro, optional

Combine beans, tomatoes, frozen stir-fry vegetables, frozen okra and seasoning in a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Cover cooker and cool ln low 6 to 8 hours or on high 3 to 4 hours.

If desired, serve over the hot cooked brown rice or farro.

Yield: 6 servings

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WHEAT BERRY TABBOULEH

3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 can (14.5-oz) no-salt-added diced fire-roasted tomatoes undrained

2 1/2 cups whole wheat berries

3/4 cup chopped cucumber

1/2 cup snipped fresh Italian parsley

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1 tbsp snipped fresh mint

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1 lb chopped cooked chicken or shrimp

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

In a 4 to 5-quart slow cooker combine broth, tomatoes. Cover and cook on low 7 1/2 to 8 hours or until the wheat berries are tender.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer wheat berry mixture to a large bowl. Cool to room temperature. Stir in the cucumber parsley, green onions and mint.

For the dressing, in a jar with a screw-top lid, combine the lemon juice olive oil, cumin and garlic salt, Cover and shake well. Pour dressing over the wheat berry mixture; toss gently to coat. Top with the chopped chicken or shrimp Sprinkle the feta overall.

Yield: 8 servings

recipe and photo First for women 2022

SOY-GINGER SOUP WITH CHICKEN

Nonstick cooking spray

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 

1 cup coarsely shredded carrots

2 tbsp dry sherry, optional

1 tbsprice vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger or 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 cans (14.5-oz each) reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup water

2-oz dried somen (thin, white noodles), broken in half

1 pkg (6-oz) frozen snow pea pods

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Drain off any fat. 

In a 3 1/2-4-quart slow cooker combine the chicken with the carrots, sherry, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and pepper. Add broth and water. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours or on high 2 to 3 hours. Stir in noodles and frozen pea pods. Cover and cook for 3 to4 minutes more. 

Serve with additional soy sauce, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings

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CHICKEN BRATS WITH BROCCOLI SLAW SALAD

3 large onions, about (1 1/2 lbs) sliced 1/2-inch thick

1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp black pepper

8 cooked smoked chicken or turkey bratwurst

1/4 cup buttermilk

2 tbsp snipped fresh Italian parsley

1 tbsp mayonnaise

1/4 tsp caraway seeds, crushed

Dash cayenne pepper

2 cups broccoli slaw mix

8 whole grain or white hot dog buns, split and toasted

In a 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker combine the first 5 ingredients. Arrange the bratwurst over the top. Cover and cook on low 5 to 6 hours or on high 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Meanwhile, for broccoli slaw, in a medium bowl combine the buttermilk, parsley, mayonnaise, caraway seeds and cayenne pepper. Stir in the broccoli slaw mix to coat and refrigerate until serving time.

Remove brats from the cooker. Using a slotted spoon, remove onions, draining well. Discard the cooking liquid.

Fill the toasted buns with onions and brats. Top with the broccoli slaw.

Yield: 8 servings

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FRENCH DIPS WITH PEPPERS AND ONIONS

1 (3-3 1/2 lb) beef bottom round or rump roast

Salt and Black Pepper1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 can (14.5-oz) 50% less-sodium beef broth

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2- inch slices

1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices

8 hoagie buns, split and toasted

Trim fat from roast. If necessary, cut roast to fit into a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to suit taste. In a large skillet brown meat on all sides in hot oil. Drain off fat and transfer to the cooker. Add onion and broth.

Cover and cook on low 11 to 12 hours or on high 5 1/2 to 6 hours. Add the bell peppers slices the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Remove meat from cooker; cover and let stand 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, remove peppers and onions using a slotted spoon. Thinly slice meat. Arrange meat, pepper, onion slices on the toasted buns. Pour cooking juices into a measuring cup; skim off fat. Drizzle a little of the juices onto each sandwich and pour the remaining juices into bowls to serve with sandwiches for dipping. 

Makes 8 sandwiches.

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GYRO NACHOS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

2 - 2 1/2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tsp dried oregano, crushed

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp salt

8-oz plain pita chips

1 recipe Tzatziki sauce (recipe below)

1/2 cup chopped tomato

In a 3 1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and cook on low 6 to 7 hours or on high 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken and onion from the cooker, reserving cooking juices. Remove bones from the chicken; shred using two forks. In a bowl combine shredded chicken and onion; toss with enough cooking juices to moisten.

Serve chicken mixture over pita chips. Top with Tzatziki sauce and tomato.

Yield: 10 servings

To make Tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 cup chopped cucumber, 1 6-oz carton plain Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill, 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Makes 1 1/3 cups

Yield: 10 servings

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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.

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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

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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)

 

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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

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

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CROCK POT ROAST WITH GRAVY

1	2-3 lb. roast of choice
1 Tbsp	kitchen bouquet*
3/4 c	beef broth
1can(s)	cream of mushroom soup
1 pkg	onion soup mix
1 Tbsp	Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp	red wine vinegar
1/2tsp	garlic powder
1/2tsp	dried thyme
1/4tsp	black pepper
2Tbsp	butter
2Tbsp	flour 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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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.

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CROCKPOT RANCH PORK CHOPS

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

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. 

 

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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

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.

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. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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