CROCKPOT CORN CHOWDER

The crockpot is a wonderful invention and my favorite piece of kitchen equipment. Just dump everything in, turn it on, leave it alone. This corn chowder is highly delicious and easy to put together. Have a loaf of crusty bread waiting on the sidelines.

6 slices bacon


2 pkgs. frozen corn (10 oz. each)

1 can cream style corn (16 oz.)

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 c. water

1/2 c. onion, chopped

2 c. potatoes, diced

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. seasoned salt

1 can chicken broth (16 oz.)

1 c. milk

1/4 c. butter

In skillet, fry bacon until crisp, remove and reserve. Add onion and potatoes to bacon drippings, saute for 5 minutes. Combine everything in Crockery Pot except butter and milk. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. Pour 1/2 of the mixture into blender and puree until almost smooth. Return to Crock Pot with milk and butter. Cover and cook on high one hour more. 6 to 8 servings.

CROCK-POT APPLE PIE

Jimmie Daniels of Newland, NC, shared her recipe with us for this different version of apple pie. I am going to try it today. Thanks Jimmie not only for sharing this recipe with us, but for your friendship through all of these years.

8 tart apples peeled and sliced
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons soft butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup Bisquick

Topping:

1 cup Bisquick
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp cold butter
Spray crockpot with Pam

Toss apples in a large bowl with spices place in the crockpot. Combine milk, softened butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and 1/2 cup Bisquick. Spoon over apples.
Combine 1 cup Bisquick and brown sugar. Cut the cold butter into the mixture until it is crumbly. Sprinkle this on top. Cover and cook on low until apples are soft.
Sometimes I add a little apple juice if I am using a variety of apple that cooks dry.

“Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.”~Elie Wiesel

CROCKPOT STEW

This recipe has been in my files as long as I can remember keeping them. Try it, I will personally guarantee that you will love it!

2 lbs. chuck roast, cut into large bite-size pieces
2 onions, chopped
4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups sliced mushrooms
6 potatoes, cut in large wedges
2 bay leaves
1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce
1 can beef broth
1 cup red wine
5 cups water
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup flour

Combine meat and vegetables in electric slow cooker. Ass ingredients through water. Cook 6 hours on High; 7 or longer on Low. Thirty minutes before serving, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to blend. Add 1 1/2 cups hot broth to roux, then return all to the stew, stir well. Tuen on High for 30 minutes to allow to thicken.
Serves 6 to 8
COOKS NOTE: Serve with cornbread and red wine.

"The frying pan you should give to your enemy. Food should not be prepared in fat. Our bodies are adapted to a stone age diet of roots and vegetables."~Denis Burkitt

BAGWAN BEANS

This cold weather we are having makes me long for comfort food. The crock-pot is my favorite small appliance. Just load it up, turn it on, and you can have the makings for a good, wholesome dinner at the end of your day. This hearty beef and bean dinner dish is nourishment at its best. All you need to go with it is a green salad and some crusty rolls.

1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 (15oz.) cans pork and beans
1 (16oz.) cans kidney beans, drained
1 (15-oz.) can butter beans, drained
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon liquid smoke, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Brown ground beef in large nonstick skillet, stirring until it crumbles. Drain beef, and place in 4-quart electric slow cooker. Combine bacon and onion in same skillet; cook until bacon is crisp. Remove bacon and onion, and place in slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients; cover and cook on High setting for 5 hours.

"Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear."-Aesop