Slow Cooking - *Crock Pot Recipes*

Can you lead a busy life and still have friends and family over for dinner?  Can you have them over without spending hours in the kitchen?  How about some new and some classic crock pot recipes?

Use these recipes to share dinner with your friends...with your visiting family...or maybe for a family reunion!

Everyone loves Rotisserie Chicken but it can be time consuming...Try this crock pot version...

*Rotisserie Chicken*

*Barbecued Pork Chops*

*note* Save a little money and buy a boneless pork loin & cut your own chops!

Makes 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

6-8 boneless pork chops, lightly browned

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tsp Kosher salt

1 tsp celery seed

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/3 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

1 bay leaf

1. Place pork chops in slow cooker

2. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over chops\3. Cover.  Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until chops are fork tender

4. Remove bay leaf before serving

If there are deer hunters in your family...there are a number of them in our family...or have a way to get some Venison here's a good slow cooker recipe...

*Venison Shank Roast*



Beans, beans are good for the heart the more you eat...well, you know the rest!  Bean soups are not only good for you, they are also satisfying and filling.  One of my favorite beans are Black Beans.  Here's a good soup recipe for your crock pot...
*Black Bean Soup*

*This one is great for a large gathering...make 5-6 quarts*

INGREDIENTS

4 cups dry black beans

5 qts water

Ham bone, ham pieces or ham hock

3 bunches scallions, thinly sliced

4 bay leaves

1 tbs Kosher salt

1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 celery ribs, chopped

3 onions, chopped

10.5 oz can beef stock

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 1/2 tsp AP flour

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup Madeira wine, optional

1.  Soak beans overnight in 5 qts water.  Rinse. Drain and put into 6-qt slow cooker

2. Add ham, scallions, bay leaves, salt, pepper, garlic, onions & celery.  Pour in beef stock.  Add enough water to cover vegetables & meat.

3.  Cover.  Cook on high 1 1/2 hours.  Reduce to low and cook for 6-8 hours

4.  Remove ham bones and bay leaves.  Take meat off bones and set aside

5.  Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.  Return ham to cooker

6.  In a saucepan melt butter.  Stir in flour and stir until smooth.  Stir into the soup

7.  Prior to serving stir in the wine.

If you love Bratwurst then this one is for you...

*Bratwurst Stuffed Onions*

I remember growing up there was a dish that always seemed to be served in school cafeterias and I hated it.  Now, however I have changed my opinion.  This recipe is not what we were served in school.
*Chili Mac*

Here's one more that will please the meat & potato lover in your family...
*Irish Stew*

Let your Crock Pot do the work for you while you visit with your family and friends...Remember cooking is not work, It's Fun!!