Potato Soup

I LOVE this potato soup! It is definitely our family's favorite. It is easy to make, AND . . . it cooks in a crock-pot! I have a serious obsession with crock-pot recipes. I LOVE making things in the morning and having them ready to go by dinner time. Another cool thing about this recipe is that it FREEZES pretty well! I know it is very surprising to be able to freeze something with potatoes, but this soup can handle it.

8 C. potatoes (diced and peeled)

1/2 C. chopped onion
4 1/2 C. water
6 - 8 chicken bouillon cubes
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese (softened)

1/2 lb. bacon (cooked and crumbled)

In a crock-pot, combine first 6 ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW(if you try to cook it on high, the potatoes will be mushy) for 8-10 hours (for me, it seems to only take about 6 hours). Add cream cheese. Stir until blended. Garnish with bacon.

Thanks Quick Cooking magazine!

Crock-Pot Taco Meat

Tacos or burritos are really a staple at our house. We eat them a lot and I never get tired of them! It is such a great way to get our kids to eat different kinds of beans . . . not to mention being a super easy meal.

Here is a recipe I came across a few years ago. We make this stuff all the time when we want to have tacos. Have fun with it!

1 large onion, chopped

3 lbs lean meat (can be ground, stew meat or a roast. I often use ground)

3 cloves garlic

3/4 C. dry beans (sort and rinse beans . . . or use a 15 oz can pinto beans, undrained)

3 C. water (reduce to 1 1/2 - 2 if using canned beans)

2 envelopes taco seasoning mix ( 1/2 C.)

Combine chopped onion, meat, garlic, beans, water, and taco seasoning in crock-pot. Stir well. Cover and cook on high for about 8 - 10 hours. (Mine often is done a lot sooner . . . just depends on your crock-pot I guess . . . also, I often use ground beef which is cooked before putting it in the crock-pot).

Before serving, shred meat (if a roast) by pulling apart with two forks and mix with juices.

We use this recipe for tacos, burritos and taco salads. Enjoy!

Thanks Janice R!

Easy French Dip Sandwiches

I used to go to a cooking group called Creative Cooking. It was where a group of us girls would get together once a month and bring a dish to share, along with the recipe. This was such a good way to get new recipes! I really miss that group!

Anyway, here is a recipe from one of the girls. I LOVE it! My family has enjoyed eating this dish several times since I have come across the recipe. It is very simple, cooks in a crock-pot, and tastes GREAT!

3-4 lb. Pot roast

4 C. water

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

1 bay leaf

1/2 C. soy sauce

rolls, french bread, hoagie buns (whatever you prefer)

Place all ingredients in a crock pot. Simmer for 4-5 hours on high until tender. Strain the broth and shred the meat. Serve the meat on rolls and use broth for dipping.

I like to put the sandwiches together, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, toast in the oven, and then serve.

Thanks Tiffany C!

Chicken Stroganoff

Crock-pots are really one of my FAVORITE ways to cook. I LOVE the "fix it and forget it" way of making dinner. This chicken stroganoff dish is one of those recipes. Not only does it cook in a crock-pot, but it freezes well also! I will often double or quadruple this recipe and freeze the leftovers for another time when I don't want to cook. How did I come across this recipe? One summer I came home from college, and my mom had made this for dinner. I have been in LOVE with this dish ever since. My family loves it too. Enjoy!

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

1/2 C. margarine

1 packet Italian dressing mix

8 oz cream cheese

1 C. milk

1 can cream of mushroom soup

Combine chicken, margarine, and dressing mix in a crock-pot and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours.

Combine cream cheese, milk, and soup. Cook for 30 minutes more.

Serve over rice.

Serves 4-6 people.

Thanks Mom!