Slow Cooking a hot winter meal. Five simple recipes.

Beef Stew

Ingredients.

2 lbs of beef stewing meat – Cubed

4 Cups of beef broth

3 Medium carrots sliced

4 Good sized potatoes, cubed

1 Onion, chopped

3 Garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp of tomato paste

1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp of thyme

1 bayleaf

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the beef on all sides.

2. Place beef in the slow cooker, and add all other ingredients.

3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef and vegetables are tender.

4. Adjust seasoning as needed, and serve warm.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), with juice

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 cup chicken broth

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and chicken broth into the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Shred chicken with two forks, mix thoroughly, and serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

3. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can corn, drained

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Caution ! Use only tinned beans as fresh beans contain toxins unlikely to be removed by slow cooking.

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to combine.

2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.

4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder

• 1 cup barbecue sauce

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Place pork in the slow cooker and add barbecue sauce, vinegar, and broth.

3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until pork is tender.

4. Shred pork with forks, mix with sauce, and serve on buns or with coleslaw.

5. Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into chunks

• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp red curry paste

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar in the slow cooker.

2. Add bell pepper and onion, and stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with jasmine rice.