Day 20 of 31 Days of December Lor-Cipes

My Christmas Gift to You

Only 5 days until Christmas. <sigh> Hard to believe, isn't it! If you're like me, the length of your To Do list is dwindling, but there are still a dozen or items like "What's for Supper?" calling for your attention. Good news: You can cross that one off your list. Better news: I've seen meatloaf snobs turn into meatloaf lovers after eating this one! But time's a-wastin' and that list isn't getting any shorter, so let's get crackin'!

December 20

 

Loree's Really Italian Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1-8 ounce can tomato sauce, divided

1 egg, beaten

½ cup chopped onion

1/3 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

½ teaspoon garlic powder (NOT garlic salt)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 pound ground beef

½ pound ground pork or veal

1 cup shredded Asiago cheese

Directions:

Spray slow cooker with Pam

Make foil handles from three, 18" sheets of aluminum foil, folded lengthwise into 2" strips. Lay on counter so that the strips form a 'star' shape. Set aside. (These will be your "foil handles)

Reserve 1/3 cup tomato sauce in refrigerator

Combine remaining sauce and egg in large bowl

Stir in onion and bread crumbs, Parmesan and spices

Add ground meat

Mix well and shape into loaf

Place meat on foil handles and lay into slow cooker so that the 'handles' stick out of the cooker

Cover and cook on LOW 10 hours

Spread remaining sauce over meatloaf and sprinkle with Asiago cheese

Using 'handles,' lift meatloaf from pan and transfer to serving platter

 

Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, and a colorful side salad!

 

And yes, if you post a photo of your version of this recipe on my Facebook author page, you could win a gift basket worth $100!

Day 19 of "31 Days of Lor-cipes," My Christmas Gift to You

This was my very first crock pot, which worked like a champ off for more than 30 years. Quite a feat, considering how much I used it! (Its replacement works just as hard, but just between you and me, doesn't have half the personality.)

Today's family-favorite Lor-cipe, like the others chosen to lessen some of December's craziness, is sure to earn high fives from those gathered 'round your table. If you put it to the test, share a photo at my Facebook author page, and you could win a gift basket worth $100.

 

And now, let's get cookin'! 

 

December 19

Loree's Easy-Cheesy Pork 'n' Potatoes

Ingredients:

½ ground pork, cooked and crumbled

½ cup crushed saltine crackers

1/3 cup barbecue sauce

1 beaten egg

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

4 potatoes, peeled and sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

2/3 cup evaporated milk

¼ teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

chopped parsley (for garnish)

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam

Combine pork, crackers, BBQ sauce and egg in large bowl

Shape mixture into 6 patties

Heat margarine and oil in medium skillet

Sauté potatoes and onion until slightly browned

Drain and place in slow cooker

Combine cheese, milk, and spices into a small bowl

Mix well, then pour into slow cooker

Layer pork patties on top

Cover and cook on LOW 5 hours, then garnish with parsley

Day 18 of 31 Days of Lor-cipies
My Christmas Gift to You

 

By now, I'm sure you know the story: I'm posting one slow cooker recipe a day to save you time AND allow you to provide your family with a well-balanced meals, even amid the hustle-bustle of December. And if you try it, and post a picture here, you could win a gift basket worth $100, similar to the one pictured below.

Eat hearty!

December 18: Loree's Hearty Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

2-12 ounce cans tuna, rinsed, drained and flaked
2 cups celery, diced

1 1/2 cups noodles (your choice; I use rotini), cooked and drained
3 cups crushed potato chips, divided
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1-10 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1-10 ounce can condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted
1 cup mayo
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Spray slow cooker with Pam
Combine all ingredients (except ½ cup potato chips) into slow cooker
Stir well
Top mixture with remaining chips
Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours

 

 

Day 17 of 31 Days of SLOW COOKER Lor-cipies

 

 

My Christmas Gift to You

December 17

Loree's Fiesta Rice with Sausage

Ingredients:

 

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 pounds spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

4 onions, chopped

4 green peppers, chopped

3 Jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced (REMEMBER TO WEAR GLOVES AND DON'T TOUCH YOUR EYES!!!)

4 cups beef broth

2 packages (6 ounces each) long-grain and wild rice mix

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam

Heat oil in large skillet

Add sausage, breaking it up as it browns

Add garlic and cumin

Add onions and peppers

Sauté mixture until onions are tender

Pour mixture into slow cooker

Add beef broth and rice

Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours

 

If you like it hot, you're gonna love it!

Day 16 of 31 Days of SLOW COOKER 

My Christmas Gift to You

Loree's Cheesy Chicken and Noodles

 

2 large cans cooked chicken

1-1/2 cups cottage cheese

1-10 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1-8 ounce package wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup diced celery

½ cup diced green pepper

½ cup diced red pepper

½ cup diced onion

½ cup grated Parmesan

1-4 ounce can diced mushrooms

2 tablespoons butter, melted

½ teaspoon dried thyme

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.

Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours.

 

If you try it, post a picture on my Facebook wall

and you could win

a gift basket like this

 

 

A $100 value!

Thirty-one Days of Lor-cipies

My Christmas Gift to You

 

 

 

Today, I'm catching up, and posting three recipes instead of one. (I took a little break from the Internet, to show a little respect and pray for everyone directly affected by the massacre in Connecticut.)

So, a quick rundown of the contest: Try this one, then post a photo of it at my Facebook page, and I'll put your name in my handy Santa hat, and you could win a basket filled with Maryland goodies that's valued at $100!

Happy slow cooking!  And trust me...this one's harder to pronounce than it is to prepare!

Loree's Beef Bourguignon

 

 

Ingredients:

 

3 pounds lean beef cubes

½ cup flour

4 slices bacon, diced

3 carrots, sliced

8 small red potatoes, unpeeled and quartered

10 mushrooms, sliced

24 pearl onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

½ teaspoon thyme

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2-1/2 cups beef broth (or, if you prefer, Burgundy wine)

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam

Coat beef with flour and set aside

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until partially cooked

Add beef and cook until browned

Remove with slotted spoon

Layer carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, onions, garlic, bay leaf, spices, and meat mixture in slow cooker

Cover with wine or broth

Cover and cook on LOW 10 hours (Give a prize to the person who finds the bay leaf!)

Day 14 of "The 31 Days of Lor-cipies"
My Christmas Gift to You

I'll finish up my Christmas shopping today (God willing), and I know I won't feel like cooking after THAT! So I'm putting my trusty slow cooker to use. Again. And sharing the recipe with you, because I know your December day will be just as hectic. If you decide to test it, take a picture before your family digs in, and share it at my Facebook author page as your entry in the "Win a $100 Basket of Maryland Stuff" contest (drawing on January 1st)!

And now, without further adieu, LOREE'S PIGS IN BLANKETS

 

 

(Yes, the photo is a joke. But I just couldn't help myself!) Enjoy:

 

Ingredients:

6 cups water
12 large cabbage leaves
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
3 cups tomato sauce (divided in half)

Directions:

Spray slow cooker with Pam
Bring water to boil and turn off. Soak cabbage leaves in water 5 minutes. Remove, drain, and cool
Combine ground beef, rice, and spices in a large bowl. Mix well.
Place 3 tablespoons of meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly
Place cabbage rolls into slow cooker, seam side down
Pour half the tomato sauce over rolls
Cover and cook on LOW 10 hours
Before serving, warm remaining sauce and pour over rolls
Serve with green vegetables and a side salad!

 

THIS is what the dish will really look like:

 

 

Day 13 of 31 Days of Lor-cipes, My Christmas Gift to You

Like you, I want to serve nutritious, tasty meals every evening. But during this crazy-busy month, that isn't always easy. That's why I rely heavily on my trusty crock pot, and oh, what a delicious relief, at the end of a deadline day, to put that tasty supper on the table!

I'd like to share that mood and that food with you, so I'm sharing family-tested favorite recipes in the hope you'll experience those same blessed sensations. Try this one, and if you like it, post a photo on my Facebook author's page, and I'll add your name to my Santa hat so you can win a prize basket (a $100 value) filled with New Year's fun.

It's early. There's plenty of time to hunt down these ingredients and put this on the supper table, tonight:

December 13: Loree's Pork Chop Dinner

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 bone-in pork loin chops
1-10 ounce can condensed cream of broccoli soup
1-4 ounce can diced mushrooms, drained
¼ cup spicy brown mustard
¼ cup chicken broth
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried basil
6 red potatoes, unpeeled and sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions:

Heat butter and oil in large skillet.
Brown pork chops on both sides and set aside
Spray slow cooker with Pam
Combine soup, mushrooms, mustard, broth, and spices in slow cooker
Add potatoes and onion, stirring to coat
Arrange pork chops on top of potato mixture
Cover and cook on LOW 10-12 hours
Sprinkle with parsley and serve with green vegetables and rolls!

 

 

Thirty-one Days of Lor-cipies

A Christmas Gift to You

from Loree Lough 

Yes, it's true: I'm always on a deadline. So to ensure that my family gets well-balanced, nutritious meals, I rely heavily on my trusty slow cooker. And throughout the month of December—one of the busiest months of the year—I'm sharing my family's favorite recipes with you. 

December 12: Loree's Meaty Chili 

Ingredients: 

1 pound ground beef

¼ pound ground sausage

1 large onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

2 jalapeno peppers, chopped (REMEMBER TO WEAR GLOVES, AND DON'T TOUCH YOUR EYES!!!!)

1 clove garlic, minced

1-28 ounce can whole peel tomatoes, undrained and cut

1-15 ounce can chili beans, undrained

8 ounces tomato juice

¾ cup water

¼ cup ketchup

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon dried thyme 

Directions: 

Over medium-high heat, cook beef, sausage, onion, celery, jalapenos, and garlic

 in a 6-quart Dutch oven until meat is browned and onion is tender.

 Stir frequently

Add tomatoes (with liquid), beans, tomato juice, water, ketchup, sugar, chili powder, salt, cumin, thyme, salt and pepper

Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently

Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for one hour, stirring occasionally. 

Serve with cornbread or biscuits and a side salad, and enjoy!

 

(And don't forget: If you try this one and post a photo of it on my Facebook author page,

you could win a gift basket worth $100!)

 

 

 

Day 11 of 31 Lor-cipes

 

Loree's Stew Provencal

 

Ingredients:

 

2-14 ounce cans beef broth, divided

1/3 cup flour

1-1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cubed

4 red potatoes, unpeeled and cubed

2 cups frozen cut green beans

 

(frozen carrots, peas, corn [optional])

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam.

Combine ¾ cup beef broth and flour in small bowl, and set aside

Add remaining broth, pork, potatoes, beans, onions, garlic, and spices to slow cooker

Stir and cover, cook on LOW 10 hours.

One hour before serving, stir in broth and flour mixture

Cook 30 minutes to thicken.

Serve

 

 

 

 

Thirty Days of Lor-cipies

A Christmas Gift to You

from Loree Lough

Yes, it's true: I'm always on a deadline. So to ensure that my family gets well-balanced, nutritious meals, I rely heavily on my trusty slow cooker. (And, on occasion, my favorite Dutch oven.) And throughout the month of December—one of the busiest months of the year—I'm sharing my family's favorite recipes with you.

 

If you try one this one, send me a picture of it and I'll add your name to the hat, and you might win a basket of New Year's fun!

 

Merry Christmas!

 

December 10

 

Loree's Best-Ever Beef Stew

 

Ingredients:

 

½ cup (plus 2 tablespoons) flour, divided

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

3 pounds beef stew cubes

1-16 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

½ pound sausage, sliced

3 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup leek, chopped

1 cup onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, sliced

 

1 package frozen peas

 

1 package frozen carrots

½ cup chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

3 tablespoons water

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam.

Combine ½ cup flour, salt and pepper in a resealable food storage bag.

Add beef, and shake to coat beef.

Place beef in slow cooker

Add remaining ingredients (except 2 tablespoons flour and water)

Stir, cover, and cook on LOW 10-12 hours.

One hour before serving, mix remaining flour and water in small bowl and mix into stew.

Cook 30-60 minutes more until stew has thickened.

 

Thirty Days of Lor-cipies

A Christmas Gift to You

from Loree Lough

 

Yes, it's true: I'm always on a deadline. So to ensure that my family gets well-balanced, nutritious meals, I rely heavily on my trusty slow cooker. And throughout the month of December—one of the busiest months of the year—I'm sharing my family's favorite recipes with you.

If you try one this one, send me a picture of it and I'll add your name to the hat, and you might win a basket of New Year's fun! Merry Christmas!

 

December 9: Loree's Tomato-Chicken Gumbo

 

Ingredients:

 

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed

½ pound Italian or Polish sausage links, sliced

3 cups water

1-14 ounce can chicken broth

½ cup long grain white rice, uncooked

1-26 ounce can or jar of "traditional" spaghetti sauce

1 can corn, drained

1 green pepper, diced

 

Directions:

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray a large, shallow baking pan with Pam.

Place chicken and sausage in pan and bake 15-20 minutes (until chicken is no longer pink).

In a 12-quart pot, bring water and broth to a full boil.

Add chicken, sausage, and rice.

Cover and cook over medium heat 15-20 minutes.

Stir in spaghetti sauce, corn and pepper and bring to a boil.

Cook 10 minutes (or until rice is tender).

 

And remember...try it and post a photo of it on my Facebook author's wall, you could win this basket (a $100 value)!

 

 

 

 

#8 of 31 Lor-Cipes: Loree's Vegetable Soup

 

Ingredients:

 

3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

3 zucchini, sliced

2 cups broccoli, chopped

1 onion, chopped

¼ cup melted butter

4 cups chicken broth

2 white potatoes, peeled and diced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

2-1/2 cups milk

 

Directions:

 

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, onion and butter.

Add chicken broth.

Add celery and spices.

Pour into slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW 8-10 hours.

Add milk and cook an additional 30 minutes.

#7 of 31 Lor-Cipes: Loree's Bean and Cornbread Casserole

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, seeded and chopped

¼ teaspoon garlic powder (NOT garlic salt)

1-16 ounce can CHILI beans, undrained

1-16 ounce can pinto beans, undrained

1-16 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1-8 ounce can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon prepared mustard

1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup flour

2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1-1/4 cups milk

1/2 cup egg substitute

3 tablespoons oil

1-8 ounce can cream corn

 

Directions for casserole:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam.

In a skillet, over medium heat, cook onion, pepper, and garlic.

Transfer to slow cooker.

Stir in beans.
Add tomatoes, sauce, seasonings, mustard, and hot sauce.

Cover and cook on HIGH 1 hour.

 

Directions for cornbread:

 

In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Stir in milk and egg substitute, oil and corn.

Spread evenly over bean mixture.

Cover and cook on HIGH 2 hours more.

 

And remember how you could win a prize like this....

DAY 6 OF 31 LOR-CIPIES!

Day 6 of 31 Lor-Cipies...

 

...to save you time during the hustle-bustle of December: 

December 6

Loree's Broccoli Casserole

 

Ingredients:

 

2-10 ounce packages chopped broccoli

1-10 ounce can condensed cream of broccoli soup

1-1/4 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese (set aside enough for garnish, if desired)

¼ cup green onions, minced

1 cup crushed potato chips (or saltine crackers, crushed, if desired)

 

Directions:

 

Spray slow cooker with Pam.

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, soup, 1 cup cheese, and onions.

Put into slow cooker.

Sprinkle with crushed crackers and remaining cheese.

Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours.

 

 

Try it, you'll like it! And if you post a picture of your dish my Facebook author's wall, you could win a basket of goodies )$100 value) like  this:

 

 

 

Day 5 (of 31 Days of Lor-cipies)

Loree's Christmas Gift to YOU!

Yes, it's true: I'm always on a deadline. So to ensure that my family gets well-balanced, nutritious meals, I rely heavily on my trusty slow cooker. And throughout the month of December—one of the busiest months of the year—I'm sharing my family's favorite recipes with you.

If you try one this one, send me a picture of it and I'll add your name to my Santa hat, and you could win a basket of Baltimore style New Year's fun!

Loree's He-Man Stew

 

Ingredients:

3-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1-12 ounce can lite beer

1-28 ounce can tomatoes, chopped

¼ cup spicy brown mustard

1 onion, chopped

4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked

 

Directions:

 

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

In large skillet, heat oil to medium hot.

Add chicken and cook until it is golden brown.

In slow cooker, combine beer, tomatoes, onion, and mustard.

Add chicken.

Cook on HIGH 3 hours.

Serve over macaroni.

 

 

DECEMBER 4: LOREE'S LEMONY ROAST CHICKEN

Can you believe it? We're already into day FOUR of my Christmas gift to you: Thirty-one "Lor-cipes" that you can whip up in no time--without gourmet ingredients--that your family will love, love, lo...

ve. Don't forget to snap a picture of it (should you try it on your family) and post it at Facebook to be entered in the contest to win a basket filled with Maryland stuff!
 

 

Ingredients:

1 roasting chicken (4-5 pounds)
½ cup onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
The juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon parsley
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Directions:

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
Place onion into chicken cavity, and rub skin with butter.
Place chicken into slow cooker.
Squeeze lemon juice over chicken.
Sprinkle with parsley, lemon peel, salt, and thyme.
Cover and cook on LOW 8 hours.

Serve with your favorite veggies and potatoes/rice/noodles!

December 3: Loree's Chicken Stew and Dumplings

Thirty-one Days of Lor-cipies
A Christmas Gift to You
from Loree Lough 


To ensure that my family gets well-balanced, nutritious meals, even when I'm on deadline (which is most of the time), I rely on my trusty slow cooker. So throughout the month of December—one of the busiest months of the year—I'm sharing my family's favorite recipes with you.

If you try one this one, send post a picture of it here at Facebook, and I'll add your name to my Santa hat, and, following the drawing on January 1st, you could be the winner of a big basket filled with Maryland stuff!

Happy cooking!
Loree

Loree's Chicken Stew and Dumplings


 

 

Ingredients for stew:

2 cups carrots, sliced
1 cup onion, diced
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
½ cup celery, sliced
1-1/2 cup chicken broth
2/3 cups flour
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 1" pieces
1 large potato, diced
6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 can peas
1 teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon dried tarragon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup heavy cream

Ingredients for dumplings:

1 cup biscuit mix
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
1/8 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/3 cup milk

Directions for stew:

Combine carrots, onion, pepper, and celery in slow cooker.
Add chicken broth (reserving 1 cup).
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours.
Stir flour into remaining broth until smooth.
Stir into slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW 5 hours.
Add salt, pepper, and cream.

Directions for dumplings:

Combine biscuit mix with herbs in a small bowl.
Add milk until mixture forms a soft dough.
Spoon mixture onto stew in serving-sized portions.
Cover and cook an additional hour.
(Dumplings are cooked when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.)

Thirty-one Days of Lor-cipies

A Christmas Gift to You

from Loree Lough

 

Well, here's another time-saving scrumptious recipe for you! Keep in mind you can adjust the 'spicy' spices to suit your personal taste. As for my family and me...we like it hot! <G> (And yes, you can freeze the leftovers!)

Don't forget to take a picture of your version of this delictable dish and post it here, so I can add your name to my Santa hat. Then, on January 1st, one of my gran-dorables will pick a name...and I'll send that lucky person a basket filled with fantastic Maryland surprises!

 

Happy cooking!
Loree

 

December 2

Loree-style Jambalaya

 

Ingredients:

 

2 cups boiled ham, cut into bite-sized cubes

2 onions, diced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 green pepper, seeded and diced

1-28 ounce can whole tomatoes

¼ cup tomato paste

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon parsley, minced

½ teaspoon thyme, minced

2 whole cloves

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup uncooked long-grain (converted) rice

1 pound frozen shrimp (must be shelled and deveined)

 

Directions:

 

Mix everything EXCEPT FOR shrimp into slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.

One hour before serving, turn slow cooker to HIGH.

Stir in uncooked shrimp.

Cover and cook until shrimp have turned pink (30-45 minutes, depending on the power of your slow cooker).

The Official Kick-off of December Lor-Cipes

...my Christmas gift to you!

In case you haven't heard, I'm posting one taste-tested recipe a day in the hope of making your busy December a little easier. As a bonus, if you try one and post a photo of your finished product at Facebook, I'll add your name to my Christmas hat...and if you win, I'll send you a basket filled to the brim with Maryland-related treats!

Here's hoping you enjoy this delicious slow cooker meal,
Loree

December 1

Loree's Country Chicken Chowder

 Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 pounds chicken tenders, cut into ½" chunks
2 medium onions, diced
1 celery rib, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 can of corn
2-10 ounce cans cream of potato soup
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon dill weed
½ cup half-and-half (whole milk works; you'll just have slightly thinner 'broth')

Directions:

Melt butter in a large skillet.
Add chicken
Once meat is golden brown, add onions, carrots, celery, corn, soup, dill and broth to your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW 5-6 hours.
Turn off heat and add half-and-half

Garnish with parsley, spinach, or croutons and enjoy!

DECEMBER LOR-CIPES

Yes, it's true: I'm always facing a book-due deadline. But even when I'm hip-deep in character drama, my family wants to eat. So I've relied heavily on my trusty slow cooker, especially in December, when decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping and other Christmas preparations pose deadlines of a whole different kind.

My Christmas gift to you? Thirty-one of my (and my family's) favorite tried and tested recipes--posted one per day--that are sure to save you time and earn lots of "Hey, that was super!" comments from those at your supper table.

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect, beginning on December 1st. I hope you'll enjoy--and feel free to copy, share, and even 'change-up' these recipes!

Merry Christmas from my house to yours!
Loree

Loree's Meat-and-spinached-stuffed Shells
 

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef (turkey, veal, etc.)
1 egg, beaten
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-squeezed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
1/2 teaspoon (dried) minced onion
1/2 package saltine crackers, crushed
1 package large shell pasta, cooked and drained
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzerella chees

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray a 9x12 baking dish with Pam
Spread a thin coat of spaghetti sauce on bottom of pan

Mix everything (EXCEPT PASTA AND SAUCE) in a large bowl
Spoon meat mixture (usually about 2 tablespoons each) into cooked pasta shells
Lay filled shells in baking dish
Cover generously with spaghetti sauce
Sprinkle HALF the cheese over the shells
Cover baking dish with aluminum foil
Bake 30 minutes and remove foil
Bake an additional 15 minutes

Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.

 

 

GRANDPA'S HANDS

Decades ago, just about this time of year, I lost my beloved grandfather. So it's no surprise that, when the leaves turn gold and the winds blow brisk, I think of him. Today, I recalled a day when he sat on his patio bench, staring so intently at his hands that he didn't even notice me sit down beside him. It wasn't like him to sit so still and quiet, so I asked "You okay, Grandpa?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, smiling. "I'm fine, thanks."

"Then why are you staring at your hands? Do they hurt?"

He looked down at his hands again. "No, they're fine, too." He flexed the stubby, gnarled fingers, then faced at me. "Have you ever looked at your hands? I mean really looked at them?"

"No," I admitted, opening and closing my own, "I don't suppose I have."

"Well, you should. And while you're at it, think about how well they've served you over the years."

His attention turned to his hands again. "These hands," he continued, "are wrinkled, shriveled, and weak now. But once, they helped me reach out and grab life...put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me how to fold them in prayer, and how to use them to tie my church shoes, and pull on my snow boots.

"They've been dirty, scraped and raw, broken and bent.

"I decorated the left one to show the whole world that 'd married the most special woman on earth, and it trembled the first time I touched her as my wife. They trembled with fear the first time I held our newborn son, with joy as I walked our daughter down the aisle, with grief as I  buried my parents. They've helped me hide my face, comb my hair, and cleanse my timeworn body.

"They're marked by the ruggedness that has been my life. And now, though the rest of me doesn't work so well, these hands still help me stand up and lay down, and continue to fold in prayer. But most important of all," he said, sandwiching my hands between his own, "it will be these hands that God will take hold of when He leads me home...where He will lift me to His side, so that I can touch the face of Christ."

When Death touched my grandpa a few short months later, I took comfort in knowing that God was holding him in His loving hands.

And when the time comes that my own hands look as his did that day, I will remember Grandpa's story, and take comfort in knowing he'll be there to greet me when God takes my hands and leads me Home.