A Winter’s Day

Now that we’re ’snuggling down’ to a New Year and another winter, I thought I’d offer several tasty suggestions that go good with cold weather. The first is a site I was just introduced to, which seems to have all the makings of a fine site:

http://www.slowandeasy.com

This is a slowcooker/crockpot site which has LOTS of good recipes. I like using my crockpot about once a week for all sorts of dinners (mostly):  beef roast w/ potatoes & carrots, pork roast cooked with a can of cranberry jelly (leaves a very nice sweet-tart flavor), chicken-you name it. OH! I DO have one KILLER recipe for a very decadent dessert, aptly named: “Triple Chocolate Mess”. (this was not my recipe, I believe it originated with a friend in Florida named Myron, who hosts a crockpot site). I made this once for a party (only once, mind you-it’s almost TOO decadent to keep around my house! Mind you, I am a type 2 diabetic, so this recipe just makes my numbers soar…just READING about it! It’s THAT wicked! It’s chocolaty/warm/rich/oozy, etc. and, when served with French Vanilla ice cream…say no more!)  I give you:

“Triple Chocolate Mess”

(crockpot)

1 box chocolate cake mix

1 pint sour cream

1 small pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix

1 (6 or 12 oz.) bag chocolate chips

3/4 C. oil

4 eggs

1 C. water

Spray crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour into crockpot. Cook on LOW 4-5 hours. Serve in bowls with ice cream.

ENJOY!

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Since I don’t want to be responsible for you all gaining tons of weight from this recipe, I guess I’d better furnish you with another great winter soup recipe. This one came via my father-in-law’s recommendations; I must admit I was a little skeptical at first, but after I made it and the family raved over it, it’s become a staple in our house for the cold weather.  It’s a warm, rich, hearty soup…we love it.

“Potato Bacon Chowder”

8 slices bacon cut into 1 inch slices

1 C. onions, chopped

2 C. peeled &  cubed potatoes (I use more)

1 1/4 C. milk

1 can cream of chicken soup (I have substituted mushroom)

1 to 1 1/2 C. sour cream (we like lots)

salt and pepper to taste

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Brown bacon and saute onions, drain off any grease; set aside. Boil cubed potatoes in a pot of water until almost fork-tender; drain. Add bacon, onions, potatoes and other ingredients (except sour cream) to a large soup pot and bring to a slow boil; reduce heat.  Stir in sour cream until thoroughly incorporated into soup; serve hot.

(note: I tend to make this in large amounts, so I just peel and cut up whatever potatoes I have on hand. My family also likes this when I substitute the bacon with cubed ham.)

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Last night we had another light snow storm, not much accumulation but it did make driving a bit risky/slippery. Today the sun’s out and it’s in the 30’s; the roads are clear – looks like a good day to go to the library (just might do that!).

Enjoy your day!

Hugs;

Pammie