Greetings Quilter!
I enjoy using my crockpot when traveling in the Airstream or Argosy. My Overlander has me spoiled as it has solar power with an inverter allowing me to have the crockpot in operation while traveling. My favorite recipes include:
Rivel Soup -- German Potato Dumpling Soup
In Crockpot, mix the following:
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 32 +/- ounces Water (enough to fill crockpot to about 1" below top)
- 6 to 8 Medium Idaho Potatoes -- peeled and diced 1/2" to 3/4" cubes
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Set Crockpot to High until the stock just starts to simmer then turn control to Low.
In the meantime, heat a medium skillet and saute the following in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
- 1 Large Yellow Onion coarsely chopped
- 4 to 6 cloves Garlic finely chopped
When onions are golden, remove the pan from heat and stir into the crockpot mixture.
Finally, prepare the Rivels:
Place a large saucepan with at least 1 quart of water on stove to boil.
In a medium bowl, place 3-cups of all-purpose flour, making a well in the center. Break 3 large eggs into the well, and place 2-tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive oil in the well. A teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black peper. Mix thoroughly . . . the dough will be stiff and slightly crumbly . . . if too crumbly, gradually add milk to form dough.
Drop dough into boiling water by scant teaspoon. Cook the rivel until they just begin to float . . . transfer the cooked dumplings to the crockpot to simmer with the soup.
The soup will typically be ready to eat approximately 2.5 hours from point of initial simmer in the crockpot . . . the tenderness of the potatoes is the determining factor. Bacon cooked to crisp state and crumbled on top makes a wonderful garnish as does your favorite cheese.
Simple, Quick Crockpot Spaghetti
In Crockpot, combine the following:
- 3-Cups V8 Vegetable Juice (or generic equivalent)
- 1 large (8-oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 large (12-oz) can Tomato Paste
- 2 envelopes McCormick Thick N Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Mix
Mix the above until well combined. Set crockpot on high.
In medium skillet, brown 2 pounds lean ground beef, drain grease, then add to crockpot. Return skillet to heat and add 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Saute one medium Yellow onion finely chopped with 4 cloves of garlic finely diced . . . . then add to crock pot.
When the crockpot just begins to simmer, turn control to low. I generally allow the sauce to cook in the crockpot for between 4 and 6 hours. About 90 minutes before we are ready to eat, I add one pound of angel hair pasta broken in half . . . gently mixing into sauce . . . when the pasta is done to your liking the spaghetti is ready.
I have varied the above with many kinds of pasta and it always seems to be quickly devoured.
Simple, Quick Crockpot Chili
In Crockpot, combine the following:
- 3-Cups V8 Vegetable Juice (or generic equivalent)
- 1 large (8-oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 large (12-oz) can Tomato Paste
- 2 envelopes McCormick Original Chili Seasoning
- 2 large (16-oz) cans Red Kidney Beans
- 1 large (16-oz) can Dark Kidney Beans
Mix the above until well combined. Set crockpot on high.
In medium skillet, brown 2 pounds lean ground beef, drain grease, then add to crockpot. Return skillet to heat and add 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Saute one medium Yellow onion finely chopped with 4 cloves of garlic finely diced . . . . then add to crock pot.
When the crockpot just begins to simmer, turn control to low. I generally allow the chili to cook in the crockpot for between 4 and 6 hours. The chili is ready for consumption when the beans are done to your liking. I generally have sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped onions for garnish.
Crockpot Sloppy Joes
In Crockpot, combine the following:
- 2-Cups V8 Vegetable Juice (or generic equivalent) -- may add up to 2 additional cups as necessary to produce the consistency that you desire in your sloppy joes
- 1 large (8-oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 large (12-oz) can Tomato Paste
- 3 envelopes McCormick Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix
Mix the above until well combined. Set crockpot on high.
In medium skillet, brown 3 pounds lean ground beef, drain grease, then add to crockpot. Return skillet to heat and add 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Saute two medium Yellow onions finely chopped with 6 cloves of garlic finely diced . . . . then add to crock pot.
When the crockpot just begins to simmer, turn control to low. I generally allow the sloppy joes to cook in the crockpot for between 4 and 6 hours. The sloppy joes are ready when the flavors have combined to your liking and sauce is well thickened.
Corn Dog Casserole
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Liberally butter 9" x 14" pan
In large mixing bowl, combine:
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cup Quaker or Aunt Jemima enriched corn meal
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
Beat batter until well blended. Add 1-pound of all-beef weiners cut into 1/2" to 3/4" pieces, and fold into batter. Empty batter into prepared pan and bake in 400 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with your favorite corndog condiments.
These seem to be popular when warm as well as when leftover from the refrigerator.
Kevin