Penny Supper (Mac n' Cheese and Hot Dogs!)

This is an American staple so I just had to include it :) Silly, I know, but when I print this cookbook out and pass it down to my children someday, I want to be sure to include all of their favs!


Ingredients:
~ 1 Box Kraft Cheesiest Macaroni & Cheese
~ 1/4 cup Milk
~ 4 Tbsp butter or Marjorie
~ 4+ Hot Dogs (any brand, our fav is Ballpark"

Directions:
Make mac n' cheese according to pkg directions, using the milk & butter. Cut up hot dogs, stir in and serve steamin'! WA LAH!

Recipe From: Every American Family (with good taste!)

Quick Peanut Butter PLAYDOUGH - Kids Love!!

I made this when Katelyn had a friend over and it entertained them for quite awhile. I gave them plastic knives and a ton of cookie cutters and they were in heaven. The playdough actually tastes really good and I snitch bites too.


Ingredients:
~ 1 part powdered sugar
~ 4 parts peanut butter
~ 2 parts sweetened condensed milk

Directions:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bow. Knead for several minutes until smooth and pliable. Mixture should not stick to your fingers. If it does, more powdered sugar may be added (add very little at a time, if needed, or playdough will get dry & crack...better too moist than dry!). Don't make more playdough than can be consumed, as there are no preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Recipe from: Friend, Amy Soucie

Cranberry, Pineapple Slush

This is a delicious drink. I thought I knew what this friend was talking about when she told me about it, but I had never had anything like it (homemade). It's very good and a great party drink!!


Ingredients:
~ 1 qt. cranberry juice
~ 1 qt. pineapple juice
~ 1 c. sugar
~ 1 Tbsp. almond extract

Directions:
Mix all ingredients, place in a large freezer Ziploc baggie and freeze. About 30 min. before serving, empty into a punch bowl. To serve, add 2 liters of sprite and crush solid pieces into slush (a potato masher works great for this).

Recipe From: Shirley Cross

Cheese Ball/Dip

I love cheese balls and this is one of the best I've had yet. It's soft which makes it a great dip for any cracker.


Ingredients:
~ 2-8oz. pkgs cream cheese
~ 1/4 tsp. dry mustard (or 1 tsp. prepared mustard)
~ 2 1/2-3 tsp. Bon Appetit (It's a McCormick seasoning salt - in little seasoning bottles in the seasoning section)
~ tops of 2-3 green onions, minced

Directions:
Mix together all ingredients (your hands work fabulous for doing this :) and shape into 2 balls. Chill at least 24 hours before serving. Serve with crackers.

Recipe from: Friend, Shirley Cross

Perfect French Bread

A friend made this bread for an enrichment activity and it was so soft and delicious it beat all of the store bought french breads. Totally worth the time!



Roll it from the long side


Risen and ready to pop in the oven




Ingredients:
~ 3 Tbsp sugar
~ 1 Tbsp salt
~ 1/2 c. veggie oil
~ 3 c. flour
~ 2 Tbsp yeast
~ 3 c. flour

Directions:
Dissolve yeast in 2 c. warm water. Add all ingredients (except last 3 c. flour). Mix well. Add the rest of the flour, a little at a time, until dough is no longer sticky (dough should always be slightly sticky :) If using a mixer or Bosch, add flour until dough pulls away from sides. Place in a warm place and rise until doubles. Cut dough in half. Roll halves into 15x9 rectangles and then roll up, lengthwise (like cinnamon rolls), pressing the seam to seal. Press ends and tuck under so they're smooth. With a cerated knife, make a few slashes on top (to look pretty like french bread should!) Place loaves onto an extra LARGE cookie sheet and let rise until they double. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Recipe from: Marva Lu Kesler

Oven Baked Potato Pieces

My fam loves these. They're Shawn's fav in breakfast burritos and with meatloaf. Super easy and can't really go wrong. I never buy frozen potatoes for breakfast meals anymore because these are so quick and delicious. Since my sister tried these, she hasn't since bought frozen either!


Ingredients:
~ 2-3 T butter
~ 3-4 large potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
~ Mrs. Dash
~ Seasoning Salt

Directions:
Cube butter and place in a 13x9 pan (or smaller if you want to make a smaller batch. Turn oven onto between 350 and 425 degrees depending on the hurry you're in. Place pan in oven at any time and melt. Remove from oven. Spread melted butter around bottom of pan and top with potato cubes and sprinkle a generous amount of seasoning on top. Stir well. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes or until soft. When soft, remove cover and bake until slightly crispy. You can turn them if you like.

Layered Chocolate Lover's Dream Cake

This cake is so, so delicious. It serves quite a few because the slices are very tall but you can cut them thinly and serve them on big plates drizzled in hot fudge...delicious!! It's a very pretty cake with layers of cake and chocolate creamy frosting.

Ingredients:
~ 1 box devils food cake mix
~ 1 pint heavy whipping cream (no substitutions)
~ 1 8oz cream cheese
~ 2/3 c. brown sugar
~ 1 tsp. vanilla
~ 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
~ 1 king size Hershey's candy bar (for shaving on top)
~ 1 jar hot fudge topping

Directions:
Make cake batter according to package directions. Grease and cocoa (like flouring) two 8" round pie pans and bake cakes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Turn cakes out onto a wire rack. Cool. Split each in half (so you have 4 rounds).

Whip whipping cream until fluffy. In a separate bowl combine cream cheese, vanilla, brown sugar & salt. Add to whipping cream. On a serving tray or cake server layer one round cake, frost generously (saving enough for remaining layers) and continue with layers finishing with frosting. Shave chocolate bar on top and refrigerate. To serve, "pie slice" and place on serving dishes. Warm hot fudge and drizzle over each piece. Serve immediately. (TIP: You'd think the more fudge the better, but even if you're a chocolate lover, the most delicious way to enjoy this dessert is with just a little drizzle of hot fudge. Don't overdue it! It will be plenty, I promise)

Recipe from: sister-in-law, Liz

Taco Salad (healthy)

Ingredients & Directions:
~ Romaine Lettuce (or any other dark leafy greens)
Place lettuce on plate and top with:
~ ground turkey, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning (can use ground beef or chicken too)
~ Sprinkle of cheddar or Mexican style cheese
~ olives, sliced
~ fresh tomatoes, chopped
~ Kidney or pinto beans, drained
~ a dallop of sour cream
~ generous serving of salsa
Mix slightly and enjoy your deliciously healthy meal without the calories of dressing, and you won't even miss it!

Whole Wheat Walnut Blueberry Banana Bread

This is very healthy if you make it with agave nectar instead of sugar. A Clean Eating recipe. I love the 3/4 cup flaxseed! You'd never guess it has flaxseed an all whole wheat by the moistness of it.


Ingredients:
~ Olive oil cooking spray
~ 1 ripe banana, mashed
~ 3/4 cup flaxseed meal
~ 2 egg whites
~ 1/3 cup agave nectar (or for a less healthy bread... 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar)
~ 1 cup buttermilk (make your own...1 cup milk, 1 T lemon juice, let sit 5 min.)
~ 1 tsp baking soda
~ 1/2 tsp. sea salt
~ 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
~ 3/4 cup spelt flour (or a total of 1 1/2 cups whole wheat)
~ 1 tsp orange rind, grated (optional)
~ 1 cup blueberries
~ 1/2 cup unsalted walnuts, chopped or crushed (I like a little more, closer to 3/4 or 1 cup and I crush them)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a nonstick loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together banana, flaxseed, egg whites, agave and buttermilk. In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, salt, flours and orange rind. Combine dry ingredients into banana mixture. Gently fold in blueberries and walnuts. Pour mixture into loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. When mostly cooled I wrap in saran wrap and leave (what I don't chow down right away) out on the counter overnight. I refrigerate any leftovers the next day.

Nutrients per 4 x 1/2" slice: Calories: 200, total fat: 6g, sat. fat: .5g, carbs: 33g, fiber: 6g, sugars: 13g, protein: 8g, sodium: 260mg, cholesterol: 0mg

My Kids' Favorite Cookies

Ingredients:
~ 1 cup butter, softened
~ 1/2 cup sugar
~ 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
~ 1 egg
~ 1 tsp. vanilla extract
~ 2 cups flour
~ 1 tsp. baking soda
~ 1/2 tsp. salt
~ 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
~ 1 cup flaked coconut (optional)
~ 5 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 oz. each)

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Beat in oats and coconut. Roll into 1-2 inch balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets; flatten slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Break each candy bar into 12 pieces; press a chocolate piece into the center of each warm cookie. Remove to wire racks.

Recipe from: Tiffany

Just Spaghetti

With all of the fancy spaghetti recipes out there, this is one of our favorites. Especially coming home late and in need of a quick dinner, or coming home from church on Sunday and wanting something quick but satisfying before crashing for your Sunday nap!! It's really "just spaghetti" in that there's nothing unique about it.



Ingredients:
~ 1 can spaghetti sauce (the kind that comes in the metal can, either Del Monte or Hunts)
~ Noodles, just about any...reg. spaghetti is our fav. (whole wheat for us, of course)
~ Ground Beef/Turkey OR Costco's Italian Style meatballs
~ Cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:
Cook noodles according to pkg directions. Cook meat in a skillet and season OR cook meatballs according to package directions. (We microwave the meatballs to make it quick and less clean-up.) Heat sauce in a saucepan or in a bowl in the microwave. On serving plates: place noodles, top with sauce & meatballs and sprinkle with cheese. We think french bread is a must w/ this meal!

Recipe from: Tiffany

Zucchini Pizzas

These are fast, easy, and SOO good!!! I'm always looking for something to do with ALL of my garden zucchini, especially the overgrown ones, and this is perfect!! You've gotta try. You'd never think that zucchini could make such a yummy meal.


Ingredients:
~ Thick slices of zucchini (about 1/2" thick circles) I use the overgrown ones, any will do
~ Spaghetti or pizza sauce (only about 1 Tbs for each)
~ Mozzarella cheese
~ Pepperoni (I use the mini ones)
~ Olives, sliced (optional)
You could probably add more toppings but, I've never tried anything else



Assembled and ready to bake





Directions:
Spray a cookie sheet with PAM. Place zucchini slices onto cookie sheet. Top each w/ about 1 Tbs sauce and spread. Sprinkle with cheese and spread pepperoni and olives on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until zucchini is as tender as you'd like. Let cool a few minutes and serve with forks.

Recipe from: Mrs. Wolfe, Katelyn's 1st grade teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary

Simple Taco Soup

This is a delicious, very quick, and healthy recipe our friends made for us. I don't love to spend hours slaving in the kitchen on Sunday, so this is a great quick meal to enjoy...just before naptime :). It makes a TON so you can eat all day and even share with friends.





Ingredients:
1 can of each of the following:
~ olives, sliced
~ chili (sometimes I use 2 cans :)
~ red beans (I also add 1 can black beans occasionally, if you do you will need to pour in the entire can of V8)
~ corn
~ tomatoes
plus:
~ V8 juice (2/3 of big container)
~ 1 lb ground turkey/beef OR chicken (we like chicken)
~ 1 med. onion
~ 1 packet taco seasoning


Directions:
In a large pot over medium heat, mix all of the cans plus V8 juice. Let that simmer. Meanwhile, brown meat with onion in a skillet. Season, according to package directions, with taco seasoning. Add meat to soup. Cook as long as you'd like and serve hot with the following...

Serve with:
~ Fritos
~ Sour Cream
~ Cheese (just about any type is great)

Recipe from: Friend, Sara Murray

Becky's Asian Meat Sauce/Marinade

Ingredients:
~ 3/4 c. brown sugar
~ 1 c. water
~ 2 T corn starch
~ 1 tsp garlic powder
~ 1/2 tsp ginger
~ 1/2 c. honey
~ 1/4 c. soy sauce

Directions:
Place meat in a baking dish (any meat...pork, chicken, ribs). Mix all ingredients and pour over meat. Bake in the oven at a low temp., about 300 degrees, for a few hours until meat is deliciously tender. Enjoy.

Recipe from: Becky Garrett

Chicken Stroganoff Bake

Ingredients:
~ Wide egg noodles
~ 2-3 chicken breasts
~ Cheddar Cheese
~ Sliced olives (optional)
~ 1 can cream o' mushroom soup
~ almost 1 small container sour cream

Directions:
Season chicken with salt and pepper and fry in a little olive oil until cooked through; add soup, about 1 c. cheese, olives and sour cream and mix well. Cook noodles according to package directions, add to mixture. Spoon mixture into a casserole dish, top with additional cheese and bake at 350 degrees until cheese is bubbly and casserole is heated through.

Recipe from: sister-in-law, Liz

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:
~ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
~ 1-2 cans cream o' chicken soup
~ 1/2 c. sour cream
~ 3/4 c. milk
~ 4 slices ham
~ 4 slices swiss cheese
~ salt & pepper

Directions:
Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in a 13x9 baking dish, top with ham. Mix all other ingredients except cheese and pour over chicken and ham. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and place one slice of cheese on each piece of chicken. Allow to melt and serve. This is really good served over rice.

Simple Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:
~ 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
~ 1 chopped onion (optional)
~ 1 can tomato soup
~ 1/2 tomato soup can of water
~ 1 can green beans, drained (optional, can substitute for frozen)
~ 4-6 servings of prepared mashed potatoes
~ cheddar cheese

Directions:
Brown beef and onion in frying pan. Add soup, water and beans. In the bottom of the casserole dish, place mixture. On top of that, spread your mashed potatoes. Top with cheese. Pop it into the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 min.

Recipe from: Tiffany Eaton

Pretty Penne Ham Skillet

Ingredients:
~ 1 lb uncooked penne pasta
~ 3 c. fully cooked ham, cubed
~ 1 large red pepper, diced
~ 1 med. yellow onion, chopped
~ 1/4 c. fresh minced parsley (or dried)
~ 2 garlic cloves, minced OR 1/4 tsp. powder
~ 1/2 tsp basil
~ 1/2 tsp oregano
~ 1/4 c. olive oil
~ 3 T butter
~ 1 can chicken broth
~ 1 T lemon juice
~ 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan

Directions:
Cook pasta. Meanwhile, in large skillet, saute veggies, ham and seasoning in oil and butter for 4-6 minutes until ham is brown and veggies are tender. Stir in broth and lemon juice. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Drain pasta and stir into mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe from: my sister, Tricia

Fancy Fruit Pizza

This is a recipe I got from the food network. It's different than any I've had and I like it.


Ingredients:
~ 8 oz cream cheese
~ approx 2 tsp almond extract
~ Refrigerated sugar cookie dough
~ Powdered Sugar
~ Orange Marmalade
~ White chocolate (optional)
~ shredded coconut (optional)

Directions:
Press cookie dough into a pizza pan and cook for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese and almond extract. Spread onto cooled crust. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Arrange fruit on top and drizzle with heated orange marmalade and melted white chocolate. Sprinkle with coconut, if desired. Serve immediately.

Optional Fruit Toppings:
~ peaches, bananas, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, mendocino cherries, kiwi, blackberries, apples

T.V. Pasta Side Dish

Ingredients:
~ Angel hair pasta
~ 1/2 c. cottage cheese
~ 1/2 c. sour cream
~ grated onion
~ dash Worcestershire sauce
~ 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
~ salt
~ mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Cook noodles according to package directions. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over noodles. Place in baking dish, top with cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly.

Recipe from: mom

Cheesy Chicken and Tomato Tortellini Toss

Ingredients:
~ 1 c. dried cheese filled tortellini
~ 3 c. broccoli florets
~ 1 T butter
~ 1 T flour
~ 1 c. milk
~ 4 oz. Swiss cheese, torn
~ 1 can diced garlic & oregano OR Italian style diced tomatoes, undrained
~ 1 c. chopped chicken, cooked

Directions:
Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.

For sauce, in a medium saucepan melt the butter. Stir in flour. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add Swiss cheese and let melt. Add tomatoes, undrained. Stir in chicken. Pour over tortellini and top with broccoli.

Recipe from: Tiffany Eaton

Three Cheese Stuffed Shells

This is a yummy, healthy meal.


Ingredients:
~ 12 dried jumbo pasta shells
~ 1 beaten egg
~ 1 12oz low fat cottage cheese
~ 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
~ 1/4 c. Parmesan
~ 2 T fresh parsley (I use dried)
~ 1/2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
~1 14oz can Italian style stewed tomatoes, cut up
~ 1 8oz can tomato sauce


Just out of the oven...



Directions:
Cook pasta 18 min., drain and cool of foil. Mix all other ingredients except stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Spoon into shells in baking dish. Mix stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce and pour over top. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until heated through.

Recipe from: Tiffany Eaton

Santa Fe Casserole Bake

Ingredients:
~ 1 lb ground beef
~ 1 pk taco seasoning
~ 2 c. water
~ 2 tsp chicken bouillon
~ 1/4 c. flour
~ 1 c. sour cream
~ 1 can 7 oz diced green chilies
~ 1 pk 11 oz tortilla chips
~ 2 c. grated cheese
~ 1/2 c. sliced green onions

Directions:
Brown meat, drain. Add taco seasoning. In a separate bowl combine boullion, flour & water, add to beef and taco seasoning. Bring to slight boil to thicken. Stir in sour cream & chilies. In lightly greased 13x9 place 1/2 of the chips, top w/ 1/2 beef mixture, 1/2 of the cheese and 1/2 onions, repeat. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool 5 min. Serve with salsa or taco sauce.

Recipe from: my sister, Tricia

Cheesy Chicken Deluxe

My sister made this recipe for me when I was visiting. It's fantastic.

Ingredients:
~ 2 eggs
~ 2 T water
~ 1/2 c. flour
~ dash salt, pepper & paprika
~ 1/4 c. bread crumbs
~ 3 T Parmesan cheese
~ 2 T margarine

Directions:
Whisk egg & water in small container. In separate container mix dry ingredients. Dip and roll chicken in wet and dry ingredients and then brown in butter in a frying pan. Place in 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Cheese sauce:
~ 2 T butter
~ 2 T flour
~ 1 c. milk
~ 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
~ 1 T Parmesan
~ 3/4 c. cheddar cheese
Melt butter in pan, stir in flour, add milk. Cook & stir until sauce thickens. Season with Worcestershire, Parmesan and cheddar. Pour over chicken.

Recipe from: My sister, Tricia

Delicious Quick Stroganoff

This is a great quick meal my fam absolutely loves with ingredients I usually always have on hand which makes it so easy.


Ingredients:
~ 1 8 oz sour cream
~ 1 pk egg noodles, cooked
~ 1 can cream o' mushroom soup
~ 1 lb ground beef

Directions:
Saute mushrooms and ground beef until meat is cooked through. Add cooked noodles, sour cream and cream o' mush soup. Serve hot.

Broccoli, Rice & Chicken Casserole (delicious!)

This is a very quick, easy & yummy recipe off of the instant rice box. I've never used instant rice for it though.

Ingredients:
~ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked & cubed (optional - this is a great meal even without the chicken!)
~ 1 can cream o' chick soup
~ 2 c. uncooked white rice
~ 2 c. broccoli
~1 c. grated cheese

Directions: (2 cooking options!)
To the cooked rice add: chicken, cream o' chick soup & broccoli. Mix well. Top with add'l cheese and serve

OR

heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix chicken, cream o' chick soup and cheese. Place in baking dish, top with broccoli and bake for about 10-15 minutes or so.

Grandma Wilson's Applesauce Spice Cookies (MOIST!)

These are so good. They taste like the moistest pumpkin choc chip cookie you've ever had.


Ingredients:
~ 2 c. sugar
~ 1 c. butter
~ 2 eggs
~ 2 c. apple sauce
~ 4 c. flour
~ 1/2 tsp salt
~ 2 tsp baking soda
~ 1 tsp cinnamon
~ 1 tsp nutmeg
~ 1 tsp cloves
~ 1 8 oz pk chocolate chips

Directions:
Mix all ingredients. Spoon into balls on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Recipe from: Grandma Wilson (a friend's grandma)

Fresh Vegetable Beef Barley Soup (Crock Pot)

A note from Tricia: "I used canned or frozen corn and frozen green beans (partially thawed). If you don't have tomatoes with garlic, use diced tomatoes and add 1/2 tsp garlic."


Ingredients:
~ 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat (fat trimmed)
~ 1 small bell pepper, chopped
~ 3/4 cup 1" pieces green beans
~ 3/4 chopped onion
~ 3/4 cup uncooked barley
~2/3 cup fresh whole kernel corn
~ 1 1/2 cups water
~ 1 tsp salt
~ 1 tsp chopped fresh (or 1/2 tsp dried) thyme leaves
~ 1/4 tsp pepper
~ 2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) ready to serve beef broth
~ 2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained
~ 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a 3 1/2-6 qt slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8-9 hours (or high heat 4-5 hours) or until veggies and barley are tender.

Recipe from: My sister, Tricia

No Fuss Potato Soup

This is a great quick and simple soup if you make it on the stove. It uses ingredients I always have on hand so I love it.

Ingredients:
~ 6 cups cubed peeled potatoes (I like pretty small cubed pieces)
~ 5 cups water
~ 2 cups chopped onion
~ 1/2 cup chopped celery
~ 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
~ 1/4 cup butter or margarine
~ 4 tsp chicken bouillon granules
~ 2 tsp salt
~ 1/4 tsp pepper

~ 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
~ 3 T chopped fresh parsley (or dried)
~ snipped chives, optional

Directions (45 min. cooking or slow cooker):
In a large slow cooker, combine first nine ingredients. Cover and cook on high 7-8 hours or until veggies are tender.
OR
In a large pot on the stove, combine first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until veggies are tender (for about 45 min.).

Add milk and parsley, mix well. Cover and cook 30-60 minutes longer or until heated through. Garnish with chives, if desired.

Recipe from: my sister, Tricia

Savory Pot Roast

Ingredients:
~ 2 to 2 1/2 lb beef bottom round roast
~ 2 tsp olive oil or veg oil
~ 2 or 3 med potatoes, cut into 2 in. pieces
~ 2 1/2 c. baby carrots
~ 2 cups sliced mushrooms
~ 1 med. celery stalk, sliced (1/2 cup)
~ 1 med. onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
~ 1 tsp salt
~ 1/2 tsp pepper
~ 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
~ 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
~ 1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed beef broth
~ 1 can (5 1/2 oz) eight vegetable juice
~ 1/4 cup flour

Directions:
Trim excess fat from beef. Heat in skillet over med-high heat. Cook beef in oil about 10 min., turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Place potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, celery & onion in crock pot. Sprinkle w/ salt, pepper & thyme. Place beef on veggies, pour tomatoes, broth & veg juice over beef. Cover & cook on low 8-10 hours or until beef & veggies are tender. Remove beef and veggies, place on serving platter and keep warm.

Skim fat from beef juices in cooker. Remove 1/2 c. juices. Mix w/ flour until smooth. Gradually stir flour mixture into remaining juices. Cook on high 15 min. or until thickened. Serve sauce w/ beef & veggies.

Recipe from: My sister, Tricia