Lasagna in the Crockpot ~Old Farmhouse Style

Old Farmhouse Lasagna

1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey

1/2 lb. Italian sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (24 oz.) prepared spaghetti sauce

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

fresh oregano & basil or 1/2 tsp. each of dried

15 oz. ricotta cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

2 sprigs fresh parsley

1 egg

6 - 8 lasagna noodles

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend

In a medium skillet, brown the beef or turkey, 

 Italian sausage, onion. and garlic.

Drain any grease that has accumulated in the pan.

Add the sauces and herbs.

Simmer until warm. 

Stir together the Ricotta, parmesan cheese, 

egg, and fresh parsley.

Spoon a layer of meat sauce into the bottom of your crockpot.

Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit.

(this will be our secret, as no one will see the broken noodles)

Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture on the noodles,

and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers.

Make sure you end with sauce and cheese.

Cook on low for 4 hours.

Everyone's crockpot is different.

Adjust your cooking time and amount of liquid used

according to your personal preference.

Old Farmhouse Beef Stew

 

1 lb. beef stew meat

4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 medium onion

1 pkg. fresh mushrooms

1 jar brown gravy

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tsp. thyme leaves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 carrots

3 potatoes

Heat enough oil to coat the bottom of your skillet.

Cook beef and bacon over medium-high heat

until beef is browned.  Drain.

Mince the onion and slice the mushrooms. Add to the pan.

Cook until onions are transluscent
and mushroom have cooked down.

Combine gravy, tomatoes, thyme, salt and pepper. 

Add to the beef mixture and stir gently.

Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours
or until meat is nearly tender

Peel vegetables. Slice carrots and dice potatoes.
Add to the pan and simmer 30 minutes more.

If desired, thicken with cornstarch & water.

Slow cooker option

Combine ingredients in slowcooker. Stir gently to mix.
Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours untill beef and vegetables are tender.

Tuesday Tip of the Day ~ Planned Overs & Simplify your Clean Up

First, remember to use your slow cooker in these cold, dreary days of winter.

There's nothing better that coming home after a day's work and having dinner ready for you.

Next, take advantage of the sales at your supermarket.

Since protein foods are the most expensive items on your shopping list, you want to watch the ads and take advange of the best deals. 

Purchase a roast that is large enough for more than one meal.

These are "planned overs"... not "left overs".

for example:

Meal one ~ Roast with German Noodles and Salad

Meal two ~ BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Meal three ~ Hot Pork Combo with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Choose your rub with your nose...

if it doesn't smell good,

it probably won't taste good either.

And last, remember to use your slow cooker liner.

This makes your clean up a snap!

Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker

Select a pork loin roast, 3 to 4 pounds

The weather has been too hot to use the oven,

so I chose to roast the loin in my slow cooker.

Don't forget the liner for easy clean up.

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup red wine

3 tbsp. soy sauce

Seasoning of your choice, 

such as Kansas City Classic Rub

4 tbsp. minced garlic

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Onion Soup mix is another seasoning option, 

in place of the KC Rub.

Place the pork loin in your slow cooker.

Pour the liquids over the roast.

Press the seasonings on the top.

Mince the garlic cloves and evenly distribute on the roast.

Season with freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Cook on high for 4 hours.

Reduce to low, and continue cooking for 2+ hours...

Times may vary, depending on your slow cooker.

The pork is tender and flavorful.

Slice and Serve.

And the "planned-overs" (not left-overs) 

make excellent pulled pork sandwiches.

Tuesday Tip of the Day!

Today's tip is not necessarily a cooking tip but rather an easy way to clean up. I always find that cleaning a blender and/or a food processor to be a pain that there are times I avoid creating from a recipe if they are used. I found a great tip for cleaning both of those small appliances. (Here's one of those tips that has me saying "Why didn't I think of that?" You all know what I mean!)

To clean your blender and/or your food processor, squirt a few drops of liquid dish washing soap into it, fill halfway with warm water, cover and blend. Rinse thoroughly. If necessary, repeat the process. (You do want to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of dish liquid.)

Now that was easy!!!!