Hamburger Stew crock pot recipe

Hamburger Stew

3 large potatoes sliced
3 carrots sliced
1 pound of frozen peas (I made without this)
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced thin
1-1/2 lbs of ground beef, brown it and drain it.
Can of tomato soup
1 soup can of water

Put the vegetables in the slow cooker in order listed. Salt and pepper each layer as you go.
Layer the beef on top of the celery. Mix the water and soup together then pour over the ground beef layer. Put the cover on the crock pot and cook on Low setting for 6-8 hours, or at the High setting for 2-4 hours.

The directions said to "stir occasionally" - and that's where my over-analytic side comes in. Why was it important to put it all in there in a certain order, if I'm just supposed to mix it all up? So I compromise...I'm cooking this on High and just stirred it after 2 hours of cooking time.

I also forgot to salt and pepper until about the 4th ingredient layer. Duh! I can't believe I can mess up such a simple recipe. Now you see why I made this blog. I can't be the only one out there like me.

"Chinese Takeout" Lemon Chicken

This recipe from Kraft's kitchens looks great! The Lemon Chicken I have delivered is deep-fried, so this version looks a lot healthier (and probably a great deal more affordable!) This comes from a free magazine called Food and Family that Kraft foods puts out seasonally. It is mailed to your home. To subscribe, click here LINK

'Chinese Takeout' Lemon Chicken

1 Tbsp Oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 pkg. (6 oz) snow peas (about 2 cups)
1 small red pepper, cut into strips
1 pkg (4-serving size) Jell-O Brand Lemon Flavor Gelatin
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
2 cloves garlic, minced

Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken, cook 4 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally. Add snow peas and peppers; cook and stir 2 minutes.

Mix dry gelatin mix and cornstarch in small owl. Add broth, dressing and garlic; stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add to skillet. Reduce heat to medium; cook 3 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring frequently.

Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired

Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each.

Shortcut: substitute 2 pkgs (6 ounces each) of Oscar Mayer Grilled Chicken Breast Strips for the cooked fresh chicken strips. Heat oil in skillet as directed. Add chicken breast strips, snow peas and peppers; cook3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is heated through and vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Continue as directed.