Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

The Year of the Crockpot has begun! (Note: my spellcheck just suggested I change the word crockpot to "crackpot." Is that like a crack pipe?)

Last weekend I bagged up six dinners and threw them in the freezer. So far we have had one failure and one success. The Loser was Crankberry Chicken. The textures were great, the chicken was moist and it was more of a meal with sauce than a stew - which was what I wanted - but even when served over rice it was too sweet. When fresh, it wasn't unbearable. But we agreed we wouldn't make it again. When I tried the leftovers the next day, I liked it even less and ended up dumping it in the trash. It didn't help that I bit into a lemon peel and chewed it a few times before realizing my mouth was sad. (By the way, if you attempt this regardless of the poor review, pick out the lemon slices before you serve.)

The winner, in a big way, was Green Chili Stew. I got this recipe out of my old Fix It and Forget It Cookbook, which I just realized has a blog (yah!), and made it straight away, without freezing. I was so surprised at how two little cans of chopped green chilies could spice this thing up so well. With beef and potatoes, it is far better than any chili I have ever made and is perfect for this winter weather. You have to try it.

Green Chili Stew

3 Tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves, minced (I used the jarred stuff)
1 large onion, diced
1 lb ground sirloin
1/2 lb ground pork (I used breakfast sausage)
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 4-oz cans diced green chilies
10-oz pkg frozen corn
4 large potatoes, diced
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp crushed dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt

Brown onion, garlic, sirloin and pork in oil in skillet. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover. Cook on Low 4-5 hours, or until potatoes are soft.

I love any recipes that says "combine all ingredients in slow cooker." If I can get away with only browning a little meat and chopping a few vegetables, I'm happy.

Tonight we are trying Orange-Beef Stew. Will report back tomorrow.