Crock Pot Corned Beef Stew Just in Time for St. Patty's Day

Ingredients:

1 (3-6lb) Corned Beef Brisket with spice packet
3 cans light beer (I used Bud Light) + 2 cups water
2 bay leaves
2 cups baby carrots
4 Medium White Potatoes cut into large cubes (1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes)
2 sweet onions quartered
1 large cabbage cut into quarters or 1 lb. brussel sprouts

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a crock-pot on high for about 8 hours.  Serve and Enjoy!

If you don;t own a crock-pot, simply place all ingredients in a large stock pot and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 2 hours or until vegetables are tender.

My Twist on Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients:

Cake Layer 1:

2 cups granulated sugar
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
11/2 sticks butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg

Layer 2:

2 large apples peeled and sliced
or
Sliced Strawberries
or 
Mixed Berries (raspberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries, or a combo thereof)
or 
Peeled and Sliced Peaches or Apricots

Layer 3 (courtesy of Paula Deen):

1 8-ounce package low fat cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Layer 1:  Combine the all ingredients for layer 1 and mix until well incorporated.  Pat the mixture into the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

Layer 2:  Place the sliced and peeled apples (or other desired fruit) in a single layer (slightly overlapping) on top of layer 1.

Layer 3:  In a mix master, beat the cream cheese until smooth.  Add the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter and dream together until well incorporated. You will need to scrap the sides and make sure the mixture is well mixed (the cream cheese tends to stick to the sides). Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well.  Pour over top of apples, and spread with spatula to cover.  

Bake 50 minutes.  The center will be a little gooey.  Serve warm and enjoy.

I was inspired by Paula Den's Gooey Butter Cake.

Vegetable and Bean Crock Pot Soup - Great for any Season

This soup is healthy and delicious.  I am currently addicted to it.  It is very filling and almost fat-free.  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

12-15 oz. Dried Beans (I love to use Bob's Red Mill Black Bean Mix or Bob's Red Mill 13 Bean Mix - you only need ahlaf a bag)
1 10 ounce can mild RoTel
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 15.25 oz. can yellow sweet corn
3 sweet potatoes chopped (or chopped acorn or butternut squash also work well)
1 sweet onion chopped
5 stalks of celery chopped (incluidng stalks and leaves)
2 cups of diced carrots (I use baby carrots)
2 bay leaves
7 chicken bouillon cubes
7 cups of water
Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Chopped Spring Onions and Sour Cream for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a large crock-pot.  Cover and cook on high for about 8 hours (I turn it on before I go to work and dinner is ready when I get home).  Garnish as desired and serve.