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Have you remembered that it’s Celebration of the Lakes this weekend? There are so many activities to participate in or watch in these exciting three days of winter fun. Regardless of the weather, dress for it and join in this festive celebration. If you have family or friends coming for the day and you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen making something hot to eat, fix a slow cooker meal that will give you seven to nine hours out of the kitchen. A good, hot bowl of chili or stew would take care of that.

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 BEEF AND VEGGIE STEW
1-1/2 lbs. beef stew meat cut in one inch pieces
1 T. olive or vegetable oil
1-15 oz. can diced tomatoes
12 small red potatoes (1-1/2 lbs.), cut in half
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (about 3/4 c.)
1-1/2 c. carrots sliced 3/4 inch thick
1-14 oz. can beef broth
1-1/2 t. seasoned salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 c. water
1 c. flour

In a large skillet, brown stew meat in oil; drain. Transfer to four-five quart slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except water and flour. Cover and cook on low setting for eight or nine hours. Increase setting to high, combine water and flour in a covered container. Shake until mixture is smooth. Slowly stir into stew; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf. Makes six servings. Note: You can make beef broth by combining 1-1/2 cup hot water with 1-1/2 t. beef bouillon granules.

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CHEESY BEEF 
RAVIOLI STEW
1 T. olive or vegetable oil
1 medium onion
1 large clove garlic, minced
1-26 oz. can four cheese flavored spaghetti sauce
1-15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 t. Italian seasoning
2-25 oz. packs of frozen beef-filled ravioli
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), divided
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley, optional

Heat oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic in oil 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until onion is tender. Stir in spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Put one cup of sauce mixture in the bottom of a five to six quart slow cooker. Add one package frozen ravioli, top with one cup of cheese. Top with second package of ravioli, top with remaining one cup of cheese. Pour remaining sauce mixture over top. Cover and cook on low setting 5-7 hours or until ravioli are tender. Sprinkle with parsley if you wish. Makes 10-12 servings.

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WINTER 
VEGETABLE STEW
2-15 oz. cans diced tomatoes
4 medium red potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 medium ribs celery, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
4 medium carrots, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
3/4 coarsely chopped onions
1-14-1/2 oz. can chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 t. each, salt, dried thyme leaves and dried rosemary leaves
3 T. each, corn starch and water

Combine all ingredients, except corn starch and water in a five quart slow cooker; mix well. Cover and cook on low setting 8 to 10 hours or until veggies are tender.

Increase slow cooker setting to high. In a small container, combine corn starch and water until smooth. Slowly stir into stew until well blended. Cover and cook about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Makes eight servings.

Note: If you like parsnips you can substitute one parsnip for one of the carrots, peeling and cutting in 1/2 inch pieces.

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CORN BREAD 
WITH CHILES
1-1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
1/4 c. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, slightly beaten
1-4.5 oz. can chopped green chiles, undrained

In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients. Stir in remaining ingredients just until moistened (batter will be lumpy, don’t over beat). Spread in greased or sprayed 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm or cool. Makes nine servings.
Note: If you don’t have buttermilk, put one tablespoon of vinegar in a one cup measure, add milk to fill the cup. Let set five minutes before adding to remaining ingredients.

Thought for the Day: What can I say? If you are able, get your winter duds on and come out and celebrate winter and the frozen lakes!

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