Crockpot Ham and Potatoes

This is a really easy crockpot meal that is hearty and comforting, and the flavors melt together while the crockpot does it's magic.  

6 potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1-10 oz can cream of chicken soup*
2 tablespoons milk
1 onion, chopped
1/2 to 1 pound of ham, thinly sliced or cut into small chunks

Layer potatoes, then some cheese, chopped onion and ham. 

Continue layering until all ingredients are used then mix together soup and milk and pour over the top.

Let cook for several hours on low until potatoes are cooked through.  Serves 4-6.

*Original recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup.....I'm not a big fan, so I use cream of chicken, reduced fat and sodium.

For those with little ones who have a aversion to onions, by the time it has cooked all day in the crockpot, they are pretty much non existant.

Homemade Pizza

 

I use a variety of different crust recipe depending on my mood, the amount of time I have, is it lunch or dinner, and how many I am cooking for. The pizza above is made using the Pioneer Woman's pizza crust recipe, found here .  Just follow the recipe for the crust and top with your favorite toppings.

Here's how I topped this one:

Ragu pizza sauce, as much as your family desires, spread over the prepared crust.

Meat of your choice (cooking for all guys, veggies don't cut it on pizza) I used a combination of Italian sausage, ground chuck, and turkey pepperoni. I did sneak some carmelized onions on half of it for Doug and I.

Cover the entire pizza generously with shredded mozzarella. I think it makes a huge difference to buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself, but don't let this keep you from making it at home. The pre-shredded stuff works, too.

Lastly, pop it in a preheated, 500*, oven for 10 - 12 minutes or until it is as browned as you would like.

We all love pizza here in this house. Usually I make two or three different pizzas to please everyone. Jonah is a big cheese pizza guy.....that's easy! And the other guys like some kind of meat. Caleb, Doug and I often share  Hawaiian style, with pineapple and ham. I also change it up some times and do chicken and bacon with ranch dressing for the sauce. The possibilities are endless!

No Knead Beer Bread

3 cups self-rising flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1-12 oz bottle of beer

Combine all ingredients and pour into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 375* for 50 - 60 minutes. Top should be brown and center should be done when knife is inserted in it.

Rub top of loaf with butter

Slice and serve warm.

This is actually a pretty new recipe for us.  I probably wouldn't make it for company, but for an easy dinner bread, it can't be beat!