Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

This dinner was a life-saver. Really. I stuck it in the crockpot and ended up not eating it because I had a migraine and spent the evening in bed. I used my crockpot timer, which is just a timer on the outlet like you might use for Christmas lights, so it would come on at the right time. 

Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs
32 oz. package frozen meatballs
15 oz. can unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained and juice put aside
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2/3 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Place frozen meatballs in the crockpot. Place bell pepper and pineapples on top. In a bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over the top. Cook on low 3-4 hours. Stir before serving over rice to make sure all the goopy mess at the bottom is combined and the sauce is thick.

Recipe from SIX SISTER'S STUFF

Family Rating:
Brad: ***
Jordan: N/A
Eli: ****
Phoebe: ***** (Three helpings!)
Overall Family Rating: 12/15

Beef and Veggie Stew

This was even better than I thought it would be! And it's easy-peasy so we'll be having this often in these cold winter months.

Beef and Veggie Stew
1 1/2-2 lbs. stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces, if needed
4-5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
4-5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. vegetable juice cocktail (like V8 or even Bloody Mary mix)
1 10-oz. can condensed tomato soup
10 oz. water (just use the can from the tomato soup to measure)
1 tsp. basil
2 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
coarse salt

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 9-10 hours or high for 5-6. You could also use a large dutch oven or other oven save dish with a tight fitting lid and cook for about 3 hours at 350. Serve with some good whole wheat bread or rolls.

Adapted from OUR BEST BITES

Family Rating:
Brad: ***
Jordan: ****
Eli: *****
Phoebe: ****
Overall Family Rating: 16/20