Ah, the crockpot

Well, you might be expecting a great recipe and a picture tonight, but I don't think it'll happen. It's not because what I'm making isn't good... it is... but it's not very, um, photogenic. But I will describe it since it's a family favorite on both sides.

My parents have made their own sauerkraut for years. I must say, I'm spoiled by it. I don't think there is any that can compare. And now, my husband also seems to love it as well. Every time they give us a jar of it I run to the store and buy some country style ribs (pork) and a tiny can of tomato juice (that's my husband's side's contribution). In the morning I brown the ribs slightly with some salt & pepper in a pan (no oil needed). Then I add them to the crock pot, add the sauerkraut, and then fill the empty jar about half-way with water, the tomato juice, and about 1 Tbsp of brown sugar. I add that to the crock pot and .. dinner is served. I cook it all day and serve next to a big ol' pile of mashed potatoes.

I try to make my mashed potatoes with Brummel & Brown light butter spread, a little milk, and a little chicken broth. Oh, and you have to add a clove or 2 of garlic to the pot when you boil the potatoes! Those steps make the potatoes a bit more weight watcher friendly.

Even though I swear that if I don't follow a recipe to the "T", I'll screw it up (this is what separates the good cooks from the real chefs)... this is one meal that I kind of eyeball. It's pretty hard to mess up, and great for a warm meal that you want waiting for you when you get home.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's recipe... I'm going to improvise on one we've tried and you'll never guess what I'm serving. It's on Ash Wednesday too so I'm trying not to serve meat... and it's not exactly fish either.... Curious?

'Til tomorrow!
~M