Spinach and Cheese Lasagna

2 28oz cans crushed tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
salt
1 15 oz container ricotta
1/2 cup grated parmesan
16 oz grated part skim mozzarella
12 lasagna noodles
1 10 oz packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1. Combine tomatoes, garlic, oregano and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl. In a seperate bowl, stir together ricotta, parmesan and 3/4 of mozzarella.

2. Spoon 1/4 of tomato mixture into bottom of a slow cooker. Top with a layer of noodles, breaking to fit, if necessary. Sprinkle 1/3 of spinach over noodles. Spoon 1/3 of ricotta mixture over spinach. Top with 1/4 of tomato mixture. Repeat iwth two more layers of noodles, spinach, ricotta micture and tomatoes. Top with a layer of noodels and remainign mozzarella.

3. Cook on low heat until noodles are soft and lasagna is warmed through, 2 to 3 hours.

Tips: This recipe calls for the regulare lasagna noodle, not the no-boil variety. To make sure the lasagna is cooked insert the tip of a sharp paring knife into the nodles; it should pierce them easily. Try different veggies: try broccoli and mushrooms.

Meatball Stew

1 lb ground beef
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1/2 tsp dried basil
3/4 cup frozen peas

In a bowl, combine the beef, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepepr. Shape into 1 inch balls. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides, drain.

Place the potatoes, carrots and onion in a 3 qt slow cooker; top with meatballs. Combine the water, ketchup, vinegar, basil and remainging salt and pepepr; pour over meatballs.

Cover and cook on high for 4 3/4 hours. Stir in peas; cook 15 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender.

Chicken Soup 2

1 -14 1/2 oz can chicken broth
1 - 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup cubed cooked chicken
1 can (8 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/4 cup sliced fresh carrot
1/4 cup sliced celery
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp dried thyme
3/4 cup cooked egg noodles

In a 1 1/2 quart slow cooker, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in noodles; cover and cook on high for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Vegetable Chowder

5 cups water
5 tsps chicken bouillon granules
8 medium potatoes, cubed
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 tbs minced fresh parsley

In a 5 qt slow cooker, combine the first nine ingredients. Cover and cook on high for one hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 5-6 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in milk and parsley; heat through.