Kam's Roast

Not sure this would really be called a "roast" but that is how mom had it written down.  Even funnier is that this recipe comes from my sister Kam... who will be the first to tell you she does not enjoy cooking.  She says she didn't get the "cooking" gene.  Anyway... this is a great little crock pot gem.  I get it all ready the night before, then Brandon takes it out of the fridge and flips on the crock pot in mid morning. Dinner is done when I get home.  I love it! 

Kam's Roast


Layer the following, in order, in the crock pot.  (I don't like scrubbing, so I usually spray my crock first. )

1 diced Roma tomato
4 potatoes, peeled and chunked
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped

Place 2-1/2 lb round steak (roast) on top.  (I usually trim and cut into pieces.)

Mix in a bowl and pour over meat:
1 can tomato soup
1/2 can of water
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon basil
1 Tablespoon  oregano

1 Tablespoon parsley
1 Tablespoon  vinegar
salt and pepper

Cook in crock pot on low for 5-6 hours. Just plain yummy. 

My Comfort Food- Chipped Beef on Toast

For most kids (and adults) it is the same.  Your birthday rolls around and you get to choose whatever you want your mom to make for dinner. My mom got off easy.  For me... it was always chipped beef on toast.  I know. It sounds strange, but it is my comfort food.  I would NEVER order it in a restaurant, and like so many things...  I just like it the way my mom made it.  I finally found her recipe.  I am sure when I was younger she would make it on the stove top, but this recipe comes from the cookbook that came with our first microwave.  Early 80's... I am sure. Happy Birthday to me!


Basic White Sauce for Chipped Beef

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
pepper to taste
1 jar Armor dried beef 
bread (for toast)

Directions:

Put the butter in a microwave safe 1 quart bowl and melt on high for 15 to 30 seconds. This may take a bit longer if the butter is cold. Stir in the flour until blended and smooth. Stir in the milk and pepper.

Microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Stir and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes more or until thickened. Rinse HALF of the chipped beef to remove some of the salt.  Tear the beef into small pieces. Add to sauce.  Microwave in 30 second intervals until desired thickness.

Enjoy!

Aunt Polly's Caramel/ Caramel Apples

Ok... so I don't have an Aunt Polly, and I am pretty sure this recipe came from an old cookbook.  It is that time of the year to start thinking about leaves changing, crisp air, and of course... caramel apples!  I like this recipe because it uses cheap ingredients with good results.  I used to make it with my home ec kids, then pass them along to all the teachers.  Boy did everyone look forward to caramel apple day!  You'll need a candy thermometer for this one... Happy fall!

Aunt Polly's Caramel

2 cups sugar
1-1/2 cups light corn syrup
2 cups evaporated milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large pot, combine sugar and corn syrup.  Heat to 300 degrees, stirring often. Add milk and margarine.  (Temp will drop) Re-heat to 250 degrees, again stirring constantly*. Remove from heat and add vanilla.

*The recipe says to stir constantly, but I don't.  I do keep an eye on the temp though... it seems to take FOREVER... then jumps up really fast.  

Tips:  When I would do this on my classroom, I would pour the caramel into my crock pot to keep it warm.  I would also thin it down with a bit water. It seems to make it cover the apples better.  Don't panic if you add water and it looks milky--just keep stirring. MAKE SURE YOUR APPLES ARE DRY before dipping!  I would also use styrofoam bowls, and SPRAY them with Pam before putting the covered apple in.  Once set, the caramel apple pops right out.  You could do the same with foil @ home.  Just SPRAY it...  it makes life so much easier! You can also refrigerate the left overs and re-heat in the microwave.  :-)  Enjoy!