Good - Stock the crock: 100 slow-cooker recipes, 200 variations for every appetite

PHYLLIS GOODSTOCK CROCK100 Must-Have Slow-Cooker Recipes200 Variations for Every AppetiteSTOCK CROCKCONTENTSSOUPS, STEWS, AND CHOWDERSHere are some matchless takes on classic soups and chowders from around the world. Each of the recipes is easy to do in your slow cooker so you can have a global food adventure, or settle in with a favorite bowl of comforting stew.BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH APPLES AND RED ONIONS
BY BARBARA L.This butternut squash soup is a standout thanks to the apples and red onion, accented by the nutmeg and cinnamon.SERVES: 6PREP: 15 MINUTESCOOK: 6 HOURSMy family loves this. Once when it was really thick, I made penne pasta and used this as sauce. Just leave out the water, reduce the vegetable broth, and try it yourself.3-pound butternut squash, cut into cubes3 apples, unpeeled, cored, and chopped1 medium red onion, diced2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced4 cups vegetable broth1 cup water, optionalteaspoon saltteaspoon black pepperteaspoon freshly grated nutmegteaspoon ground cinnamonfresh topper: cup grated peeled apple1. Grease the interior of the slow cooker crock with nonstick cooking spray.2. Stir in the vegetable broth. Add water, if desired, only if you want a thin soup.4. Cover. If the squash is raw, cook on Low for 6 hours. (If the squash is cooked tender, cook the mixture on Low 2 to 3 hours, or until the apples and onion are tender.)5. At the end of the cooking time, puree the mixture in the crock with an immersion blender until smooth.6. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon.7. Serve in bowls. Top with freshly grated apple.MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREECheck the label to ensure you are using gluten-free vegetable broth.MAKE IT FOR PICKY EATERSYou can reduce the amount of red onion, garlic cloves, and black pepper, but the bright sweetness of the apples pretty effectively moderates any strong flavors.CARAMELIZED ONIONS FOR SOUP (OR SANDWICHES)
BY BARBARA L.A wonderful shortcut to greatness! Who knew you didnt need to slave over a stove for hours for French Onion Soup?