Southern Delicacies For Your Crockpot

Ah the change of season requires a change of diet. It is time to eat a lot of soups and casseroles, especially here in Minnesota. But instead of falling back into the old habits and trudging through the same old recipes, why not take out that wonderfully versatile kitchen appliance called the crockpot and try these intriguing, delicious and wonderfully unique Southern dishes. BAYOU GUMBO * 3 tablespoons Pillsbury Best All Purpose Flour * 3 tablespoons oil * 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices * 2 cups frozen cut okra * 1 large onion, chopped * 1 large green bell pepper, chopped * 3 garlic cloves, minced * 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) * 1/4 teaspoon pepper * 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained * 1 (12-ounce) package frozen shelled deveined cooked medium shrimp, rinsed * 1 1/2 cups uncooked regular long-grain white rice * 3 cups water In small saucepan, combine flour and oil; mix well. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes or until mixture turns reddish brown. Place flour-oil mixture in 3 1/2 to 4 quart Slow Cooker. Stir in all remaining ingredients except shrimp, rice and water. Cover; cook on low setting for 7-9 hours. When ready to serve, cook rice in water as directed on package. Meanwhile, add shrimp to gumbo mixture in slow cooker/Crock Pot; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for additional 20 minutes. Serve gumbo over rice. Makes 6 servings. CAJUN BREW PORK N BEANS 5 cans Pork-n-Beans (2nd to smallest size) 2 8oz cans tomatoe sauce 2 onions (chopped) 6 hot links (sliced) 1/4 bottle barbeque sauce (average size) The following are "to taste" Worcestershire sauce Hot sauce (I like Crystal hot sauce) Cajun Seasonings (I like Tony Chacere's seasonings) Liquid smoke Mustard Brown Sugar Mix all ingredients in a crockpot and crank it up to high. Let it cook all day, stirring occasionally. Can also be made on the stove top, but let it simmer for several hours stirring occasionally. Remember to come back next week for more delicious treat, tips, tricks and techniques for your palate's enjoyment. We're all in this together and I'm pulling for you. Mahalo. ============================================ Need help in developing recipes for healthy and fun diets? Check out the various Cookbooks, Including "Chef Rens Crockpot Madness", and "Chef Rens Chocolate Dreams",we have to offer for all types of eating pleasure. For more information and to order your copy today: http://www.renspubhouse.netii.net/funstuff.html ==============================================