Crock Pot Comfort

Depending where you live in the world, you probably have come to the same conclusion we in Northern Indiana have. The colder weather is here...and here to stay. Each year when the winter season is upon us once again, it means many things to our family, but to me, the cook, it means 2 specific kitchen related things....Crock Pot and Soups! There is something so inviting, comforting and warming about a big pot of soup cooking all day and waiting on your family as they come in from the howling wind, blowing snow and bone chilling temps. You know the kind of cold I'm talking about. When you step outside and it takes your breath away. That is the perfect time to come inside where supper is waiting to warm you, mind body and spirit. And if that supper includes the Crock Pot, that means it is easier too! Combine everything in the morning as you are rushing out the door, and at the end of a long, cold day it's magically supper! Okay, so maybe it's not magic, but when you are tired and freezing, it seems like it is! And this being a stew, it's that kind of "stick to your ribs" kind of meal that you need in case you are back out the door. Maybe you even have a house full of family still from the holiday and they are out Black Friday shopping right now. Just think how happy they would be to come home to this for supper after all that crazy! Rather it be to sports, work, or the dreaded shoveling snow! Cold weather is going to be sticking around for a while, so grab a soup spoon and get comfortable!

Crock Pot Beef Stew Adapted from McCormick 
1 (1.5 lb) round steak, trimmed and cut into large chunks
5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
6 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 TBS onion powder
2 pkgs. McCormick Brown Gravy mix
1 pkg. McCormick Stew Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
Water

Combine steak, potatoes and carrots in Crock Pot. Cover with water. Stir in gravy mix, seasoning packet, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on High 4-6 hours or Low 8-12 hours.