Merry Crockpot

Santa came Early this year and apparently is using UPS now as my beautiful shiny new six quart crockpot arrived last week. (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Bunch.) After doing a quick search on the internet I found this interesting recipe that I thought would be fun to try - Curried Zucchini and Apple Crock Pot Soup. I chopped everything up and set it to work this morning at 8:30 a.m. and by early afternoon my house was filled with wonderful aromas. The dogs were sniffing around the kitchen all day and putting on their best "I'm dying of starvation" acts. Luckily, Santa also sent us a package from the Omaha Steak Company which included a box of Canine Cookies. (Thanks again Grandma and Grandpa.)

I think this soup could really be hit or miss depending on your taste buds. It can make a great vegetarian meal if that is your persuasion but for me it worked better as a side dish served along side some turkey ham steaks and corn bread muffins (contributed by Katy). The curry flavor was good but but a little underwhelming. I think a dash or two of some fresh grated nutmeg would have done a lot to liven up the soup and bring it to the next level. I enjoyed this recipe and will be happy to eat the leftovers but not sure that I will make it again. It does make for a nice winter warm up though. Unfortunately, it happened to be in the 70s here today.

Regardless, I love my new crockpot and you can expect to see more of these slow cooker recipes popping up on this blog in the near future. Ho ho ho. Merry Crockpot Christmas.

I give this recipe an overall grade of a C+.

Zucchini Soup Recipe This delicious Zucchini Soup Recipe (or Courgette Soup recipe) combines zucchinis (courgettes), apples and curry - to produce a fantastic meal on a cold winters day. And it is so simple to create in your crock pot. Yes, we still have heaps of zucchinis. So Neil and I searched around for a delicious soup. We found a recipe cooked at "The Darby Field Inn and Restaurant" and after a few modifications we settled on this recipe and now have heaps in the freezer, ready for winter :-) This recipe makes about 8 to 10 servings. Add the milk just prior to serving. Don't add milk if freezing - add it once thawed and ready to serve.
	Curried Zucchini and Apple Crock Pot Soup Ingredients 1½lb (700g) Zucchini – sliced 2 large apples - peeled, cored, chopped 2 large onions - diced ½ cup rice (we used white, but any should work) 4 cups Chicken Stock OR Vegetable Stock for a Vegetarian alternative 2 tspn Curry Powder 3 tbls per serve milk Method 1. Mix curry powder and stock together. 2. Place all of the other ingredients into the crock pot. 3. Pour the stock over top. 4. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on Low. 5. When ready to serve, puree soup in a blender or use a hand held device in the crock pot (saves washing another item). 6. Add 60ml (3 tbls) milk per serve and enjoy. Notes Serves 8-10 Freeze the excess, for an extra quick meal later. Add the milk just as serving. Don't add milk if freezing.