Marvelous Recipes

Put some spice in your next gathering with these great tasting sausage balls. To keep them hot for your guests, spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray, place the sausage balls in the bottom and turn the cooker on keep-warm setting.* They are also great for breakfast or brunch!

1 pound bulk sausage, hot or mild
3 cups all-purpose baking mix, (Bisquick)
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
2/3 cup water

1. In a large bowl, combine sausage, baking mix and cheese. Combine the bouillon granules and water; blend well. Add the bouillon mixture to the sausage mixture; blend well.

2. Shape into small balls; place 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned; remove immediately and serve hot. Makes about 6 dozen.

* Place a slotted spoon and party picks alongside the slow cooker so your guests can serve themselves.

Since my husband is not a big fan of boxed potato dishes, I created this recipe in hopes he would like it. It has since become a big favorite of my whole family. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do!

4 to 5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths
1 large onion, cut into eighths
8 ounces cheese loaf (Velveeta), cut into 2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Place the potatoes and onion in a large saucepan; cover with water and heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender. Drain and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.

2. In a small saucepan, combine cheese, butter or margarine, milk, cream, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Place saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly until cheese is melted and smooth. Pour cheese mixture over potatoes and onions in casserole dish. Stir to blend well.

3. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 6 servings.

* You may omit the heavy whipping cream, if desired, and increase milk to 3/4 cup.

This hearty slow cooker meal is sure to please your hungry family after a busy day. Serve up a generous helping of this tender pork and flavorful beans with a slice of warm corn bread. Mmm! So good!!

1 (3 pound) boneless pork loin roast
1 medium onion, sliced
3  (15 ounce) cans pork and beans
1-1/2 cups barbecue sauce  (I like honey hickory flavor)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Cut pork loin roast in half.* Place in a 5 quart slow cooker. Top with the sliced onions. In a medium size bowl, combine the beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and garlic powder. Pour mixture over the meat.

2. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or until meat is tender. Remove cooked roast and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and heat through. Makes 10 servings.

*3 pound or larger roasts should be cut in half to ensure proper and even cooking in a slow cooker. Also, trim as much visible fat from the roast as possible to avoid greasy gravy.

Steam Escaping

Do not lift the lid on a slow cooker or crock pot while it is cooking, unless the recipe instructs you to stir in or add ingredients.

The loss of steam can mean an additional 15 to 30 minutes of cooking time for each time you lift the lid.