Smoky Fish Chowder

I tried another one pot dinner from 'Real Simple' magazine. Josh was skeptical of the ingredients and especially the fish part of the dish. However, it turned out so delicious that he devoured his portion and Justin ate a huge bowl as well. The trick is to use a very mild fish - I used cod, although halibut would work just as well.

Don't make it in a crock pot. The long cook time will ruin the fish. I think it took me all of 30 minutes to put together from chopping the veggies until it was hot and ready to eat.

Enjoy!

Smoky Fish Chowder
Real Simple Magazine January 2010

8 oz. Chorizo sausage, sliced thin
2 leeks, thinly sliced
1 1/2 lbs Yukon potatoes, cut into 1/2" pieces
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
2 lbs. firm white fish, cut into 2" pieces

In a large pot, brown the chorizo over medium-high heat, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes.

Add the potatoes, tomatoes with their juices, 3 cups of water, salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Add the fish and simmer gently until opaque throughout, 5 to 6 minutes.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew on Buttered Egg Noodles

I love the new - well new for me anyway - magazine 'Real Simple'. This month they featured quick and hearty winter soups and stews, one of which is this stew. I love the idea of serving it over noodles, sort of like beef stroganoff.

This dinner was so fast, I cut up the meat and veggies last night after Seth went to bed and then threw it all in the crockpot in the fridge until the morning. Turn it on first thing and it is ready when Josh gets home.

Enjoy!

Classic Beef Stew
Real Simple Magazine January 2010

2.5lbs beef cubes - I used fondue steak already cut up in the meat dept.
2 T. olive oil
1 - 6oz. can tomato paste
1 stalk celery, cut into 1" lengths
1 small onion, cut into small chunks
1/2 bottle red wine - I used a merlot/cab blend
2 bay leaves
1 lb. carrots, chopped into 1" lengths - I used baby carrots
1 lb. turnips, chopped into 1" cubes
1 T. cornstarch
12 oz. egg noodles

Throw all the ingredients - except the noodles and the cornstarch - into the slowcooker. Add 2 c. water and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for either 8hrs on low or 4hrs on high. Mix the cornstarch with 1/4c. water and add to the pot. Simmer a few minutes more, until thickened.
Cook the noodles as per package directions and serve, buttered, with the stew ladled over top.