Italian Beef

a long-time family favorite

1 jar (11 1/2 oz) pepperoncinis

3-4 1/2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast

1/4 c water

1 3/4 t dried basil

1 1/2 t garlic powder

1 1/2 t dried oregano

1 1/4 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1 large onion, quartered and sliced

Drain pepperoncinis, reserving liquid. Remove and discard stems. Set peppers aside. Cut roast into large chunks; place a third of the meat in a 5-qt crock-pot. Add water.

In a small bowl, combine seasonings. Sprinkle half over beef. Layer half of the remaining meat, then onion, reserved peppers and liquid. Top with remaining meat and herb mixture.

Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat is tender. Shred beef using two forks. Makes 10-12 sandwiches.

Winter Woods Chili

from Better Homes and Gardens

4 slices bacon

3 lb beef stew meat

1 large onion, sliced 1/2" thick

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 28-oz cans whole tomatoes

1 15.5-oz can navy beans, rinsed and drained

1 15.5-oz can red beans, rinsed and drained

2 to 3 T chili powder

2 T red wine vinegar

Shredded cheddar cheese

Snipped fresh oregano

Cooked bacon, crumbled

1. In a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven cook bacon and beef, half at a time, over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain fat. Return meat to pan. Reduce heat; add onions and half of garlic. Cook and stir until onion is tender.

2. Add undrained tomatoes, beans, and 1 T of the chili powder. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining garlic, chili powder, and vinegar. Cook, covered, 1 hour. Add water to desired consistency. Season to taste. Top servings with cheese, oregano, and crumbled bacon. Makes 6 servings.

Curry Powder

Out of curry? Here is a simple recipe for curry powder in a pinch:

2T ground cumin

2T ground coriander

2t ground turmeric

1/2 t crushed red pepper

1/2 t mustard

1/2 t ground ginger

Golden Chicken

1/4 c yellow mustard

1/2 c honey

4T butter

1t salt

1T curry

4 chicken breasts

Mix all ingredients (except chicken). Spray an oven-safe baking dish. Place chicken in dish and coat with mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.