December is always so busy with activities, performances for the children, parties, and special events that help bring the meaning of the season to life.  Saturday, we had a busy day, full of these kinds of activities.  The boys who take martial arts had their test to promote to advanced yellow belt, and that evening we had a party and potluck with a demonstration by the advanced students in the school.  It was great!  I, of course, brought a simple crock pot meal for the potluck.  It really is an easy one, and I got several compliments about how tasty it was!  I was going to double this one, and then was pressed for time, so I didn’t have time to slice up twice as many potatoes and onions.  It turned out well, because one recipe of this dish effectively filled up my 7-quart crock pot.

10-Layer Beef and Potatoes

Ingredients:
6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
salt to taste
pepper to taste
15-oz. can of corn
15-oz. can of peas (I used tender sweet baby peas and it was perfect)
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, browned (I used almost 3 and it was good that way-I think 1 1/2 pounds would not have been enough)
10 3/4-oz. can cream of mushroom soup

Instructions:
1. Layer 1: 1/4 of potatoes, 1/2 of onion, salt, and pepper
2. Layer 2: 1/2 can of corn.
3. Layer 3: 1/4 of potatoes
4. Layer 4: 1/2 can of peas
5. Layer 5: 1/4 of potatoes, 1/2 of onion, salt, and pepper
6. Layer 6: remaining corn
7. Layer 7: remaining potatoes
8. Layer 8: remaining peas and water
9. Layer 9: ground beef
10. Layer 10: soup
11. Cover.  Cook on High for 4 hours, or low 8-10 hours.

Sunday evening, we had some leftovers to finish, and I was busy preparing for the week ahead.  So, I put an easy dish into the crock pot to have alongside leftovers.  This would be great doubled to bring to a party as a side dish.  I only made one recipe worth, and cooked it in my 4-qt. crock pot.  If I were to double this, I might put it in the larger pot.

Potluck Potatoes

Ingredients:
4 cups potatoes, peeled, diced, and boiled till soft
10 3/4-oz. can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup butter, or margarine, melted
1/4 cup chopped onions, sautéed until soft
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, or chopped ham or dried beef (optional)

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.  Mix well.
2. Cover.  Cook on Low 3-4 hours.