Everyday Menus: Crockpot Dinner

Of all the appliances in my kitchen, I use my oven and crockpot most often. What did we ever do before the crockpot was invented? There's really nothing better than coming home to dinner ready for the table, with your home full of great aromas.

I just love this recipe. The flavors of the beef stew are so rich, and are complemented perfectly by the fluffy dumplings seasoned with thyme. For this easy meal, you do have to make dumplings and add them to the slow cooker in the last half hour of cooking, but that can be a fun chore to do with your kids. Just add a salad and a super-easy dessert that takes about 3 minutes to prepare, and you can sit down to a healthy, filling, comforting meal. Enjoy.

Crockpot Dinner

• Beef Stew with Dumplings
  This rich stew simmers for 8-10 hours, so start it in the morning, then finish the dumplings in the last 30 minutes.
• Simple Green Salad
  You can use your favorite bottled dressing in place of this homemade dressing if you prefer.
• Apricot Fool
  Use any flavor of pie filling in this super easy dessert recipe. If you prefer a bit more crunch, use granola to sprinkle on these parfaits rather than toasted coconut.