ANIMAL PRINT CROCK POT RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the oil, celery, carrots and onions; cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden.
• Add to slow cooker.
• Pour the juice of the tomatoes into the slow cooker, then roughly crush the tomatoes with your hands; add to slow cooker.
• Then add chicken (or vegetable broth), the cheese rind (if using) thyme, basil, and bay leaf.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the vegetables get soft and the flavors blend.
• Remove the cheese rid and, using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (or you can carefully do this in small batches in the blender).
• Melt the butter over low heat in a large skillet and add the flour.
• Stir constantly with a whisk for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Slowly whisk in about 1 cup of the hot soup, then add the 1 3/4 cups of warmed milk and stir until smooth.
• Pour back into the slow cooker and stir, add the grated Pecorino cheese and adjust salt and pepper, to taste.
• Cover and cook on low 30 more minutes.

Steps:

• Method: In a braising pan or large heavy enameled cast iron casserole, brown the roast on all sides in the oil until the outside is slightly charred and richly colored. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the remaining fat.
• Salt and pepper the meat to taste, and sprinkle with an herb. Thyme is a favorite because it has a pungency that is most effective with beef, but you could use rosemary or summer savory, which would give an entirely different quality. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon, onions, garlic, parsley, and leek. Pour in the liquid of your choice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and either simmer on top of the stove over very low heat, allowing 30 to 35 minutes per pound, or cook in a 325°F oven, allowing 35 minutes a pound, about 3 hours, until the meat is quite tender. Add more liquid if needed.
• Remove the meat to a hot platter to rest for about 15 minutes and skim the fat from the pan juices. If you want more gravy, strain the liquid, pour additional wine or beef stock into the pan and bring to a boil. Thicken the juices with little balls of butter and flour, kneaded together. Let it reduce until it lightly coats a spoon