Slow Cooker

Slow-Cooker Red Wine Short Ribs

2 medium onions, cut into wedges
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
6 small carrots, peeled and cut in half crosswise
2 small parsnips, peeled and cut in quarters crosswise
1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed
1 8.5-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and cut in half lengthwise
1 small bunch sage
5 pounds short ribs
Kosher salt and pepper
1 bottle red wine
1 loaf crusty bread

In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine the onions, garlic, carrots, parsnips, mushrooms, tomatoes, and sage. Season the short ribs with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper and nestle them among the vegetables. Add the wine.

Set the slow cooker to high and cook until the meat is tender and falls from the bones, 8-9 hours. Using a large spoon, skim off the excess fat and discard. Divide the ribs and vegetables among individual bowls and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve with the crusty bread.

If You Don't Have a Slow Cooker: Heat oven to 300°. Follow the recipe above using a Dutch oven or large casserole. Bake, covered, until the meat is tender and falls from the bones, 4 hours. Makes 6 servings

Slow Cooker Char Siu Pork Roast

Char siu is a Chinese version of barbecue. Serve with sticky or long-grain white rice and a steamed or stir-fried medley of bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, sliced baby corn, and water chestnuts.

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 pounds boneless Boston butt pork roast, trimmed
1/2 cup chicken broth

Combine first 8 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Place in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add pork to bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator at least 2 hours, turning occasionally. Place pork and marinade in an electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Remove pork from slow cooker using a slotted spoon; place on a cutting board or work surface. Cover with aluminum foil; keep warm.

Add broth to sauce in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens. Shred pork with 2 forks; serve with sauce. Makes 8 servings

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed with the side of a knife
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
4 carrots (12 oz. total), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch lengths
2 1/2 cups diced peeled eggplant
2 1/2 cups sliced (1/2 in. thick) zucchini
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup diced onion (about 5 oz.)
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) stewed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) garbanzos, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup dried currants
1 cup chopped toasted almonds
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt

Pour olive oil into a small frying pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and spices and cook, stirring often until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to scorch the garlic. Scrape the mixture into a slow-cooker (at least 5 qt.).

Add broth, carrots, eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower, onion, stewed tomatoes (with juices), garbanzos, currants, almonds, and salt, and stir to combine.

Cover slow-cooker and cook on high until vegetables are tender to bite and flavors are blended, 8 to 9 hours. Ladle about 3 cups of the vegetable mixture into a blender. Holding lid down with a towel and taking care to avoid steam, whirl until smooth. Return purée to slow-cooker and stir to blend. Ladle stew into a tureen or individual bowls. Makes 12 cups; 6 to 8 servings

Classic Beef Stew

4 pounds bottom round, well trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
2 large onions, diced (2 cups)
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
1 pound potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
1/2 pound baby carrots (about 2 cups)
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Coat the beef in the flour. Heat a few tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meat, a few pieces at a time, adding more oil as necessary. Transfer to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste and coat the onions; transfer to the cooker. Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits; add to the cooker. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 1/2 hours, or on high for 4 hours. Add the peas and heat through. Makes 8 to 10 servings

Steak Soup

1 (2-pound) package top round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cups water
5 baking potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 carrots, sliced
2 small onions, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 cup frozen sweet green peas
1 (16-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
1 to 2 teaspoons pepper

Toss together steak and flour. Brown steak in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes. Stir together steak, 4 cups water, and remaining ingredients in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cook, covered, at high 8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Makes 16 cups

Easy Chili

Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and corn chips. If you want to thicken this saucy chili, stir in finely crushed saltine crackers until the desired thickness is achieved. Complete the meal with sliced apples and grapes.

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (16-ounce) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Cook first 4 ingredients in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Place mixture in 5-quart slow cooker; stir in beans and remaining ingredients. Cook at HIGH 3 to 4 hours or at low 5 to 6 hours. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Slow-Cooked Chile Con Carne

Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups chopped onion (about 1 medium)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 1/2 cups diced plum tomato (about 6)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14-ounce) can beef broth
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, and beef to pan; cook 5 minutes or until beef is browned, stirring occasionally. Combine beef mixture, tomato, and next 6 ingredients (through broth) in an electric slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Uncover; cook 30 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in salt. Makes 4 servings

Pesto Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms

No-boil lasagna noodles are perfect for this recipe, as they absorb all the juices that accumulate in the crockpot. Use 2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen chopped spinach in place of fresh, if you prefer. Also, any mushroom will work.

4 cups torn spinach
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
1/2 cup commercial pesto
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded provolone cheese
1 (15-ounce) carton fat-free ricotta cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
1 (25.5-ounce) bottle fat-free tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Cooking spray
1 (8-ounce) package precooked lasagna noodles (12 noodles)

Arrange the spinach in a vegetable steamer; steam, covered, 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Drain, squeeze dry, and coarsely chop. Combine spinach, mushrooms, and pesto in a medium bowl, stirring to combine; set aside.

Combine mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and beaten egg in a medium bowl, stirring well to combine. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan, and set aside. Combine the pasta sauce and the tomato sauce in a medium bowl.

Spread 1 cup pasta sauce mixture in the bottom of a 6-quart oval electric slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over pasta sauce mixture; top with 1 cup cheese mixture and 1 cup spinach mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with spinach mixture.

Arrange 3 noodles over spinach mixture; top with remaining 1 cup cheese mixture and 1 cup pasta sauce mixture. Place remaining 3 noodles over sauce mixture; spread remaining sauce mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover with lid; cook on low 5 hours or until done. Makes 8 servings

Slow-Cooker Meat Loaf with Shiitake Mushrooms

2 (1-ounce) slices whole wheat bread
3/4 pound ground round
3/4 pound ground sausage
1 1/2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
1/2 cup grated fresh onion
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

Place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until crumbs measure 1 1/3 cups. Combine the crumbs, beef, and next 7 ingredients (beef through garlic) in a large bowl, and shape meat mixture into a 9 x 6-inch loaf. Place loaf in an electric slow cooker.

Combine ketchup, mustard, and pepper in a small bowl, stirring with a fork. Spread ketchup mixture evenly over top of loaf. Cover with lid; cook on LOW for 5 hours. Makes 6 servings

Osso Buco with Gremolata

Inexpensive veal shanks become a succulent meal in the slow cooker. Even if you aren't an anchovy lover, don't omit the anchovy paste--it adds immeasurably to the flavor. Use the remaining broth mixture in soups and stews.

Osso buco:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
6 veal shanks, trimmed (about 5 pounds)
2 teaspoons butter, divided
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 cups coarsely chopped red onion
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups dry white wine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon anchovy paste

Gremolata:
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 garlic cloves, minced

Remaining ingredient:
8 cups hot cooked pappardelle pasta (about 1 pound uncooked pasta)

To prepare the osso buco, combine flour, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a shallow dish. Dredge veal in flour mixture.

Heat 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of veal; cook 6 minutes, browning on both sides. Place browned veal in a large electric slow cooker. Repeat procedure with remaining butter, oil, and veal.

Add onion and celery to pan; sauté 5 minutes over medium-high heat or until tender. Add 6 garlic cloves to pan; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth, wine, rosemary, and anchovy paste, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil; cook 4 minutes. Pour over veal.

Cover and cook on low 9 hours or until done. Sprinkle veal with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove veal from cooker; cool slightly.

To prepare gremolata, combine parsley, lemon rind, and 2 garlic cloves. Place 1 cup pasta in each of 8 pasta bowls. Top each serving with 2/3 cup veal and 1/2 cup broth mixture. Reserve remaining broth mixture for another use. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon gremolata. Makes 8 servings

Chicken Stew

1 pound skinned, boned chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 pound skinned, boned chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups water
1 cup frozen small whole onions
1 cup (1/2-inch) sliced celery
1 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (14 1/4-ounce) can chicken broth
2 cups halved mushrooms
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups frozen green peas

Combine first 14 ingredients in a large electric slow cooker. Cover with lid, and cook on high-heat setting for 4 hours or until carrot is tender. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a wire whisk until blended. Add cornstarch mixture and peas to slow cooker; stir well. Cover and cook on high-heat setting an additional 30 minutes. Makes 8 servings

Pumpernickel Roast

1 (10-ounce) package frozen pearl onions
1 (4-pound) sirloin tip roast
1 (12-ounce) bottle dark beer
1/4 cup stone-ground mustard
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Hot cooked medium egg noodles

Place onions in a 4-quart slow cooker; place roast on top. Add beer and next 4 ingredients. Cook, covered, at high 8 hours or until roast is tender. Remove roast and onions, reserving drippings in cooker. Whisk flour into reserved drippings; cook 10 minutes or until thickened. Serve with roast, onions, and hot noodles. Makes 6 servings

Crock-Pot Chili

1 pound ground round
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup dry red wine or water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
1 (14.5-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes with jalapeño peppers and spices, undrained
6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Cook the ground round in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until brown, stirring to crumble. Add chopped onion and the next 7 ingredients (onion through garlic), and cook for 7 minutes or until onion is tender.

Place meat mixture in an electric slow cooker, and stir in beans and tomatoes. Cover with lid, and cook on low-heat setting for 4 hours. Spoon into bowls; sprinkle with cheese.

Note: The chili can be made on the stovetop if you don't have a slow cooker. After adding the beans and the tomatoes, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, 1 1/2 hours. Makes 6 servings

Beef With Red Wine Sauce

3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, sliced
1 pound fresh mushrooms, halved
1 (1.61-ounce) package brown gravy mix
1 (10 1/2-ounce) can beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
Hot cooked egg noodles or rice
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Place first 3 ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker. Whisk together gravy mix and next 3 ingredients; pour evenly over beef and vegetables. Add bay leaf. Cover and cook on high 6 hours. Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve over noodles. Garnish, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Easy Brunswick Stew

1 large onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen sliced okra, thawed
4 cups frozen cubed hash browns, thawed
3/4 pound barbecued pork, chopped
1 cup chopped cooked chicken
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can lima beans, drained
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cook, covered, at high 6 hours and 30 minutes. Makes 14 cups

Vegetable and Chickpea Curry

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup (1/4-inch-thick) slices carrot
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 serrano chile, seeded and minced
3 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 1/2 cups cubed peeled baking potato
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup (1-inch) cut green beans
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14-ounce) can vegetable broth
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup light coconut milk
6 lemon wedges

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrot; cover and cook 5 minutes or until tender. Add curry powder, sugar, ginger, garlic, and chile; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Place onion mixture in a 5-quart electric slow cooker. Stir in chickpeas and next 8 ingredients (through broth). Cover and cook on high 6 hours or until vegetables are tender. Add spinach and coconut milk; stir until spinach wilts. Serve with lemon wedges. Makes 6 servings

New Orleans Red Beans And Rice

1 pound dried red beans
7 cups water
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
3 tablespoons Creole seasoning
Hot cooked rice
Garnish: sliced green onions

Place first 8 ingredients in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cook, covered, at high 7 hours or until beans are tender. Serve with hot cooked rice. Garnish, if desired. Makes 3 1/2 quarts

Hearty Potato Soup

6 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 1/2 pounds)
2 medium onions, diced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
Italian Bread Bowls
Garnish: fresh celery leaves

Combine first 8 ingredients in a 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Cook, covered, at high 3 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Stir together flour and half-and-half; stir into soup. Cover and cook 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve in Italian Bread Bowls, and garnish, if desired. Makes 8 1/2 cups

Italian Bread Bowls

2 1/2 cups warm water (105° to 115°)
2 (1/4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
7 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water

Stir together 2 1/2 cups water and yeast in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in salt and oil. Add flour gradually, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until a soft dough forms.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (4 to 6 minutes). Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 35 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down, and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4-inch round loaf. Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal.

Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 35 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Stir together egg white and 1 tablespoon water; brush over loaves.

Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Brush with remaining egg mixture, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks. Freeze up to 1 month, if desired.

Cut a 1/2-inch-thick slice from top of each loaf; scoop out centers, leaving 3/4-inch-thick shells. (Reserve centers for other uses.) Fill bread bowls with hot soup, and serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Sweet Potato Stew with Red Beans

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 1/2 cups cooked small red beans
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons chopped dry-roasted peanuts
6 lime wedges

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cover and cook 5 minutes or until tender. Place onion mixture in a 5-quart electric slow cooker. Add sweet potato and next 10 ingredients (through chiles). Cover and cook on low 8 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Spoon 1 cup cooking liquid into a small bowl. Add peanut butter; stir well with a whisk. Stir peanut butter mixture into stew. Top with peanuts; serve with lime wedges. Makes 6 servings

Big-Batch Chili

4 pounds ground chuck
2 medium onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 (14 1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 bay leaf
2 (16-ounce) cans light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
Toppings: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sliced ripe black olives

Cook ground chuck, in batches, in a large skillet over medium-high heat about 5 minutes, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Place meat in a 6-quart slow cooker; stir in onions, next 12 ingredients, and, if desired, beans. Cook, covered, at high 5 to 6 hours or at low 6 to 8 hours. Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve with desired toppings.

Cooktop preparation: Cook ground chuck, in batches, in a large Dutch oven. Drain beef and return to Dutch oven. Add onions, next 12 ingredients, and, if desired, beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 4 to 6 hours. Remove and discard bay leaf. Makes 15 to 18 cups

Hearty Baked Beans

3 bacon slices, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 (16-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup ketchup
2 1/2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/2 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped

Cook bacon slices in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in pan. Sauté onion and garlic in reserved drippings until tender.

Combine bacon slices, onion mixture, beans, and remaining ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Shredded Five Spice Pork

1 pork shoulder or butt (3 1/2 to 4 lb.), fat-trimmed
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced or pressed
1 tablespoon Chinese five spice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
12 to 16 flour tortillas (7 to 8 in.)
About 3 cups finely shredded Napa or green cabbage
About 1 cup sliced green onions (including tops)
Cilantro sprigs, rinsed
3/4 to 1 cup prepared hoisin or prepared Chinese plum sauce

Rinse pork and cut meat in half. Place halves in a 4 1/2-quart or larger electric slow-cooker. Sprinkle with garlic, five spice, and sugar. Add soy sauce and 1 cup water. Cover and cook until pork is very tender when pierced, 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours on low, 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours on high. If possible, turn meat over halfway through cooking. With 2 slotted spoons, transfer pork to a 9- by 13-inch pan.

Bake in a 450° oven until well browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Using 2 forks, separate pork into shreds; discard bones and fat. Put meat in a bowl, cover, and keep warm.

As pork bakes, skim and discard fat from cooking liquid; pour into a 2- to 3-quart pan. Add vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat; stir often until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes.

Stack tortillas and seal in foil. Add to oven and bake until tortillas are warm in the center, 10 to 12 minutes. Place in a towel-lined basket.

Pour reduced sauce over shredded pork. Spoon some of the meat onto a warm tortilla; top with cabbage, onions, cilantro, and hoisin to taste. Fold 1 end of tortilla over filling, overlap sides to enclose, and hold shut to eat. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Pinto Beans With Ham

1 pound dried pinto beans
5 1/2 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 pound cooked ham, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Sort and wash beans; place in a 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in 5 1/2 cups water and remaining ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 10 hours, stirring twice. Makes 10 servings

Chunky Sausage-and-Hominy Chili

Chili:
1 1/4 cups bottled salsa
1 cup (1-inch) pieces red bell pepper
1 cup (1-inch) pieces yellow bell pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 (15.5-ounce) can white hominy or whole-kernel corn, drained
1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausages with habanero chiles and tequila (such as Gerhard's), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Remaining ingredients:
2 cups hot cooked long-grain rice
1/4 cup crushed baked tortilla chips
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup sour cream

To prepare chili, combine first 6 ingredients in an electric slow cooker. Cover with lid; cook on low heat for 8 hours. Spoon 1/2 cup rice into each of 4 bowls; top each serving with 1 cup chili, 1 tablespoon chips, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1 tablespoon onions, and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Makes 4 servings

Apricot and Lamb Tagine

Tagine:
2 cups diced onion (about 1 large)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup less-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 (6-ounce) package dried apricots, halved

Remaining ingredients:
4 cups cooked couscous
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

To prepare tagine, combine the first 15 ingredients in an electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Discard cinnamon sticks. Place 1/2 cup couscous on each of 8 plates. Top each serving with 1/2 cup lamb mixture, 1 1/2 teaspoons almonds, and 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley. Makes 8 servings