You guys didn’t really think I’d tease you with a picture of my dinner this morning and not share it with ya’ll tonight, did you?? 
I must admit, I was so incredibly glad that I decided to make tonight’s crockpot dinner. It’s never easy heading back to work after 10 days off (well, at least for ME it’s not…) so knowing I had dinner waiting for me was a treat. 
Jay and I really enjoyed the Burgundy Beef Stew that I made last week, so I decided another stew creation was in order. I didn’t have any beef on hand this time, however, so I just raided the veggie drawer and created a veggie stew!
I actually started prepping the stew last night by chopping up all of my veggies and placing them in the crockpot. (That’s why they may look a little dry…)
This morning, I simply uncovered the ready-to-go veggies, added some chicken broth and Italian seasoned diced tomatoes,
and some seasonings.
I gave it a quick stir, turned the crockpot on low, and I was out the door!
Nine hours later, I walked through the door only to be greeted with the most amazing aromas roaming in the air. Ahhh, hello dinner!
Before serving the stew, I used a similar method that I did for the beef stew to thicken it up; only this time I went with some cornstarch + water.
Twenty minutes later, we had veggie stew!
Low-Fat Crockpot Veggie Stew
Ingredients:
- 4 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 4 carrots, peeled & cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 parsnips, peeled & cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
Directions:
Place the cut up veggies into the crockpot, followed by the tomatoes, chicken broth, & seasonings.
Cover and cook on Low, 8-10 hours.
In small bowl, mix cornstarch and water and stir into stew until blended. Increase heat setting to High. Cover and cook about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. ENJOY! 
*Next time I make this, I’m thinking I’ll probably add some sort of protein. Possibly chicken??*
On another positive, and super-exciting note…I’m making progress with the bread machine!
On Saturday night, while our friends Joe & Kate were over visiting, I enlisted Kate’s services with the bread machine (she’s made some amazing bread!). We whipped up a simple loaf of white bread – figured we should keep things easy to start!
While my loaf still sunk a little bit, it came out of the pan in one piece, so HEY, there’s a HUGE step in the right direction! 
Jay and I snacked on some yesterday with breakfast, and I knew it would go perfect with tonight’s stew.
And to spread on our bread, I even mixed up a little impromptu herb butter!
Using about 2 tbsp light whipped butter, I added a dash (no measuring) of:
- garlic powder
- ground mustard
- Italian seasoning
- lemon juice
It turned out pretty good! Heck, everything turned out pretty good! I am a happy camper!
Tonight’s dessert will be another small piece of Wedding Cake, enjoyed while watching the premier of The Bachelor…
Life Is Good
Question for the Evening:
Has your 2011 gotten off to a great start?!?
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
i want eat!!!!
YES!
that veggie stew looks so good! i want to go buy a crockpot and make this ASAP!
Erica recently posted..i guess he liked it…
Vegetable stew looks so hearty and cozy! Great job with the bread.
Blog is the New Black recently posted..Now Dip- Baby- Dip!
Holy moly, this NEEDS to be my dinner one night this week! Comfort at its finest. And congrats on making headway with the bread – it looks pretty good!
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) recently posted..Champagne White Chocolate Ring Cookies
I really need to get a crock pot! I love knowing that I have dinner on its way before I get home from work, especially since I don’t usually get home before 6:45-7ish. Looks great, Courtney! (and belated happy anniversary!)
Thanks, Megan!
What is up with the girls on the Bachelor this season!? My sister was on it when Jake was the bachelor – and i remember the girls being pretty, fashionable and sweet. Now i feel like they are insane!
Alyssa Kuminski recently posted..My NEW New Year
Mmmm looks GREAT!!!!
And congrats on the bread! 
Looks delicious!
Katy (The Singing Runner) recently posted..Perfectionist
Yes! I just beat my 1 mile personal record of 8:12 with a 7:22 mile! yayyyy
Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life recently posted..Weight Training by a Beginner For Beginners- Video Edition
Wow! Way to go!
I use a similar method to make soups, but haven’t tried a stew yet! This looks delicious. I love the idea of adding cornstarch and water at the end to thicken it up a bit. Thanks!
Chelsey Lindahl recently posted..New blog features!
Oo this sounds perfect for the below zero weather we’ve been having!
That stew looks delicious! And I love that it can be left during the day! I might try that with vegetable broth and maybe tofu for protein…?
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) recently posted..2011 goals and your feedback neeeded!
Did you LOVE the Bachelor!?!?!? I am already hooked! Stew looks very tasty! Job well done!
I actually didn’t end up watching it! LOL
Mmmm, that looks delicious… I need a crockpot.
um yummy! this looks so easy yet delicious!
Carrie (Moves ‘N Munchies) recently posted..Not Just Another Resolutions Post
I tried the stew, it is DELICIOUS! I used beef stock instead of chicken broth and didn’t use the parsnips.. mmm mmm good.
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