Any time I page through a compilation cookbook of recipes from home cooks, I always look for information about the cooks themselves, especially where they live. It’s especially fun when the book is titled All-Time-Favorite Recipes From Pennsylvania Cooks. It’s Gooseberry Patch’s latest release, filled with 154 recipes.
When I found a recipe from a cook who lives in the small town where I grew up, I had to try it! I don’t personally know Jennifer Knouse of New Oxford, but I do know that her recipe is quick and easy and reminds me of Thanksgiving dinner!
“This is a great meal for activity-filled school nights… I load up the slow cooker before the kids get home from school. Then, off to sports practices and scout meetings. Finally, back home to a hot meal!” Knouse writes in her introduction. After browning your choice of ground beef or turkey, then mixing in cream of mushroom soup, milk, green beans and spices, it all cooks atop potato puffs in a slow cooker on high for three hours or until hot.
I chose to use ground turkey, and with the addition of the cream of mushroom soup and green beans, it reminded my family of green bean casserole plus the turkey and potatoes on Thanksgiving!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 10-3/4-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon dried, minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 14-1/2-ounce cans cut green beans, drained
- 32-ounce package frozen potato puffs
- Garnish: shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown meat; drain. Add remining ingredients except potato puffs and garnish; mix well. Line a slow cooker with frozen potato puffs. Spread meat mixture over potatoes. Cover and cook on high setting for 3 hours. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese. Serves 6.
Other recipes include Autumn Amish Baked Oatmeal from Karen Sampson of Waymart, Pittsburgh Pigskin Pierogies from Cyndy Destefano of Mercer, Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken and Waffles from Virginia Watson of Scranton, Pennsylvania Stuffed Peppers from Lora Burek of Irwin, Can’t-Eat-Just-One Pretzels from Jenessa Yauch of McKeesport, Homemade Soft Pretzels from Mel Chencharick of Julian, and Honey Bun Cake from Trish Gothard of York.
All-Time-Favorite Recipes From Pennsylvania Cooks is available upon request from Whitehall Public Library by calling 412-882-6622, or in the online catalog, here.