Fix-It and Forget-It

Summer is a great time for kids to be in the kitchen. This recipe from our Fix-It and Forget-It Kids Cookbook is easy for kids to do themselves. They’ll feel very successful when they serve this chowder. (So have a second recipe ready for them to make tomorrow!)

This recipe doesn’t require knives. You can buy chopped onions and celery in the grocery store.

And get this: The recipe does not require a hot stove either because it is prepared in a slow cooker. The soup is a great lunch for any time of the year. Let the kids practice now while they’re out of school. And then they’ll be primed to make it for you when you need some kitchen relief!

Ham and Potato Chowder
Fix-It and Forget-It Kids Cookbook, page 38
Makes 5 servings

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped onions
¼ lb. cooked ham
5-oz. pkg. scalloped potatoes
sauce mix from the potato pkg.
4 cups chicken broth
salt to taste
pepper to taste
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup flour

1. Place chopped celery and onions in your slow cooker.

2. Using a kitchen shears, carefully cut ham into thin strips. Add ham to slow cooker.
3. Add potatoes, sauce mix, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir together gently until everything is well mixed.

4. Cover your slow cooker. Cook the Chowder on low heat for 7 hours.
5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and flour.
6. After 7 hours of cooking time, use a potholder to remove your slow cooker lid. Carefully pour the half-and-half and flour mixture into the slow cooker. Mix well.
7. Cover your slow cooker. Continue to cook the Chowder on low for up to 1 hour. During this hour, set the timer for 15 minutes. Stir the Chowder. Repeat this 3 more times – or until Chowder gets thick. Use your potholder any time you touch the lid.