Bean and Bacon Chowder - Tasty 365 Crockpot Recipe

8 entrée servings
1 1⁄2 quarts Chicken Stock  or chicken broth
1 1⁄2 cups dried navy beans, rinsed
1⁄2 cup each: chopped carrots, onion
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon each: dried oregano, basil, and rosemary leaves
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled

Per Serving:
Calories: 216 % calories from fat: 18 Protein (g): 13.2 Carbohydrate (g): 31.4 Fat (g): 4.2 Saturated fat (g): 1.3 Cholesterol (mg): 7.9 Sodium (mg): 153

Exchanges:
Milk: 0.0 Vegetable: 0.0 Fruit: 0.0 Bread: 2.0 Meat: 1.0 Fat: 0.5

1. Combine stock, beans, vegetables, and herbs in 6-quart crockpot; cover and cook on low until beans are tender, 6 to 8 hours. Turn heat to high and cook 10 minutes; stir in combined milk and cornstarch, stirring 2 to 3 minutes. If desired, process half the soup in food processor or blender until smooth; stir back into slow cooker. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each bowl of chowder with bacon.

Variation
Mixed Bean Chowder—Make recipe as above, substituting 1⁄2 cup each dried Great Northern, pinto, and kidney beans for the navy beans.

Sweet Onion and Bean Chowder - Another Great 365 Crockpot Recipe

8 entrée servings
2 cups each: reduced-sodium fat-free chicken and beef broth
1 can (151⁄2 ounces) Great Northern beans, rinsed, drained
1 1⁄2 pounds onions, thinly sliced
3⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1⁄4 cup dry sherry (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Croutons

Per Serving:
Calories: 159 % calories from fat: 17 Protein (g): 10.1 Carbohydrate (g): 25 Fat (g): 3.2 Saturated fat (g): 0.6 Cholesterol (mg): 0 Sodium (mg): 443

Exchanges:
Milk: 0.0 Vegetable: 2.0 Fruit: 0.0 Bread: 1.0 Meat: 0.0 Fat: 0.5

1. Combine all ingredients, except sherry, salt, pepper, and Garlic Croutons, in crockpot; cover and cook on high 5 to 6 hours, adding sherry during last 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; sprinkle each bowl of chowder with Garlic Croutons.