As promised (and especially for our Michievious Minnesota Miscreant), for those cold winter times:

Iron Ore Stew

1 pound lean ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped1 can (141/2 oz beef broth
1 8 oz can stewed tomatoes
undrained, cut up

1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 cup quick cooking barley
4 cups water
3 tablespooons catsup
1 bay leaf
2 small potatoes, cut in cubes

Brown beef, and drain off all the fat. Add the other ingredients and simmer for about 1/2 hour in Crock Pot, start on high, and after an hour, switch to low. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and Tobasco Sauce.

I put it on this morning before work and now I am having it for lunch. I think the potato is redundant with the barley and I skip the toabasco. I'd appreciate any new Crock Pot recipes,   love, harpgirl