DINNER TONIGHT? TAKE IT SLOW

Supper practically prepares itself with these hearty meals made extra easy in your slow cooker

- JULIE MILTENBERGER

Balsamic Short Ribs

Active time: 15 min.

Total time: 8 hrs., 15 min.

Serves: 6

Balsamic vinegar stirred into the sauce and drizzled on at the end gives these tender ribs a double dose of sweet 'n' tangy flavor

4 lbs. beef short ribs

1 Tbs. oil

3 carrots, cut into 1" pieces

2 onions, cut through core into wedges

2 cloves garlic, smashed

2 cups low-sodium beef stock

1/2 cup + 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano

4½ cups prepared soft polenta or mashed potatoes (optional)

1 Season short ribs with ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper. In skillet, heat oil over high heat; add ribs. Cook, flipping once, until browned, about 5 min. per side. Transfer to slow cooker; add carrots, onions, garlic, stock,½ cup vinegar, rosemary and oregano. Cover; cook on low until beef is very tender, about 8 hrs.

2 Transfer ribs and vegetables to shallow serving bowl; skim and discard excess fat from sauce. Pour sauce over ribs and vegetables; drizzle with remaining vinegar. If desired, serve over polenta or mashed potatoes.

Per serving: 320 cal. 26g pro. 15g carb. 2g fiber 8g sug. 75mg chol. 300mg sod. 17g total fat 7g sat. fat

Mediterranean Peppers

Active time: 20 min.

Total time: 2 hrs., 20 min.

Serves: 4

Ground cinnamon and plump raisins are the secret ingredients in these savory spiced-right gems

4 red peppers

1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup raisins

4 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley