Crock pot meals

A great sauce to make and freeze when you have a surplus of fresh tomatoes.

Reminiscent of the very popular dish King Ranch Chicken in the form a soup. With all the same flavors and the convenience of throwing everything into a slow cooker, this will also quickly become a favorite. Top with fried corn tortilla strips, if desired.

Pay attention to the cut of lamb used in this recipe. I used lamb shoulder chops, which are a fantastic value, when you consider flavor, useable meat, and price. They will probably be the cheapest lamb at the store, have more flavor and richness than leg meat, and are cheaper than shanks and loins. It takes a while for the meat to braise and fall off the bone, but it's a wait rewarded with tender, succulent chucks of lamb.

Bring a bit of the Southwest to your table with this homemade chicken tortilla soup. Loaded with tender chicken, diced tomatoes, and plenty of seasonings, it's sure to be requested again and again. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.