CROCK POT MEDITERRANEAN BEEF STEW

                            A twist for beef stew. Can be prepared and ready to
                  eat in 4 + 1/2 hours or cooked  during the work day up to 9 hours on low.
                   A light version I came across in BHG magazine.

                             1 Tablespoon olive oil
                             1 + 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
                             3 medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch slices
                             1 medium onion, chopped or cut into thin wedges
                             1 medium sweet yellow pepper, seeds removed, and cut
                                into 1 inch pieces
                             1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, crushed
                             2 cloves garlic, minced..[1 clove garlic is equal to 1/2 teaspoon
                                jarred minced garlic]
                             1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
                             1 can petite-diced tomatoes, undrained ..[14.5 ounces]
                             1 cup lower sodium beef broth
                             1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise then sliced into 1/4 inch slices

                                   Cooked pasta, such as Penne,Pappardelle, or even noodles.

                      In large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef;
                      cook and stir until brown. Place cooked meat in slow cooker, repeat with
                      remaining meat. Add carrots, onion and yellow pepper to cooker.
                      Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper.
                      Pour tomatoes and broth over meat and vegetables in cooker.
                               
                       Cover and cook over low setting for 7 to 9 hours
                       The last 30 minutes stir  in zucchini. Cover again, cook for this  time [30 min.]
                       on the high setting.

                       Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions.

                      Serve meat stew over pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese if desired.

                      Give this a try, let me know you results, or opinions.

                      That is all for today friends, this is Jenny