Down Home Crockpot Brunswick Stew

Family traditions run deep. The traditional 4th of July BBQ held in my small town is no exception. While this recipe calls for the use of a crockpot, I remember the days when the men in my family stood over boiling cast iron pots stirring this wonderful stew. The smoke from the fires would sting their eyes, but they were known for miles around and flocks of people would come to get a taste of this treat.

1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3 cups chicken, cooked and diced small
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup onion, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp rosemary, dried and crushed
1/4 tsp oregano, dried and crushed
1/2 tsp black pepper, fine ground
1/8 tsp cloves, ground
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

In a bowl, combine tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir until blended well. Add your chicken broth giving a good stir to blend well with the tomato mixture. Add in the onion and spices.

Put your chicken into the crockpot.

Pour your liquid mixture over the chicken giving it a good stir to blend in all the ingredients.

Cover and cook on low for about 5 to 6 hours.

While your stew is cooking in your crockpot, prepare your pork or main meat for the grill.

Serve your stew hot from the crockpot with your meat. We like pulled pork. Add a few slices of fresh white bread and sweet pickles and you have yourself a real down home crockpot brunswick stew meal.