Easy Crock Pot Chili

Easy crock pot chili: Just made this, delicious! One package Bear Creek Chili Mix. Prepare in a crock pot according to directions (add 7 cups water, pretty basic). Cook all day on low. About an hour before serving, brown 1 lb (or more, I think I did 1.25 lbs) hamburger and add 2 packets taco seasoning to the drained hamburger and 3/4 cup water. Add burger mixture to the crock pot and bring again to a boil, serve with cheese, onion, and some cornbread. GOOD! The Bear Creek Chili by itself was a little flat in flavor so I added the burger and taco seasoning. Thinking it probably would work sticking ALL of it in the crock pot from the beginning, but NOT the hamburger, you'd want to brown and rinse it first, otherwise it would be too greasy unless you used elk or deer burger.

Homemade Tomato Soup

I hate having to be gluten free, although now I think it's a wheat allergy, instead of all gluten.  That's slightly better I guess.
I love Tomato Soup, but the second ingredient in canned tomato soup is wheat flour.  Boo.  But I came up with an alternative and it's good.

1 can tomato sauce (14 oz can)
1 can evaporated milk (12 oz.)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Pinch of Herbs de Provence
Pinch of baking soda
1 tsp butter (optional)

Combine all ingredients well and heat just to barely boiling while stirring constantly with a whisk.  Makes 2 servings.