Crockpot Turkey Sloppy Joes

Photo from Family Circle mag

1 pkg (20.8 oz) ground turkey
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
hamburger buns

In a slow cooker, stir together all the ingredients.  Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, stirring turkey mixture halfway through.  Season with more salt, if necessary.

Goat Cheese Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Photo from Better Homes & Gardens mag

Ever since I heard sweet potatoes are the MOST nutritious vegetable (it's true!  look it up!), I've been trying to give them to the kids at least a few times a month.  They always have them at Trader Joes, and they are SO easy to prepare- you can just poke them and stick them in the microwave- and you can eat them plain, and they are still good!  So although this recipe isn't the healthiest, it is delicious and much better for you than plain mashed potatoes.

3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup butter
2 oz. goat cheese
1/2 cup toasted pistachios
Salt

Simmer the potatoes until tender, drain.  Heat the half-and-half and butter together and mash into the potatoes.  Stir in the goat cheese.  Season with salt to taste.  Sprinkle with pistachios.

*You can really just make this to taste.  I didn't weigh the potatoes- I just used 3 large ones.  I added the butter to taste and added a bit more than 2 oz. goat cheese.  I did NOT top it with pistachios.