Shrimp Creole

This has been one of my favorites since I was a little girl. This is my grandfather's recipe and it reminds me of him every time I smell it! Luckily, one of my favorites is also dairy and soy free!

1 bell pepper, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 pieces bacon, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can of okra & tomatoes (or you can use diced tomatoes and frozen okra)
1 can (12 oz) tomato paste
1 small can mushrooms
1 pounds medium shrimp
salt & pepper

Sautee the veggies and bacon in olive oil until tender. Add the okra & tomatoes, tomato paste and mushrooms. Add salt & pepper to taste. Cook slowly for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Today I put it in the slow cooker on high.... if you want to cook longer turn the slow cooker down to low. I usually do it on the stove on low but decided to try the slow cooker for a change. So far it's working out great! Add shrimp last and cook for about 15 minutes or until shrimp is pink. If you like your shrimp creole spicy you can add Tabasco or other hot sauce. I usually serve over rice!

Bacon Wrapped Apple BBQ Chicken

We had this last night and it was awesome (sorry I couldn't find a picture for you)!

1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (any kind will do as long as it doesn't have soy... I used KC Masterpiece original)
1/2 cup applesauce.
3 chicken breasts
6 strips of bacon

Wrap two pieces of bacon around each chicken breast and place in crock pot. Mix BBQ sauce and applesauce and pour over the chicken. Let cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.... so easy and sooo yummy! The bacon gives this dish a really great flavor!

I served ours with rice and green beans but you can do whatever side dishes are appealing to you!