Crock Pot Clam Chowder (with sneaky veggies)

My darling husband (Hi Ian!) is not a fruit or vegetable fan.  If given the choice his diet would look a lot like cheeseburgers with the occasional pasta with a hint of sauce.  However, he knows that fruits and vegetables are important and that he should eat them, he just doesn't enjoy them.  So, we have set out to find ways to add all those important goodies to his diet without completely grossing him out.  Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose but either way I thought you folks might be interested.  The easiest way that we have found is to add some extra veggies to meals that he already really likes.
Here is one of the winners.

Crock Pot Clam Chowder with Sneaky Zucchini

Chowder in a home made (not so pretty) sourdough bread bowl

Ingredients:
1 Medium onion
3 Organic red potatoes (potatoes are on the "dirty dozen" list for pesticide use)
2 Garlic cloves (crushed or very finely chopped)
1 Cup of pureed zucchini
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon dill
1 Bottle (8 oz) of clam juice
2 Cans (7 oz) minced clams
3 Cups water
2 Cups half and half (or milk if you prefer)
2 Tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water

Step 1. Chop your onion and potatoes and place in your crock pot.
Step 2. Add the zucchini, clam juice, clams, water, garlic and seasonings.  Cook on low for 5 hours or until potatoes are fully cooked.
Step 3. Stir in cornstarch mixture and half and half.  Cook on high for 15 minutes.
Step 4. Serve and enjoy!

The zucchini totally disappears in the chowder and thats exactly what we were hoping would happen.  We get to enjoy a yummy bowl of chowder and our bodies get a bonus helping of veggies. Perfect!

You can find more of our "good for you and your belly" recipes HERE

*Linking up with: Farm Girl Friday, Homestead Blog Hop, Homemade Monday, and Simple Living Wednesday