Potato and Canadian Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder

Ingredients:

2 c. potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large carrot, diced

1 c. leek, chopped, white part only

1 medium garlic clove, minced

4 c. fat free chicken broth

½ c. pearl barley

¼ t. dried thyme, crushed

¼ t. black pepper

4 oz. Canadian-style bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

bay leaf

½ c. fat free evaporated milk

2 fl oz fat free creamer,  such as fat-free half-and-half

Directions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, leek, garlic, chicken broth, barley, bay leaf, thyme, pepper and Canadian bacon. 
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables and barley are tender.
3. Stir in evaporated milk and half-and-half and heat through uncovered, about 10 minutes. 

Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.