A Book of Great Recipes for Slow Cookers

If you’re after recipes for your slow cooker you’ll want to rush and get a copy of Slow Cooker by Sally Wise. I received a copy of this book to review and it’s the best slow cooker book I’ve seen, filled with great recipes. It’s summer in Australia so I haven’t been using my slow cooker as much (I’m still a bit in holiday mode) but come autumn and winter this will be the first book Ill reach for. If you have a family who loves chicken like Michele’s family does then you will love Bedevilled Chicken (Aussie spelling here … Continue reading →

Comfort Food: Crockpot Mac & Cheese

It seems that we have run out of turkey leftovers. I had wondered how on earth this could be possible, given the fact that we cooked a 21 pound bird and only had to feed five adults and five picky kids. Then I realized the answer: our relatives carted away most of the leftovers. Sigh. Well, I am glad that they are going to enjoy them, but as a result, I actually have to cook dinner tonight. Mourning the loss of all of that turkey and mashed potatoes, I thought comfort food would be in order, and the more simple, … Continue reading →

Simplify Holiday Cooking

When you are tasked with cooking for an army of guests during the holiday season, everyday meals often get relegated to the back burner. After all, who has time to whip up a four-course meal for your immediate family when you trying to create an awe-inspiring buffet for a bevy of out-of-town visitors? Fortunately, there are ways to feed your family delicious and nutritious meals while preparing multiple holiday feasts. Two words: crock pot. The following no-mess crock pot meals are not only a breeze to make, but they also help free you up to work on your holiday baking: … Continue reading →

Save Time and Money with a Crock Pot

The second appliance I consider essential in the kitchen, and nowhere near as expense as an upright freezer, is the crock pot. It is a useful way of using cheaper cuts of meat and making it mouth wateringly tender. It also saves money. When you’ve been out at work all day, or even if you’re a stay at home Mom running around after a young family, the last thing you need when you’re tired is to think about preparing a meal. Rather than opting for take out, you can have a healthy meal cooking during the day. It means a … Continue reading →

Easy Post-Holiday Recipes

How did you spend your Easter? Did you slave away cooking a holiday feast for an army of family and friends? If so, then you likely have no desire to spend a ton of time in the kitchen today. If you single handily put together a multi-course Easter extravaganza, then you shouldn’t have to break a sweat today. Instead, consider making the following super-easy recipes. They will allow you to put a homemade meal on the table without having to strap yourself back to the stove: CROCK POT BRATWURSTS Ingredients: 12 fresh bratwursts 2 tablespoons butter 1 red bell pepper, … Continue reading →

Simple Super Bowl Sides

A week from now millions will gather around their big screen and fill their faces while cheering on the combatants of Super Bowl XLIII – the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. The big game kicks off on February 1st and if you don’t already know what you will be serving up to your super hungry Super Bowl guests, you might consider the following super simple recipes: FETA AND ARTICHOKE DIP Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped 1 … Continue reading →

Easy After Christmas Recipes

Christmas is over, but your houseguests haven’t left yet. When leftovers just won’t do, consider feeding the troops these super simple dishes. The recipes are ideal for large groups and hold up well in situations where not everyone can make it to the table at the same time. But, the best part is that you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen making this feast while the rest of the family is gathered around the TV. HEARTY BEEF DIP Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced) 1 can (4 ounces) … Continue reading →

More Tips On Using Your Crock Pot

I’ve mentioned before that I’m very attached to my crock pot. I actually have two to accommodate home cooked meals and our busy schedule. I admit that I don’t know why everyone doesn’t love and own a crock pot. If you’re not getting the full potential out of your crock pot perhaps you’re missing a few tips. Here are a few things to know about cooking in a crock pot that will make your meals not only easy but super delicious as well. 1. You can thicken crock pot juices by removing the lid for the last half hour of … Continue reading →

Apples, Apples and More Apples for your Crock Pot

Apple picking season is just around the corner. If you’ve never gone with your family I highly recommend it. It’s a great family activity and we’ve always gone at an age where the kids are really excited to pick up apples and put them in their sacks. But of course, if I take my family apple picking, that makes seven bags full of apples and of course I have to find something to do with seven bags full of apples. So I thought I’d share some favorite family recipes. Since we don’t have freezer room or lots of storage, I … Continue reading →

Crockpot Chicken-A-Roni

Here is a nice warm meal that really puts your crockpot to work. I use it because, while my husband loves those “roni” type prepared food packages, I could do without all of the extra sodium, the extra preservatives (some with MSG) and the extra price attached to those things. By creating my own version in the crockpot, I can preserve the creaminess, taste and texture he loves about the “ronis,” while still keeping it healthy. And truth be told, preparing it all in the crockpot just couldn’t be easier. For this meal, I did a side dish of buttered … Continue reading →