Tag Archives: crockpot

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 →

Creamy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Think that great macaroni and cheese has to be made in the oven? No way! You can make a great creamy macaroni and cheese in your crockpot. What I love about this recipe, besides the fact that it can go into a crockpot, is that it uses less processed ingredients. There is no Velvetta-type cheese in this dish. Of course American Cheese, which is used in this recipe, is itself processed, but at least it does contain milk and isn’t quite as processed as that ready-melt type of cheese product. I like to get my American cheese from the deli, … Continue reading →

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Why put your mashed potatoes to cook in the crockpot? Because the additional ingredients will meld with your potatoes, giving you amazing flavor. I tend to serve this dish at family gatherings because I can leave the crockpot and guest can help themselves to warm, amazing mashed potatoes. In my opinion, there is nothing worse than cold mashed potatoes, except maybe cold gravy. And the crockpot tend to get food throughly hot, so even with the crocpot turned off, the mashed potatoes will stay steaming for a long time. Although this recipe makes a lot of potatoes, I find that … Continue reading →

Top Ten Crockpot Cooking Tips

1. When combining whole fresh root vegetables with a roast or chicken, always place the root vegetable on the bottom of the crockpot. Root vegetables include carrots, potatoes and onions. Because these vegetables generally take longer to cook, then benefit from being closest to the source of the heat. 2. Choose minced onion and garlic over powdered or instant for the best flavor. 3. If your food tastes too bland, it may be because of your herbs and spices (or lack of them). Dried herbs and spices tend to lose flavor during long cook times, so use more or try … Continue reading →

Three Ways Your Crockpot Saves Money

I love my crockpots. Let me say that one more time for emphasis. I LOVE my crockpots. Not only are they very convenient, but they are a great way to save money in the kitchen. Notice I said “they.” Yes, I have two crockpots, and I use them both on a regular basis. There are three main ways a crockpot will save you money and help you bring frugal but hearty meals to your table. 1. The first way your crockpot saves money is by using less energy that traditional cooking methods, such as an oven. The low steady heat … Continue reading →

Frugal Food: Lentil And Rice Casserole for the Crockpot

There is no doubt that rice is one of the champions of frugal food. It is very inexpensive and can be used to plump up many a meal. We buy large bags of rice from a warehouse store to keep in our pantry. To make it handy to use rice for any meal, I simply empty the large bag into a large dry cat food container. The cat food containers are square and roomy and come with lids that seal very tightly. When I need some rice it is easy to simply take my measuring cup over to the container, … Continue reading →

5 Great Recipes to Throw in the Crock Pot

I admit it: I love my crock pot. If there were a fire in my house, after all the people were safe, I would seriously consider going back in to rescue my crock pot. Once, my crock broke and my mother in law and husband went driving for 45 minutes to replace the entire crock pot with a newer, better and bigger model! I was so thrilled! My love affair with the crock pot started when I got married. I got one as a wedding gift. I discovered that I could throw things in it in the morning and come … Continue reading →