Gone are the days of afternoons spent in the kitchen preparing elaborate meals. It needs to be easy! However, it still needs to be nutritious, well balanced and most of all, taste good.
My mom never used a slow-cooker when I was growing up. I think maybe she had a small one that she used to keep hot dips warm throughout the evening when she entertained. It wasn’t until my grown-up life that some of my friends introduced me to slow-cooking. Now with a husband, two kids, a dog, a job and a home to take care of, my slow-cooker has become a very good friend to me. Almost like my own personal Chef. I do the prep work and she does the rest.
When I find a great recipe, I share. I email, post on Facebook or even bring it to the attention of the Mr. Food Test Kitchen as a potential show idea.
I have stumbled upon a number of amazing slow-cooker recipes that I would like to share with you. Remember, slow-cookers aren’t just for stew and pot roast. You may be surprised at some of the recipes I have for you.
For example, ever think about making breakfast in your slow-cooker? Why not try a batch of Mid-Winter Spiced Porridge for a Crowd. Porridge is just a fancy name for oatmeal. You can make this and it will keep refrigerated for at least a week. Then all you have to do is reheat it with some milk or water.
Keeping with the breakfast theme, what about Apple Butter to serve on muffins, toast or English muffins? This time of year apples are plentiful!
Having friends over for football on Sunday? Why not try Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip or Big Batch Kickin’ Chili. Leave all of the work to the slow-cooker and you can watch the game with your friends, rather than slaving in the kitchen.
Here are a couple of ideas for weeknight dinners from soup to dessert:
*Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
*This recipe was the Winner of the Mr. Food The Ultimate Weeknight Meal Contest
Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Brownies
Before I go, I just want to share one last recipe with you. I love caramelized onions and use them any chance I can. However, I don’t have the time to stand over a frying pan and wait for those onions to cook. Now I know I can make them in my slow-cooker! So, enjoy these caramelized onions! Please share with me any of your favorite slow-cooker recipes; I want to hear from you!