Slow Cooker Recipes to the Rescue for the Holidays!
By Stephanie Spillmann
If you're like me and feeling overwhelmed with company and a to-do list a mile long, take advantage of that slow cooker that's hiding in the back of your cabinet.
I'm guilty of neglecting the one tool in my kitchen that could save my sanity during Christmastime, not to mention my budget!
Did you know crock pots can also eleviate some of that summer heat when it's time to cook dinner? I probably use it more than the stove or oven because it doesn't heat up my front room. This trusty kitchen appliance is good all year round.
Since kids are home from college, and visiting family is in and out, I've been taking advantage of these slow cooker recipes that are easy, delicious, and certainly enough for a big family gathering! Check them out and let me know what you think.
One of the easiest meals is to put a whole thawed chicken in your pot, and add 1 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
To that, I usually add whatever root vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes it's sweet potatoes, or red potatoes, and I always add carrots. You can dump in a bag of frozen veggies of your choice as well.
Try green peas or green beans for some color and flavor. To that, I also add 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a few shakes of pepper.
I usuallly hold off on the salt until after cooking to see if it's needed. The broth is usually salty enough.
You can serve this super easy (and cheap!) meal with a fresh green salad and maybe a slice of your favorite dinner bread from the bakery of you favorite store. I think sourdough goes great with this particular dish.
Taking advantage of your slow cooker at busy times of the year, or even during your normally busy week, can save lots of time and energy for sure.
There's nothing better than knowing dinner's already in the making by 10am and will be ready when you are.
For extra money savings, grab meat that's on sale for the week and throw in some favorite veggies and potatoes for a different taste.
I've honestly never had anything in the crock pot that I haven't enjoyed. Meat always turns out so juicy and tender... no matter what kind it is.
If your mornings start early and you're unable to prepare stuff before you go, try meal prepping the night before. You'll need to chop the few sides you want and take your meat out of the freezer.
If you forget that step, throw the frozen meat in the next morning, and it will cook just as well. Cooking frozen meat for eight hours always works for me. Test with a meat thermometer just to make sure.
Once you've done the meal prepping for the next day, store it all in a covered pot (not the crock from the slow cooker -- the cold crock added to rapid heating once you turn on the unit can cause breakage) in the fridge. The next morning, throw it in the crock, turn it on low, and you're done!
If you worry about leaving a slow cooker on while you're gone all day, try setting it in your garage or even on a patio, for peace of mind. The concrete surrounding is a great alternative to your kitchen if you have any concerns about fire safety.
I hope this will give you some great ideas for how to simplify mealtimes during this busy season.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
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