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Category: Crockpot

Slowcooker Bread with Basil Pesto

Slowcooker Bread with Basil Pesto

Slowcooker Bread with Basil Pesto

 

2¼ tsp. (or 1 envelope) active dry yeast

1 T. sugar

1½ C. lukewarm water (about 105 degrees Fahrenheit)

3¾ C. all-purpose flour

1 T. olive oil

¼ C. basil pesto

1 tsp. salt

dried parsley, for topping

kosher salt, for topping

 

Line a 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper and set aside. Place yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add water and continue to stir until combined. Add in the flour, olive oil, basil pesto, and salt; stir with a wooden spoon until well incorporated and a shaggy dough begins to form. Turn out the dough onto a floured working surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth. IF the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, about one T. at a time.  Place the ball of dough in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the top with dried parsley and salt. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or until golden on the bottom. The internal temperature of the baked bread should register at 200˚F. Remove the bread from the slow cooker together with parchment paper and place on a baking sheet. Place the bread under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Let rest until completely cooled before cutting and serving.

Slowcooker Overnight Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats

Slowcooker Overnight Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats

Slowcooker Overnight Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats

 

6 C. water

2 T. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 C. pure maple syrup

1 1/2 C. uncooked steel-cut oats

2 medium Gala apples, cored, seeded, and diced

4 T. salted butter

 

Add water, cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Whisk until well combined. Gently stir in oats and apple. Place butter on top of oat mixture. Place lid on slow cooker and set to low for 8 hours. Stir well right before serving. Tips, Substitutions, Time-Savers, and More: For more texture, serve with something crunchy, like pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds. Milk adds even more richness and flavor; just substitute half of the water for your milk of choice during cooking. And a drizzle of local honey or sprinkling of brown sugar on top adds a bit more sweetness. Don’t have Gala apples? Any apple variety can be substituted.

Slow-Cooker Lemony Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Feta

Slow-Cooker Lemony Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Feta

Slow-Cooker Lemony Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Feta

 

1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 T. EVOO

3 small cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 tsp. fresh oregano or ½ tsp. dried

1 tsp. Salt, divided

½ C. Chicken Broth (half and half?)

1 ½ C. Instant White Rice

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (small to medium in size), trimmed and any fat discarded

¼ tsp. Pepper

2 C. fresh baby spinach leaves

½ C. crumbled feta cheese

1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

2 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. minced Parsley

 

Microwave onion, oil, garlic, oregano, and 1/2 tsp. salt in bowl, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to slow cooker. Stir in broth. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper and nestle into slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 4 to 5 hours on low. Transfer chicken to plate. Stir rice into slow cooker. Arrange chicken on top of rice, adding any accumulated juices. Cover and cook on high until rice is tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Gently stir spinach into slow cooker, 1 handful at a time, and let sit until wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer rice to dish with chicken and sprinkle with feta and parsley. Serve.

Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

 

5 yellow onions, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

5 T. butter, melted

1 tsp. table salt

 

Place the onions in the crock of a slow cooker, then drizzle with the butter and salt and toss to combine. Cook on low for 12 hours. If at some point you can stir the onions, do so, but no need to set the alarm for two a.m. if you’re cooking them overnight. The onions will last in the refrigerator for 10 days, but I usually just package them in 1-cup servings and freeze for later use.

Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms

 

1 cup canned coconut milk, divided

2 T. Thai red curry paste

1 T. instant tapioca

1 1/2 tsp. table salt, divided

1 1/4 tsp. pepper, divided

4 (12-ounce) bone-in split chicken breasts, skin removed, trimmed

1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths

1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/2 inch thick

1 T. vegetable oil

2 T. lime juice, plus extra for seasoning

1 T. fish sauce, plus extra for seasoning

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

 

Whisk 1/2 cup coconut milk, curry paste, tapioca, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper together in slow cooker. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1 tsp. salt and remaining 3/4 tsp. pepper and arrange, skinned side up, in even layer in slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken registers 160 degrees, 2 to 3 hours on low. Microwave asparagus, mushrooms, and oil in bowl, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Stir vegetables, remaining 1/2 cup coconut milk, lime juice, and fish sauce into cooking liquid and let sit until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with extra lime juice and fish sauce to taste. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Crockpot Korean Style Short Ribs

Crockpot Korean Style Short Ribs

Crockpot Korean Style Short Ribs

 

1 cup soy sauce (I use Silver Swan, a Filipino brand, but any would do, even low sodium)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

4 tablespoons sesame oil

4 tablespoons rice vinegar

4 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

I head of garlic, peeled and minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

5 lbs beef short ribs, (aka English Cut)

1-2 stalks green onions, sliced thin for garnish

1/2 teaspoon white sesame seeds for garnish

 

Mix soy sauce, sugar, oil, vinegar, ginger, garlic and red pepper in a small bowl. Place ribs in a 5-quart slow cooker and pour sauce over. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Remove ribs from crockpot and serve hot over a bed of rice with a garnish of green onions and sesame seeds. *Alternately, if you don’t have a crockpot/slow cooker, simply place the ribs in a foil lined baking sheet and baking in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1-1/2 hours until cooked through.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Butterbeans, Apple and Sage

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Butterbeans, Apple and Sage

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Butterbeans, Apple and Sage

 

2 onions, roughly chopped

2 sticks celery, thinly sliced

small bunch fresh sage

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 x 14 oz cans butterbeans in water, rinsed and drained

4 thick pork shoulder steaks

1 T. olive oil

2 C. dry cider

½ C. strong, good quality chicken stock

2 T. butter

1 Braeburn apple, peeled

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 T. cold water until smooth

1 T. wholegrain mustard

 

Place the onions, celery and five shredded sage leaves in a slow cooker, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Scatter with the butterbeans. Season the pork steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan then fry the pork until golden-brown on both sides. Transfer to the slow cooker. Pour the cider and stock into the frying pan, then bring to the boil. Pour over the pork, put the lid on, then cook on low for seven hours until tender and surrounded with sauce. Cut the apple into eight wedges and cut away the core. Heat the butter in a frying pan, then add the butter and fry for 8-10 minutes until golden-brown and just tender. Add about 15 more sage leaves, turn up the heat and fry until the leaves are crisp. Lift the pork steaks from the slow cooker and set aside in a serving dish. Mix the cornstarch paste and the mustard into the beans and stir till the sauce thickens a little. Transfer the sauce to the serving dish with the pork, top with the apples and crisp fried sage. Serve with crusty bread and a crisp green salad

Cranberry-Apple Pork Roast

Cranberry-Apple Pork Roast

Cranberry-Apple Pork Roast

 

1 14 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 ½ teaspoons grated orange zest

¼ cup orange juice

â…“ cup shallots

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 inch section of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 pounds boneless pork loin roast, trimmed and patted dry

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons hot water

 

Stir together the first seven ingredients in the slow cooker. Season the pork roast all over with salt and pepper and place it in the slow cooker. Spoon some of the sauce over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. Add the apples during the last hour of cooking. Place the pork on a carving board, tent it with foil, and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. While the pork rests, stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve the pork slices with a spoonful of sauce and apples on top. Offer the remaining sauce on the side.

Smokey Top Sirloin

Smokey Top Sirloin

Smokey Top Sirloin

 

4 Carrots, cut into 1” pieces

1 Yellow Onion, chopped

½ lb. Russet Potatoes, chopped

1 ½ lb. boneless Beef Top Sirloin, trimmed

½ tsp. each Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika

1 C. Catsup

½ C. Beef Broth

1 T. fresh Lemon Juice

2 cloves Garlic, minced

 

Place first 3 ingredients in a lightly greased 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle steak with salt, pepper, and paprika; place on top of carrot mixture. Stir together ketchup and remaining ingredients. Spread sauce over steak. Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours or until steak is tender. Cut steak into 1-inch-thick slices; serve with carrot mixture and crescent rolls.

Crockpot Hrino Psito (Slow Roasted Pork)

Crockpot Hrino Psito (Slow Roasted Pork)

Crockpot Hrino Psito (Slow Roasted Pork)

3-4 pound boneless pork butt or shoulder

10 whole garlic cloves

3 bay leaves

1 tsp. sage

1 tsp. rosemary

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. brown sugar

1/4 C. dijon mustard

1/4 C. honey

1/2 C. dried cranberries

1 C. beer

 

Use a 6 quart slow cooker.  Put the meat into your crockpot, and pour on dry spices, and brown sugar. Flip the meat over a few times in the stoneware so the spices are kind of stuck to all sides. Peel garlic cloves and add whole.   Add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, and cranberries. Top with bay leaves. Pour in the beer. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until meat shreds easily with a fork.  I cooked on low for 12 hours, and while the meat was tender and flavorful, it did burn a bit on the top and sides.  Serve over rice or pasta, or on your favorite sandwich rolls.

CrockPot Layered Dinner–Steak, Potatoes, Corn on the Cob

CrockPot Layered Dinner–Steak, Potatoes, Corn on the Cob

CrockPot Layered Dinner–Steak, Potatoes, Corn on the Cob

This is what I used. You can use whatever meat or vegetables you have in the house. The trick is to not use too much liquid when cooking the meat, so the potatoes and the corn (or whatever you’re using) isn’t floating in juice.

 

1 1/1 lb. rib eye steak

1 T. of your favorite seasoning rub

1 T. dried onion flakes (a tiny fresh onion, diced, would be fine)

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 C. tequila (or broth, apple juice, etc.)

 

2-4 potatoes

2-4 ears of fresh corn

aluminum foil

 

In my 6 quart Smart Pot, I used 2 whole brown potatoes, and 4 ears of corn. I could have fit another potato in, probably.  Put meat in the bottom of the crockpot. Rub with seasoning and onion, and flip over to get the other side. Add tequila and Worcestershire sauce.  Wash potatoes and cover with foil. Add to the pot. Shuck the corn, and wrap each ear in foil. Add to the crockpot. It doesn’t seem to matter if the potatoes are closer to the meat, or the corn. The new crockpots heat from the sides as well as from the bottom, so everything will cook through regardless of location. Cover and cook on high for 5-7 hours, or on low for about 8. I cooked our dinner for 6 hours on high. My crockpot was quite full.

Crockpot Guiness Glazed Meatballs

Crockpot Guiness Glazed Meatballs

Crockpot Guiness Glazed Meatballs

 

Meatballs

2 lbs. extra lean ground beef

¾ cups seasoned dried bread crumbs

½ cup minced onion

⅓ cup Guinness beer

4 garlic cloves minced

2 eggs

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce

½ tablespoon oil

½ cup diced onion

3 cloves garlic minced

1 ½ cups Guinness beer

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

½ cup barbeque sauce

½ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

½ tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard

1 teaspoon thyme

chopped parsley for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 375℉. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients (ground beef through cayenne pepper) with hands or a large spoon until thoroughly combined. Form mixture into 1 ½” balls and place on sheet pan and cook for 15 minutes. Place in crockpot. While meatballs are cooking, prepare sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat oil and sauté ½ cup diced onion, and 3 garlic cloves over medium high heat for 5 minutes or until onion is softened.

Whisk in 1 ½ cups Guinness beer, tomato paste, barbeque sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and thyme. Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour sauce over meatballs in crockpot. Set crockpot to low and cook for 2-3 hours. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over mashed potatoes.

Game Day Crock Pot Sweet & Spicy Garlic Wings

Game Day Crock Pot Sweet & Spicy Garlic Wings

Game Day Crock Pot Sweet & Spicy Garlic Wings

3 lb. chicken wings

 

1 C. soy sauce

1/2 C. minced garlic

1/2 C. brown sugar

2 T. honey

2 T. Sriracha

 

Place wings single layer on a foil lined pan. Broil for 12 minutes, 4-5 inches from the heat source. Flip once. They should be slightly browned Drain fat Put in crock pot. Mix sauce ingredients Pour sauce over wings. Toss wings around. Cover with lid, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high 2.5- 3 hours

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Sauce:

2 tsp. sesame oil

2 T. garlic minced

2 T. ginger paste

1 C. low sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. sriracha

1 1/2 C. water

1 C. brown sugar

¼ C. hoisin sauce

3 T. oyster sauce

½ tsp. black pepper

 

60 homestyle meatballs

1 C. green onions sliced

2 T. toasted sesame seeds

 

Instant Pot Directions: In a large bowl mix all sauce ingredients together and stir well. Add frozen meatballs to an instant pot liner and pour sauce over the top. Place lid on instant pot and lock into place, set valve to sealing. Cook on manual pressure for 10 minutes Quick release pressure Remove lid, and hit the “cancel” button, then hit the “sauté” button Cook on “sauté” mode, stirring regularly, to reduce the sauce, cook until it reaches desired thickness, 5-10 minutes Once desired thickness is reached for the sauce, remove from instant pot to serving dish, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions Serve immediately over cooked brown rice.

 

Slow Cooker Instructions: Add all sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.  Thaw pre-cooked meatballs, or partially thaw them. Or use fresh (raw) meatballs. Add meatballs to the slow cooker, and cover with a lid.  Cook on high 1.5 – 2 hours (for thawed cooked meatballs) or low for 4 hours. If using raw meatballs, increase cooking time to 2-3 hours on high and 5-6 hours on low.  If when cooking time is up, sauce has not reached desired thickness (unlikely), reduce sauce by cooking it over medium-high heat on a stove top.  When done cooking, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions

Crockpot Cowboy Beans

Crockpot Cowboy Beans

Crockpot Cowboy Beans

 

1 lb lean ground beef

12 oz bacon

1 med onion diced

16 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed

16 oz can white beans drained and rinsed

32 oz pork ‘n beans

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 to 2 tbsp liquid smoke

 

In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain and set aside. Add bacon to the skillet and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through, stirring frequently. Add onions and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent. Add ground beef and bacon mixture to a large 6 quart slow cooker. Add pork ‘n beans, drained kidney and white beans, ketchup, brown sugar and liquid smoke. Stir gently to combine. Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high 2 to 3 hours, stirring as needed. If the mixture seems a little dry, add a few T. of water. Serve with tortillas chips, corn chips, sour cream, cheese, whatever you want. Anything goes!

Slow Cooker Golden Chickpea Soup

Slow Cooker Golden Chickpea Soup

Slow Cooker Golden Chickpea Soup

 

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ground turmeric

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound dried chickpeas

8 ounces Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced

8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

Greek yogurt

1 medium lemon, cut into wedges

Chopped fresh cilantro

 

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Transfer to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the chickpeas, potatoes, and broth, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on the LOW setting until the beans are tender, 8 to 10 hours. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth in the slow cooker, or purée the soup in a blender, working in batches if necessary. Ladle into bowls, then garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and cilantro.

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Chicken

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Chicken

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Chicken

3 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced

3 C. broccoli florets

For the sweet & spicy sauce:

2 C. all-fruit apricot jam

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. coconut aminos

2 T. dry mustard

2 tsp. dried minced onion

2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (use more for a spicier sauce)

2 T. arrowroot powder (for thickening sauce)

 

 

Cut chicken thighs into bite-size chunks and place into a 6-quart slow cooker. Cut the veggies as noted above. Place in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use, as noted below. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, garlic, soy sauce or coconut aminos, mustard, onion, salt, ginger, and red-pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Check chicken at the 4-hour mark, if it’s not cooked through, continue cooking. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Then, continue cooking on low until veggies are al dente (about 30-45 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and veggies from slow cooker and place in a serving dish. Whisk in the arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce, if desired. To serve, ladle the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Serve over basmati rice or cauli-rice.

Slow Cooker Cochinita Pibil Tacos (Yucatan Pulled Pork)

Slow Cooker Cochinita Pibil Tacos (Yucatan Pulled Pork)

Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan Achiote Seasoned Pork)Cochinita Pibil:
2 kg pork butt
3 T. achiote paste
â…“ cup orange juice
â…“ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
â…“ cup white vinegar
1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. salt

Pickled Red Onions:
1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1 T. sugar
½ tsp. whole black peppercorns

Small corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro
Queso fresco (optional)

Rub down pork butt with achiote paste. If the pork is tied up, remove all the string and massage the achiote over the unfolded piece of meat. In a large bowl, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, vinegar, habanero and the spices. Place pork in the orange mixture and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. Turn the pork at least once in the marinade to ensure even saturation. In a small bowl, mix together vinegar, salt and sugar until the dry ingredients are dissolved. Place onions in a sanitized glass jar and pour vinegar over top. Add peppercorns and top up with water until all the onions are submerged. Set aside at room temperature for an hour to steep. After this, they will be ready to eat. If you’re not eating them right away, pop them in the refrigerator to store. Place pork, marinade and 1 cup of water into a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. Once the pork is cooked, it should shred apart easily with a fork. Serve pork in corn tortillas topped with pickled red onions and fresh cilantro (and queso fresco, if you like).

Slow Cooker Braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms

Subtle Asian flavors like ginger, Chinese five spice, and soy sauce join short ribs and mushrooms in the slow cooker for an easy, fragrant beef stew. Serve this hearty, comforting beef dish over a bed of jasmine rice or mashed potatoes–you’ll definitely want something to soak up the rich sauce. If you do not have port or cream sherry on hand, you can simply increase the amount of red wine by 1/2 cup as a substitute.

Slow-braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms4 pounds boned, fat-trimmed beef short ribs or chuck
1 orange (2 1/2 in. wide), rinsed
1 onion (about 8 oz.), peeled and finely chopped
About 1 cup fat-skimmed beef or chicken broth
1 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup port or cream sherry
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. dried thyme or 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
3 or 4 very thin slices (quarter size) peeled fresh ginger
1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice
1 pound mushrooms (1- to 1 1/2-in.-wide caps)
2 T. butter or olive oil
2 T. cornstarch
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions

Rinse meat; cut into 3- to 4-inch lengths (for chuck, about 1 in. thick and 1 1/2 in. wide) and place in a 5- to 6-quart slow-cooker. With a vegetable peeler, pare orange part of peel from orange and sliver it; save orange for other uses. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, combine peel, onion, 1 cup broth, wine, port, vinegar, soy sauce, thyme, ginger, and five spice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Pour liquid over meat. Turn slow-cooker to high, cover, and cook until meat is very tender when pierced, 5 to 6 hours. Rinse and drain mushrooms; trim off and discard stem ends. Cut mushrooms in half lengthwise and place in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan; add butter. Skim off and discard fat from liquid in slow-cooker. Ladle 1 cup liquid into pan with mushrooms. Stir mushrooms often over high heat until liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are lightly browned, 13 to 17 minutes. With a slotted spoon, lift meat from juices in slow-cooker and lay in a single layer in a shallow casserole (about 9 by 13 in.). Pour mushrooms over meat. Bake in a 375° regular or convection oven until meat is sizzling and browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, measure remaining liquid from slow-cooker. If less than 2 cups, add beef broth to make 2 cups, pour into a 2- to 3-quart pan, and bring to a boil over high heat; if there is more, pour into pan and boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 2 cups, 8 to 12 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Pour into boiling liquid and stir until thickened, about 30 seconds. Pour evenly over meat and mix gently to blend with liquid in casserole, adding salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chives.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow-Cooker-Honey-Garlic-Chicken3 large bone-in, skinless chicken breasts (2 1/2 to 3 pounds total) (Using bone-in chicken breasts, rather than boneless chicken breasts, is key to guaranteeing moist, tender shredded chicken.)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup blackberry jam
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Sliced scallions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Arrange the chicken breasts in the slow cooker so that they are not overlapping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, blackberry jam, hoisin, olive oil, garlic, onion and crushed red pepper flakes, and then pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. Using tongs, remove the chicken from the slow cooker (reserving the liquids) and place it on a cutting board. Remove the bones then use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Transfer the liquids from the slow cooker into a small saucepan set over medium-high heat and whisk in the slurry. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook it until it reduces and has thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken, tossing to combine. Serve the chicken topped with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.

Slow-Cooker Red Wine Short Ribs

Slow-Cooker Red Wine Short Ribs

54eaf40e348a0_-_03h-valentine-s-day-menu2 c. dry red wine
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 Au Jus Gravy Mix
½ tsp. dried thyme
Kosher salt and pepper
8 shallots
8 Beef Short Ribs
¼ c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

In a 6-qt slow cooker, whisk together the wine, tomato paste, gravy mix, thyme, and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper. Stir in the shallots. Add the ribs, placing them meatiest side down. Cover and cook until the meat is very tender, on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 5 to 6 hours. With a slotted spoon, transfer the ribs to a plate. Using a ladle or a spoon, skim and discard fat from the sauce. Spoon sauce over the ribs and sprinkle with the parsley, if using.

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

Slow-Cooker-Lemon-Chicken12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher or sea salt to taste
¾ teaspoon pepper, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 lemon, sliced (optional)
1 cup chicken broth (fat free, low sodium)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup flour, optional corn starch
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¾ cup pitted green olives

Sprinkle chicken thighs evenly with salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add half of chicken. Cook about 3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, and repeat procedure with remaining chicken. Combine broth, juice, flour and cumin, stirring with a whisk. Pour broth mixture over chicken. Top with olives and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Add lemon slices as a garnish to serve, if using.

Goodtime Beef Brisket

Goodtime Beef Brisket

3brisket 1/2-4lb beef brisket
1 can beer
2 C. tomato sauce
2 tsp. prepared mustard
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 T. Worcestershire sauc
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
2 T. brown sugar
1 small bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Place brisket in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over meat. Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours. Remove meat from sauce. Slice very thin. Serve on rolls or over couscous.

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

19f751ccbf91c2383188f4d4151e94a66 medium beef blade steaks
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 T. fresh thyme, minced
1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup flour
4 T. oil
salt & pepper to taste
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

Heat a heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 T. of the oil. Add the mushrooms; cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove cover and continue cooking until mushrooms begin to brown. Remove from pan and place in the slow cooker. Return the pan to the heat. Season the steaks with salt & pepper. Add 1 T. of oil and brown the blade steaks nicely. Remove to a plate and set aside. Return the pan to the heat and add 2 T. of the oil. Add the sliced onions, the thyme and the paprika. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Add the flour and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute. Whisk in the sherry and chicken stock, scraping up all the browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Add the entire contents of the pan to the slow cooker. Place browned steaks on top of the mushroom/onion mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, HI for 4-5 hours. Remove steaks to a serving plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep them warm. Stir the cream and parsley into the liquid. Heat for another 10 minutes. Ladle gravy over steaks and serve.

Savory Pork Carnitas

Savory Pork Carnitas

Savory-Pork-Mexican-Carnitas-31 Boston butt pork roast (3-4 pounds), trimmed of visible fat
1 pkg. reduced-sodium taco seasoning
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 large onion, quartered
1 can (4oz) whole green chiles, drained
6-8 flour tortillas (10″)
Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced avocados
Sour cream or queso fresco
Lime wedges
Chopped fresh scallions or Red Onions and fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Place the pork roast, taco seasoning, garlic, onion, and chiles in a 4 1/2-6 quart slow cooker and add about 1 cup of water. Stir to combine. Cover the cooker and cook the pork until it is tender enough to shred, 6 hours on high heat or 10 hours on low. Remove the pork from the cooker and shred the meat with a fork. Spoon some of the shredded pork evenly down the center of a tortilla and roll it up. Repeat with the remaining pork and tortillas. Serve the filled tortillas with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sliced avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges. Garnish them with the chopped scallions and cilantro sprigs.

Bean and Bacon Soup

Bean and Bacon Soup

1 pound small dry beans soaked overnight
2 diced carrots
2 stalks diced celery
1/2 diced onion
1 small can tomato sauce or 1 cup V-8
2 tablespoons bacon grease (reserve from bacon)
2 small dried whole chili peppers (optional)
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste.

Cook a few slices of bacon; reserve fat. Set aside for garnish. Sauté the carrots, celery and onion in the bacon grease. Drain the bean of the soaking water and rinse well. Put sautéed vegetables, beans, chili peppers and bay leaf in crock pot. Fill to within 2 inches of top (this is in my 6 quart) cover and set on High. Depending on the beans it will take 6 to 8 hours to cook soft. If you need it to cook longer just add more water at the beginning. At this point add tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Let cook for 1/2 more and its ready.

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

1 Bocppcx Spiral Pasta (uncooked but rinsed)

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 C. sliced pepperoni

1 Small Can tomato Paste

1 C. water

1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

Spray Large Crockpot 6qt or larger with non-stick spray. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic and green bell pepper. Drain excess fat. Rinse pasta and place in the crock-pot with drained ground beef mix. Stir. Tomato paste and water over noodle mix. Top with shredded Mozzarella. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours (no peeking). Serve with a side salad.

Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

sliders2 large chicken breasts
1/2 C. ketchup
1/3 C. pineapple juice
1/4 C. low sodium soy sauce
1/4 C. honey
2 1/2 tsp. molasses
1/4 tsp. coconut extract
1/2 tsp. minced ginger
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 T. cold water
1 T. cornstarch
2 T. tomato paste
Glazed pineapple rings
10-12 Hawaiian rolls

Glazed Pineapple
10-12 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
2 tsp. of brown sugar per ring
1-2 T. of butter

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, molasses, coconut extract, ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Set it aside. Strain the sauce from the crock pot with a fine mesh strainer, separating the fat from the liquid. Discard the fat, keep the liquid. Whisk together the cold water and cornstarch in a small sauce pan. Pour into the main sauce. Then whisk in the tomato sauce until everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring often. Reduce and simmer for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until thickened. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes. Split the Hawaiian rolls in half, top with a heaping spoonful of shredded chicken and a ring of glazed pineapple. Enjoy!

Bistro Beef in Beer Stew

Bistro Beef in Beer Stew

1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. each dried thyme, marjoram leaves and black pepper

2 lb. beef stewing cubes

2 T. vegetable oil

1 C. dark flat beer

1 C. beef stock

2 T. tomato paste

1 T. each Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 C. baby carrots

1 C. button mushrooms

1/2 C. sour cream

 

In a large heavy plastic bag, combine flour, salt, thyme, marjoram and pepper. In batches, add beef cubes to flour mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to a plate. In a large non-stick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; cook beef, in batches, adding more oil as needed, for 8-10 minutes or until browned on all sides. With slotted spoon, transfer to 3.5 to 6 l (3 1/2 to 6 quartt) slow cooker. Add beef and stock to skillet and bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up any brown bits. Transfer to slow cooker. Add tomato paste, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, carrots and mushrooms to slow cooker; mix well. Cook, covered, on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours or until vegetables are tender and stew is bubbling. Stir in sour cream just before serving.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 382

Fat: 19g

Fiber:

 

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

3 lbs. skinless chicken thighs (I use about 4 chicken breasts)

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 T. sherry

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

2 T. ketchup

2 T. toasted sesame seeds

 

Place chicken in a slow cooker. Combine remaining 7 ingredients in bowl. Mix well. Pour over chicken, being sure to get some sauce on every piece. Cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serves 4 to 6.

 

Slow Cooker Italian Meat Loaf

Slow Cooker Italian Meat Loaf

slowcookmeatloafOlive oil in a spritzer bottle, or non-stick cooking spray

2 pounds extra lean ground sirloin (or bison)

2 large eggs

1 cup (about 1 medium size) zucchini, grated and excess liquid squeezed out

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish

4 cloves freshly minced garlic

3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

2 Tablespoons minced dry onion or onion powder

1/2 teaspoon sea or Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

 

1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce

1/4 cup shredded or 2-3 slices mozzarella cheese

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

 

Line a large (6 quart or larger) slow cooker with folded strips of aluminum foil in a grid pattern. Spray the foil with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for cooking spray and the topping ingredients. Mixture WILL BE loose/wet. This is expected. Carefully transfer mixture into the slow cooker and form into an oblong shaped loaf, setting it on top of the aluminum foil strips. Place lid on top of slow cooker. Cook on high power for 3 hours or low power for 6 hours. 15 minutes before the end of the cook time, turn the heat off and unplug the slow cooker. Remove the lid and spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Place cheese on top of ketchup and replace the lid onto the slow cooker. Allow the meat loaf to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. To remove loaf from the slow cooker, remove lid, hold each end of the strips in each hand , and carefully lift. Transfer the loaf to serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Tortellini

Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Tortellini

1 lb. Italian Sausage (We use HOT for the spice, but sub in the meat you’d like best!)

20 oz. Frozen Three-Cheese Tortellini (The Buitoni kind is in the specialty refrigerated case in the deli area of the grocery store. I pop them right in the freezer when I get home.)

2-4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth (It should not be like soup in the end, try around 3 cups)

2 Cans Diced Tomatoes – The kind that are seasoned with basil, garlic & oregano. If you don’t have the seasoned ones, you’ll need to add in your own seasonings.

8 oz. Cream Cheese or Neufchâtel Cheese – We use the low fat kind when using cream cheese.

crockpotsat

Take your cream cheese or Neufchâtel out of the fridge, and let it sit while you quickly brown your meat. Add the browed sausage and tortellini to your Crock Pot. Pour the tomatoes, liquid and all, and broth over the top. Add your cream cheese to the Pot in chunks. Give your Crock Pot a good stir to get everything evenly distributed, making sure the liquids are adequately covering the tortellini. Cook on LOW for a total of 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Stir at 1 1/2 hours, and again at 3 hours, removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce some time to thicken up. You can leave the lid off longer if you need more thickening time, but stir every so often.

Top with grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.

Crock Pot Deviled Chicken

Crock Pot Deviled Chicken

 

3 lb.  Chicken breasts or chicken legs or chicken thighs

1/4 C. butter, melted

1/2 C. honey

1/4 C. prepared mustard

3 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. curry powder

 

Place chicken in slow cooker. Combine all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook for 4 to 6 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Chicken with Olives

Chicken with Olives

 

3 large all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut bite-size

1 large green bell pepper, cut in thin strips

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

½ C. dry white wine

½ C. pimiento-stuffed olives

1½ T. each minced garlic and olive oil

1 T. tomato paste

½ tsp. each salt and pepper

1 bay leaf, broken in half

6 each chicken drumsticks and thighs (about 3 lb), skin and excess fat removed

 

Combine all ingredients except chicken in a 4½-qt or larger slow-cooker. Add chicken; stir until well mixed.  Cover and cook on high 5 hours or low 8 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender and potatoes can be easily pierced. Discard bay leaf.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 340

Fat: 11g

Fiber: 4g

 

 

Crock Pot Viennese Coffee

Crock Pot Viennese Coffee

3 C. strong freshly brewed hot coffee

3 T. chocolate syrup

1 tsp. sugar

1/3 C. heavy cream

1/4 C. crème de cocoa or Irish cream optional

Whipped cream

Chocolate shavings for garnish

 

Combine coffee, chocolate syrup and sugar in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Stir in heavy cream and crème de cocoa if using. Cover and cook 30 minutes or until heated through. Ladle coffee in to coffee cup. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

 

 

Yield:

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Jamaican Red Bean Stew

Jamaican Red Bean Stew

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 C. sliced baby carrots

3 scallions, chopped

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 (16-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened light coconut milk

1 C. vegetable broth

 

Pour the oil into a 4-quart slow cooker and set the cooker on high. Add the garlic and put the lid on the cooker while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. To the cooker, add the carrots, scallions, sweet potato and tomatoes. Stir in the curry powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, allspice and salt and pepper to taste. Add the beans, coconut milk and broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve over rice or couscous.  Top with diced tomato and red onion if desired.

jamaican-red-bean-stew

Yield:

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Crockpot Chicken Fricassee with Chive Dumplings

Crockpot Chicken Fricassee with Chive Dumplings

Chicken Fricassee dumplins 11 can reduced fat cream of chicken soup

1/2 soup can water

1/2 C. chopped onions

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly-ground black pepper

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

Non-stick cooking spray

 

3 T. shortening

1 1/2 C. flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

3 T. fresh chopped chives (or 2 T. dried chives)

3/4 C. skim milk

 

Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken in crock pot. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours. About 1 hour before serving, prepare chive dumplings: Mix dry ingredients and shortening. Add chives and milk, combine well. Drop by tsp.fuls onto hot chicken and gravy. Cover and cook on HIGH for 45 to 60 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables, or over hot, cooked noodles.

 

 

Yield:

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Crock Pot Chai Tea

Crock Pot Chai Tea

Crock Pot Chai Tea8 C. water

8 black tea bags

3/4 C. sugar

16 whole cloves

16 whole Cardamom Seeds, pods removed (optional)

5 cinnamon sticks

8 slices fresh ginger

1 C. milk

Combine water, tea, sugar, cloves, cinnamon & ginger in Crock Pot. Cover; cook on High 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Strain mixture; discard solids. Stir in milk just before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

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Fiber:

Crock Pot Mulled Cranberry Tea

Crock Pot Mulled Cranberry Tea

2 tea bags

1 C. boiling water

1 bottle (48 oz.) cranberry juice

1/2 C. dried cranberries (optional)

1/3 C. sugar

1 large lemon, cut into 1/4-inch slices

4 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

Additional thin lemon slices

Additional cinnamon sticks

 

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for up to 5 hours.

Crockpot Spicy Chicken Cacciatore

Crockpot Spicy Chicken Cacciatore

2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) no-sodium-added diced tomatoes

8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/2″ thick (3 cups)

2 large carrots, halved lengthwise, sliced 1/4″ thick (1 cup)

1/3 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

4 each skinless chicken drumsticks and thighs (about 2 pounds)

2 small yellow summer squash, sliced into 3/4″-thick rounds

Thin strips basil leaves (optional)

 

In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the tomatoes (with juice), mushrooms, carrots, wine, thyme, garlic, basil, fennel seeds, and red-pepper flakes. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Place the squash on top. Cover and cook on low setting for 7 to 9 hours, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender. Serve with sauce. Garnish with basil, if desired.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 270

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 6g