I have a problem. But I know it's a problem and I'm working on it. Each week is different, some weeks better than others. Here is my problem: I bite off more than I can chew. (Not with food...with our schedule.) While I crave simplicity and flexibility, I also know that I don't like to be bored. So if I'm not working, then I've got a fun activity scheduled. (Remember that … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Refried Beans
This is the next recipe in the 31 Days of Slow Cooker Meals series. I may or may not have a little tex-mex food problem. Evidence here. And here. Oh, and over here. That was just in the last few weeks during all my conference travels. Two of those outings were a day apart from each other. It's a problem. It's also a problem taking 6 people out to dinner at a … [Read more...]
Best Tips for When to Add Rice & Pasta to Slow Cooker
Making some meat or chicken with a sauce in the slow cooker can make for a wonderful meal. But cooking the rice or pasta “on the side” is not always necessary. With many recipes, you can add the rice or pasta right in and let it cook during the last bit of cooking. However, adding rice or pasta in at the beginning with the meat means you are going to have a mushy mess at the … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Pear Blueberry Crumble
I hope y'all have enjoyed the first few recipes in this month's 31 Days of Slow Cooker Recipes series. This is the first new recipe that I'm sharing in the series...and I can't wait to share the other new ones with you in the coming days and weeks! This Pear Blueberry Crumble recipe is adapted for the slow cooker from a similar recipe in my One Dish Dinners Cookbook. I … [Read more...]
Mango Raspberry Crumble
I adore mangoes and raspberries. Put them together with a crumbly top and I may as well send myself to summer dessert heaven! This mango raspberry crumble is a simple dessert that just takes a few minutes to throw together. The kids can toss the fruit together in the baking dish, and they can help mix up the crumble topping, too. And there's no question they will … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Egg Casserole with Sausage and Red Pepper
I love the versatility of the slow cooker. I recently discovered the art and science of overnight slow cooking. I love the idea of waking up to a hot breakfast, ready in the slow cooker. And I love the idea of slow cooking a batch of granola or grits, and that it's waiting for me to enjoy in the morning. This recipe works beautifully in the slow cooker. There are no … [Read more...]
Spinach & Tortellini Soup
There's just something about tortellini - it may very well be the perfect pasta. It is the perfect shape for a fork or a spoon and they are the perfect size for one delicious bite. It freezes beautifully too, if for some reason you can't eat them all at once, or if you find them on special and buy a few extra packages. Douse with marinara sauce and some Parmesan cheese for a … [Read more...]
Beef Roast with Winter Vegetables
Gone are the days of summer, the abundance and lower costs of fresh fruits and vegetables. I've come to appreciate the importance of eating seasonally over the past few years. Until five years ago, I hadn't lived in a climate that has actual seasons. Because of this, I didn't pay close attention to changes in the produce because the produce stands and section in the grocery … [Read more...]
Cumin Pork Roast with Black Beans
I have a kid who doesn't like beans. He'll eat a few bites, but with hesitation! The other three kiddos have no issues with beans...in fact, last night the baby (toddler, really!) had beans and bean juice all over him. It was on his chin, his chest, his arms, his legs. He had a bib on, but he really needed a 'body bib.' When we eat spaghetti, I generally remove all of his … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Spring Vegetables
I rarely. I mean rarely. Like practically never. Ever. Maybe once every 2 years. Look at other cookbooks. I use my own all the time (for reference in baking or to check if I've done that recipe before or to replicate a flavor combination, but cook it differently.) A few weeks ago, I was clearing out a cabinet above the kitchen desk. I was really looking for books to put into … [Read more...]