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...]
Winter Vegetable Chili
We hear it all the time when talking about cooking, shopping and frugality: eat seasonally. But what if you don't know how to cook seasonally. You can't eat seasonally if you don't know how to cook seasonal vegetables. Winter vegetables: sweet potatoes, potatoes, broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, turnips and winter squash like acorn, butternut … [Read more...]
Overnight Slow Cooker Baked Oatmeal
I really wasn't sure if this was going to work. I've been wanting to try it for some time. I read on my friend Stephanie's blog that she made it and it worked. I read her advice and tips and decided to go for the 'overnight' concept. Because I wanted it nice and warm in the morning for my boys! It worked. Totally worked. Didn't burn on the edges. Was completely cooked … [Read more...]
Chicken Spaghetti with Spinach
One dish dinners. They scream simplicity. They scream ease. And they scream quick. 5 ingredients. Most of which you likely already have in your pantry and freezer. 20-ish minutes. Or however long it takes you to cook the spaghetti and then toss it with the other ingredients. You could serve it with a side of bread, or simple side salad - but it really … [Read more...]
Spicy Quinoa with Kidney Beans, Corn and Lime
Have you ever cooked quinoa before?! Are you intimidated because it's a funny looking word and a funny looking grain?! Are you afraid of how it will taste, or if your family will like it?! I'd love a second to speak to these concerns! Cooking Quinoa It's very similar to cooking white rice, takes about the same amount of time and uses the same cooking method. Bring … [Read more...]
Four Bean Salad with Quinoa
Light. Easy. Summer. Salad. The quinoa cooks on the stove top in just a few minutes. If you really don't want to have any heat in your kitchen, cook the quinoa in a rice cooker out on your patio. Once the quinoa is cooked, the rest is dump and stir. A refreshing light salad - perfect for the dog days of summer! Four Bean Salad with Quinoa Light and … [Read more...]