WELCOME

Welcome to this slow cooker/crockpot blog. I believe slow cookers are the best thing to happen to modern day cooks. I used mine often when I worked outside the home and continue to do so even in retirement. It is so nice to put food on and forget about it. Slow cookers also allow us to cook many things we would normally have to use the oven for; what a relief in hot Texas weather! Some of these recipes are mine, many are ones I have collected over the years.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

SPICED BEEF AND APPLE STEW

This recipe is an old Kraft Foods/McCormick Seasonings Recipe which is why it calls for McCormick seasonings.  Normally I do not list ingredients by brand but since this is their recipe, used with permission, I will leave their name in the ingredients.  This is a great dish so I thought you would probably enjoy having the recipe.  The picture is theirs, too.

4 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cumin Seed 
1 1/2 pounds lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 
3 tablespoons flour 
1 tablespoon oil 
1 3/4 cups Kitchen Basics® Beef Stock 
1 can (6 ounces) frozen apple juice concentrate, undiluted 
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Thyme Leaves 
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Allspice, Ground 
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Black Pepper, Coarse Grind 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks 
2 medium firm red cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

Heat small skillet on medium heat. Add cumin seed; cook and stir about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Immediately pour out of hot pan to avoid over-toasting. Set aside.

Coat meat with flour. Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add meat in batches; cook 5 minutes or until browned. Place meat and remaining ingredients in slow cooker; toss to coat well. Cover.

Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. 
 
Thicken with additional flour, if desired.

file photo

Monday, June 6, 2022

SLOW COOKER TACO SOUP

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (may substitute ground turkey or chicken)

1 cup chopped red onion

1 pkg (1.25-oz) taco seasoning mix

1 pkg (1-oz) Ranch-style dressing mix

2 cans whole kernel corn, undrained

1 can pinto beans, undrained

1 can black beans, undrained

2 (10-oz ea) cans chili-style diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 1/2 cup water

Topping suggestions: Shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado slices

Cook the meat and onion over medium-high heat in a large skillet until browned, stirring to break up, drain well.

Combine the meat mixture with the remaining ingredients, except toppings, in a 5 1/2-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat 5 to 6 hours. Serve with your choice of toppings.

Yield: 16 cups

file photo for reference


Friday, June 3, 2022

MEATLOAF FROM COOKING LIGHT

I don't like much meat but I love meatloaf and I love mushrooms. I was immediately drawn to this recipe and thought some of you might like to have it, too.  I won't touch poultry so I will make mine all beef but I'm sure most of you will enjoy it just as listed.

Ingredients

  • (1-ounce) slices whole wheat bread
  • 3/4 pound ground round
  • 3/4 pound ground turkey
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup grated fresh onion
  • teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • large eggs, lightly beaten
  • garlic clove, minced
  • tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

directions

    Place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until crumbs measure 1 1/3 cups. Combine the crumbs, beef, and next 7 ingredients (beef through garlic) in a large bowl, and shape meat mixture into a 9 x 6-inch loaf. Place loaf in an electric slow cooker.
    Combine ketchup, mustard, and pepper in a small bowl, stirring with a fork. Spread ketchup mixture evenly over top of loaf. Cover with lid; cook on LOW for 5 hours.
Amount Per Serving
  • mono fat:5.1 g
  • saturated fat:4.2 g
  • fiber:1.9 g
  • sodium:545 mg
  • iron:3 mg
  • calories:265
  • protein:25.2 g
  • calcium:41 mg
  • poly fat:1.7 g
  • carbohydrate:12.7 g
  • cholesterol:152 mg
  • calories from fat:43 %
  • fat:12.7 g
Photography: Photography: Karry Hosford;

Because no evaporation takes place, the crock-pot makes an especially moist and tender meat loaf. The mushrooms add moisture as well.
Servings:6 servings (serving size: 4 ounces)

     

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

HOW TO COOK FROZEN MEATS IN A CROCKPOT OR SLOW COOKER

It is okay to put frozen meats directly into your slow cooker or crockpot, however it is best to make these changes to your recipe.
  • Before placing the meat into the cooker add a cup of warm liquid (broth, water, etc - whatever liquid your recipe calls for).
  • Do not preheat the cooker before adding frozen meat.
  • Cook the recipe for an additional 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high.

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Friday, October 11, 2019

CLEANING WOODEN CUTTING BOARDS

This is a post from my health blog. I am sharing on my food blogs as this is important information.
Bacteria can grow in the deep knife cuts on wooden cutting boards because wood is porous and nearly impossible to clean.  A quick wipe is not enough to kill the germs on such a board.  To be sure you are getting rid of all the germs, soak wooden cutting boards in 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water for at least 2 minutes.  Wash the board with hot soapy water following the soaking.

file photo

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

CROCKPOT RANCH PORK CHOPS

A friend posted this on facebook. It is good so I thought I would share it with you.