Crockpot Adventures

Crock Pot Yogurt

2009-06-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Candy at Keeping The Christian Home for this wonderful recipe!

Crock Pot Yogurt

8 cups Whole Milk (pasteurized is ok but not ultra-pasteurized)
1/2 c. plain store bought yogurt (to use as a starter)

Put the milk in your crock pot and set on low. Allow to cook on low for 2.5 hours. don't remove the lid during cooking. Turn the crock pot off and allow to sit for 3 hours (don't open it or stir the milk, just leave it alone for 3 hours). After the three hours has passed, remove the lid and stir in the yogurt with a wire whisk. Replace the lid and wrap the crock pot in a heavy bath towel. Allow to sit overnight. In the morning you will have yogurt.

If the yogurt is not as thick as you'd like, just line a fine mesh strainer or colander with a clean flour sack cloth or double cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Pour in your yogurt and set in the refrigerator for about an hour. The whey that drains into the bowl can be saved for use in cooking or soaking foods to be cooked such as beans or whole grains.

To flavor yogurt, drain it to desired consistency then add honey or other sweetener and pureed or chopped fruit.

Drain for several hours to obtain yogurt cheese (similar to cream cheese) to use in dips, spreads or on bread or toast.

Tamale Pie In The Crockpot

2008-11-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

Quick and easy to prep, delicious with a nice green salad!

Tamale Pie In The Crockpot

1/2 c. corn meal
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 c. milk
1 lb. ground beef
14 oz. can diced tomatoes
2 c. frozen corn, thawed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 chopped bell pepper
1 chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin

Mix first 8 ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Brown beef with onions, garlic and bell pepper. Drain and add to crock pot. Stir in remaining ingredients. Top with corn bread batter. Cook on high 4 or 5 hours. (There may be liquid on top of the casserole before you add the cheese, absorb it with paper towels). Top with cheese, cook on low another 30 minutes.

Crock Pot Chicken Curry

2007-10-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

A nice mild flavorful curry, great served over rice with buttered cauliflower on the side.

Crock Pot Chicken Curry

1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
4 small potatoes, diced
1 c. frozen peas
2 Tbsp. butter
1 can coconut milk
1/2 c. pineapple juice
1 c. chicken broth
1 Tbsp. curry powder
2 Tbsp. flour
pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt

Place chicken, onion, ginger, potatoes, peas, butter, coconut milk and pineapple juice into crock pot. In a small sauce pan, whisk flour and curry powder into broth. Heat to high, stirring frequently until thick. Whisk in salt, pepper and red pepper. Pour into crock pot. Cook on low for 5 - 6 hours.

Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potatos

2007-09-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Add chopped kielbasa and diced bell peppers to make this a full meal. Great served with green beans!

Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potatoes

1 (30 oz.) package frozen hash browns
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 stick butter, diced
1 small onion, minced
1/2 c. sour cream
season salt and pepper to taste

Combine all in crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Crockpot Cherry Cobbler

2007-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Easy and so delicious!

Crock Pot Cherry Cobbler

(this recipe works for a 2.5 - 3 quart crock pot, double it for a larger crockpot)

1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
1 can cherry pie filling (you can also use apple, blueberry, peach or other canned fruit pie filling)

Stir melted butter into cake mix (it should be crumbly). Pour pie filling into crock pot. Top with cake mix and butter mixture. Cover and cook 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

Crock Pot Rice Pilaf

2007-05-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Crock Pot Rice Pilaf

A great dish alone or with chicken or fish.

1 package (about 1 1/2 cups) long grain and wild rice mix (uncooked)
3 cups chicken stock or broth
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, minced
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1/2 stick butter
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp. parsley

Combine all in crock pot and mix well. Cook on high for 2 hours or until rice is tender. Ideal crock pot size for this recipe is a 2 1/2 - 3 qt. crock pot.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak

2007-03-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is great served over rice or noodles.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak

1 lb. stew beef or beef strips for stir fry
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 bell pepper, sliced into strips
2 cloves garlic, sliced
5 scallions, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. Worshteshire sauce

Add vegetables to crock pot. Top with beef and remaining ingredients. Cook on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours.

Slow Cooked Pot Roast

2007-03-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Pure comfort food. Great served with rice.
Slow Cooked Pot Roast

1 (2.5 - 3 lb) beef roast
1 onion, thinly sliced
3 carrots, cut in chunks
2 potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
2 stalks celery. cut in chunks
1/2 c. water
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. all-purpose seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash or Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute)

Add vegetables to crock pot. Place roast on top. Add Worcestershire sauce and seasoning. Add water. Cover and cook on low for 10 - 12 hours.

Posole

2007-02-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

A traditional Mexican soup, often served during the holidays. This one is great on any cold day when you want a satisfying and simple meal.

Posole

2 qt. water
1 lb. stew meat (beef or pork cut into small cubes)
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 white onion, sliced
2 lb. can hominy, drained
1 c. dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsed
1 Tbsp. New Mexico chili powder
1 Tbsp salt (or more to taste)

Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours.

Crock Pot Potato Soup

2007-01-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

A prefect recipe for cold weather. Pure comfort food.

Crock Pot Potato Soup

8 potatos, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
2 leeks or 4 scallions, sliced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 onions, diced
1 c. diced ham or crumbled cooked bacon
5 c. water
4 tsp. chicken boullion
1 Tbsp., dried parsley
1 Tbsp. chives
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dill
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk
1/2 c. shreded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 c. sour cream

Add all ingredients except milk, cheese and sour cream to crock pot. Cook 6-8 hours on high or 10 - 12 hours on low. During the last hour add the milk, cheese and sour cream, stir well then cover again and allow to cook until cooking time is done.

Thai Beef

2006-12-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

This is great served over brown rice with some steamed veggies on the side.

Thai Beef

2 lbs. beef stew meat cubes
1/2 c. creamy natural style penaut butter
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. honey
4 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. dried minced garlic
2 tsp. rice wine vinegar

Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low 6 hours. Stir well before serving.

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

2006-06-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Easy and delicious!

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg. stovetop stuffing
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 2/3 c. hot water
1/3 c. milk

Place chicken in crock pot, combine soup and milk and pour over chicken. Combine stuffing with water. Put on top of chicken. Cook 6 - 7 hours on low.

Carne Con Papas

2006-05-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Literally translated it means "Meat with Potatoes". Delicious served with homemade tortillas, salsa and pinto beans.

Carne Con Papas

1 (3 - 5 lb.) beef roast
1 (15 oz. can) diced tomatoes
1 small can diced green chilis, drained
6 potatoes, peeled and diced
seasonings to taste: Adobo seasoning, minced garlic, minced onion

Place potatoes in crock pot. Place meat on top of potatoes, season with seasonings to taste. Top with chilis and tomatoes. Cook 6 - 8 hours on low or 4 - 5 hours on high.

Doughnut Pudding

2006-05-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Crock Pot Doughnut Pudding

15 doughnut holes, cut in half
1 c. milk
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 butter or margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla
dash nutmeg

Put the doughnuts into a heat safe bowl (such as pyrex) and place the bowl in the crock pot. In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour over doughnuts. Cover crock pot and crock pot and cook on low for 3 - 4 hours.

Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup

2006-04-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Rich, creamy and satisfying.

Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup

6 med. potatoes, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
6 scallions, diced
6 c. water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
Parsley flakes
1 small can (5.8oz) evaporated milk
1 c. shredded chededar cheese

Put everything into the crockpot except cheese and milk. One hour before being done, add cheese and evaporated milk.

Cook Book Reviews

2006-04-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Fix It and Forget It Lightly by Phyllis Pellman Good

Cook Book Review: Fix It And Forget It Lightly

2006-04-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Fix It And Forget It Lightly by Phyllis Pellman Good is one of my absolute favorite crock pot cookbooks. It is loaded with simple recipes that are not only tasty but good for you as well. It is categorized into sections such as "Chicken Main Dishes", "Beef Main Dishes", "Vegetables", and "Desserts". This cookbook is great because it tells you the ideal size cooker for each recipe as well as offering tips and hints throughout the book. A must have for any crock pot enthusiast.

Product Review: McCormick Slow Cookers Hearty Beef Stew

2006-04-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

I usually make my beef stew in the crock pot like this, but tonight we tried the McCormick Slow Cookers Hearty Beef Stew. Although this product was very flavorful, I found it much too spicy for my kids. It actually reminded me of Peppered Beef Jerkey. If you like it spicy give it a try, but if you are feeding your whole family you might want to pass this one up.

Crock Pot London Broil

2006-04-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Savory, tender and oh so good!

Crock Pot Lodon Broil

1 London Broil
1 can of diced tomatoes with bell peppers
1 pack of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
4-6 large potatoes cut in quarters
1 16 oz bag of baby carrots
1 onion, sliced
1-1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup worchester sauce

Pour water, worchester sauce and onion soup mix in crock pot. Place potatoes, carrots and onions in crockpot, place meat on top then pour the can of tomatoes on top. Cook on Low for 8 - 10 hours.

Product Reviews

2006-04-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

McCormick Slow Cookers Hearty Beef Stew

Crock Pot Breakfast

2006-04-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Breakfast ready and waiting in the morning!

Crockpot Breakfast

12 eggs
1 (32 ounce) bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 lb bacon, cut into small pieces -cooked and drained
1/2 cup onions, diced
3/4 lb shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
salt and pepper

Layer the ingredients in your crockpot in this order:

1/2 of the potatoes- on the bottom. 1/2 of the bacon. 1/2 of the onions. 1/2 of the cheese. potatoes. bacon. onions. cheese. Beat the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper together. Pour this over the whole mixture. Cook on low overnight.

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

2006-04-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

Outdoor flavor straight from the crock pot.

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

3 lbs. pork ribs
Seasoned salt and pepper
1 onion, sliced
1 (16 oz.) bottle barbeque sauce

Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper. Place ribs in broiler pan under broiler for 15 minutes to brown and remove excess fat. Put sliced onion in crock pot. Slice ribs into serving pieces and put in crock pot. Pour in barbeque sauce. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or on high 4-5 hours.

Crockpot Almond Chicken

2006-04-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Flavorful and delicious!

Crockpot Almond Chicken

1 can (14 ozs) chicken broth
1 slice bacon, diced
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 - 1 pound boned chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups diagonally sliced celery
1 small onion, sliced
1 can (4 ozs) sliced mushrooms, drained
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
cooked rice
2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Pour chicken broth into crockpot. Cover and turn crockpot to High while browning meats and vegetables.

In skillet, heat bacon and butter; add chicken pieces and brown quickly on all sides. With slotted spoon, remove browned chicken to crockpot. Quickly sauté celery, onion and mushrooms in skillet until just slightly limp.

Add contents of skillet to crockpot with soy sauce and salt; stir well. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.

Serve over hot rice and garnish with toasted almonds. Serves 4.

Crock Pot Oatmeal

2006-04-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Wake up to breakfast ready and waiting!

Crock Pot Oatmeal

2 cups milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup chopped apple
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Grease the inside of crockpot. Put ingredients into crockpot and mix well. Cover. Just before going to bed, turn on the crockpot low. It will be ready to eat in the morning.

Crock Pot Italian Beef

2006-04-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Great for Italian Beef Sandwiches!

Crock Pot Italian Beef

3 - 5 lbs. beef roast

1 pkg. Italian Dressing mix

1 c. beef broth

2 t. Italian seasonings

1 roasted red bell pepper, sliced thin

salt and pepper to taste

sliced pepperocini peppers (optional)

Mix together beef broth, dressing mix and Italian seasonings. Pour over beef roast in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper. Add roated bell peppers. Add pepperoncini peppers if desired. Cook on Low heat for 8 hours. Serve on rolls with sliced provolone cheese and lettuce and tomato if desired.

Breakfast

2006-04-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Crock Pot Breakfast
Crock Pot Oatmeal
Crock Pot Yogurt

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2006-03-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

A traditional favorite fashioned for the crock pot.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

1 lb. bag baby carrots
1 bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
1 onion, sliced thin
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
20 oz. can pineapple tidbits
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. chicken bullion granules
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3 Tbsp. corn starch
1/4 c. water
3 c. cooked rice

Add carrots, bell pepper and onions to crock pot. Top with chicken. Drain pineapple and reserve juice. Place pineapple over chicken. Mix [pineapple juice with brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, water and corn starch. Pour over chicken. Cook on low 6 - 7 hours. Serve over rice.

Seven Layer Bars

2006-03-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

A classic recipe adapted for the crock pot.

Seven Layer Bars

2 tablespoons light, soft tub margarine, melted
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butterscotch chips
1/4 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk

Layer ingredients in a bread or cake pan that fits in your slow cooker, in the order listed. Do not stir. Cover and bake on high two to three hours, or until firm. Remove pan and uncover. Let stand five minutes. Unmold carefully on plate and cool. Makes 18 servings.

Crock Pot Lasagna

2006-03-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

All the flavor of lasanga without the fuss.

Crock Pot Lasagna

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
2-15 oz. cans tomato sauce
1-6 oz. can tomato paste
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried oregano
1-12 oz. carton cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz. lasagna noodles, uncooked
12 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. Add garlic powder, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano. Cook long enough to get it warm. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the crockpot. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. 10 Servings

African Chicken Stew

2006-03-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

If you like curry you will love this.

African Chicken Stew

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
2 Tb. oil
15 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. chicken stock
1/4 c. natural peanut butter
2 yams, peeled and cut into chunks
2 Tb. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. dried parsley

Fry vegetables and spices in the oil until vegetables are tender and spices are fragrant (about 3 minutes). Add chicken, cook until golden brown. Add to crock pot. Add stock, tomatoes and Peanut Butter. Cook 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.

Pork

2006-03-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce

2005-12-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

For the holidays or any time of year. Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce 1 bone in turkey breast 1 package onion soup mix 1 can cranberry sauce 1/2 cup water Mix sauce, soup mix and water and place in the bottom of the crockpot. Add turkey breast. Cook on high for 2 hours. Then turn to low and cook 4 to 6 hours more. Remove turkey from crockpot, let stand 10 minutes. Slice and serve with sauce.

Tags: Food, cooking, crockpot, recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Cake

2005-12-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is so easy to make and very delicious.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Cake

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 cup boiling water

In a bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar and baking powder. Add milk, oil and vanilla extract; stir until smooth. Mix in peanut butter. Pour into crockpot. In same mixing bowl, stir together remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cocoa. Gradually stir in boiling water. Pour mixture over batter in cooker. DO NO STIR. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce and nuts.

Converting Recipes For The Crock Pot

2005-12-19T00:07:00.000-08:00

Just came across this very imformative article today about how to convert recipes for crock pot cooking.

Adapting Your Recipes for the Slow Cooker
by Sherry Frewerd

Now that you’ve started using your crock pot slow cooker regularly, you’re probably wondering how you can adapt your traditional recipes to use in a crock pot. The ease of preparing a meal with a slow cooker has literally changed the lives of busy families. With the help of their slow cookers, families are eating healthier and consuming less greasy fast-food.

Here are some hints for adapting your favorite traditional recipes for crock pot cooking.

1.) Add vegetables like peas and broccoli to your recipe in the last 15 – 60 minutes. If you’re using frozen vegetables, remember to add them to your crock pot recipe during the last 30 minutes.

2.) Make sure to soak your dried beans so that they are completely softened before adding them to your recipe. If your recipe includes tomatoes, salt, or sugar, then your beans should definitely be soaked before cooking.

3.) If your recipe calls for pasta, any kind of seafood, milk or other dairy products, then only add them during the last 60 minutes of cooking, and cook pasta to just a bit tender before adding them to the cooker. Condensed cream soups are good alternatives to dairy products because they can withstand longer cooking times.

4.) When cooking a recipe with rice, add an extra ¼ cup liquid for every ¼ cup of rice.

5.) Always remember to reduce the liquid in your recipe by ½ when you’re using a traditional recipe in your crock pot.

6.) A good idea for cooking stews and soups that call for vegetables is to put the veggies on the bottom and sides of the slow cooker and then place your meat on top.

Traditional Recipe to Slow Cooker Use:

15-30min traditional = 1.5–2hrs High or 4-6hrs Low in Crock pot

35-45min traditional = 3-4hrs High or 6-10hrs Low in Crock pot

50min-3hrs traditional = 4-6hrs High or 8-18hrs Low in Crock pot

If you’re like most families, your slow cooker supplies lots of food per meal, so you’ll very likely have leftovers. Always remember to never reheat your leftovers in the crock pot. One of the additional rewards of slow cooking is the ability to make lots of food and freeze for future meals. Happy slow cooking!

About the Author: Sherry Frewerd publishes Family Crock Pot Recipes http://familycrockpotrecipes.com and Recipes to Live By http://theres-more-to-life-than-food.typepad.com/recipes_to_live_by . Both sites are full of delicious recipes that families love.

Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com

Crock Pot Pot Roast

2005-12-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

A delicious meal for any occasion.
Pot Roast

3 - 5 lb. beef roast
salt
pepper
2 onions, cut into chunks
4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
3 stalks celery, cut into chunks
10 button mushrooms
2 Tbsps. olive oil

Place all vegetables in crock pot. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven until ripples form. Season roast on all sides with salt and pepper. Brown roast on all sides. Place on top of vegetables. Cover crock pot. Cook in high for 5 - 6 hours or low for 8 - 9 hours.

Crock Pot Ropa Vieja

2005-12-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

Traditional Cuban style Ropa Vieja. Serve with black beans and rice.

Ropa Vieja

One 2 ¼ to 2 ½ pound chuck roast or two 1 ¼ pound flank steaks
2 teaspoons fine sea or kosher salt, plus more for seasoning the beef
Freshly ground pepper
Onion powder
3 tablespoons canola oil
½ cup Sofrito
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Two 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
1 ½ cups water
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
2 bay leaves
4 celery stalks, with leaves, cut into ¼-inch dice
3 medium carrots, trimmed and cut into ¼-inch dice
1 cup fresh or frozen green peas

Pound the chuck roast or flank steaks out with a heavy meat mallet until about ½ inch thick. Season both sides of the beef generously with salt, pepper and onion powder. Heat the oil in a large, oven-proof, heavy skillet over high heat until rippling. Add the beef and cook it until well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Drain or spoon off most of the fat from the pan. Stir in the sofrito, 2 teaspoons salt, and the cumin and bring to a boil. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, olives, and bay leaves. Add beef, sauce to crock pot. Cook on high 4 hours or low 6 hours. Shred the meat coarsely by hand or using two forks. Return it to the crock pot and add the celery and carrots. Cover and cook about 30 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the peas and cook a few minutes more.

Smothered Chicken

2005-12-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

Comfort food at it's finest.

Crock Pot Smothered Chicken

1 whole chicken, cut up and skin removed if desired
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 can cream of potato soup (any cream soup can be substituted)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp pepper

If desired, dredge chicken in flour and brown (this is not necessary to do). Put vegetables in crock pot, then add chicken. sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper, add soups. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.

Greek Chicken

2005-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

This chicken makes your mouth water when you smell it cooking. So good!

Greek Chicken

6 potatos, quartered
3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken or a whole chicken, cut up and skinned
2 large onions, quartered
1 whole bulb garlic, minced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and quartered
½ c. water
3 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Juice of ½ a lemon
1 small can sliced or whole pitted black olives (optional)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

Put potatos in bottom of crock pot. Add chicken, onions, garlic. In a small bowl, wisk oregano, sale pepper, water and olive oil. Pour mixture over chicken and potatos. Cover and cook on high for 5 – 6 hours or low for 9 – 10 hours.

Crock Pot Stuffing

2005-12-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

Perfect with turkey, chicken for your holiday meals. Crock Pot Stuffing 7 c. dry bread cubes (I use half white/wheat bread ends and ½ corn bread) 1 c. minced white onion (not the dry kind) 1 c. minced celery (fresh, not dried) 1 c. chicken or turkey stock ¼ c. chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. paprika ½ tsp sage ½ tsp. thyme 1 stick butter or margarine Rub crock pot with the butter, cut the remainder in small pieces and set aside. Combine all ingredients including butter and put into crock pot. Cook on low 2 – 3 hours.

Tags: Thanksgiving, recipes, crockpot, frugal

Pasta

2005-12-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

Italian Sausage Over Linguini
Lasanga

Italian Sausage over Linguini

2005-12-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

Full of flavor, this dish will have your family asking for seconds.

Italian Sausage over Linguini

1 lb. Turkey Italian Sausage, uncooked
1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
2 jars spaghetti sauce
1 lb. linguini, cooked

Add vegetables to crock pot. Dot with slices of the sausage. Top with sauce. Cook on low all day. Serve over linguini.

Side Dishes

2005-12-09T22:07:00.001-08:00

Crock Pot Rice Pilaf
Stuffing

Holiday Recipes

2005-12-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

Stuffing
Turkey Breast With Cranberry Sauce

Desserts

2005-12-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Bread Pudding
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Cake
Crock Pot Cherry Cobbler
Doughnut Pudding
Seven Layer Bars

Crock Pot Bread Pudding

2005-12-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

So warm and delicious, this dessert is a sure winner!

Bread Pudding

8 c. day old bread, cubed
2 c. milk
4 eggs
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. raisins

Put bread into a pyrex bowl, set into crock pot. In a mixing bowl, combine next 6 ingredients, beat until smooth. Stir in raisins. Pour over bread, stir gently. Cook on low 3 hours or until center is set.

Crockpot Chili

2005-12-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

Probably my most requested recipe from family and friends, this is the perfect cold weather fare.

Crock Pot Chili

1 lbs. ground beef
1 c. dry pinto beans or kindey beans (cooked)
3. c. water (or cooking liquid from beans)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
3 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tpsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. oregano
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1-2 tsp. salt
pinch of brown sugar
pinch of cocoa powder

Brown ground beef, drain. Add all ingredients to crock pot. Allow to simmer 6 hours on low. Serve topped with cheese and sour cream, with rice or crackers on the side.

Crockpot Beef Stew

2005-12-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

Simple, satisfying and comforting, beef stew is the best cold weather food.

Crockpot Beef Stew

4 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
½ pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
1 lb. stew meat
½ can tomato paste
1 pkg. beef stew seasoning
3 c. water

Layer ingredients in order in crock pot. Cook on low 4-5 hours or high 7-8 hours.

Beans

2005-12-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

Boston Baked Beans
Chili

Birria

2005-12-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

Birria (pronounced "vee-dee-a") is one of the foods I always remember from childhood that would make my mouth water just from the smell. My mom would make this for parties or holidays and although her crockpot started out full, by the end of the night it was empty. This dish is traditionally served with flour or corn tortillas (gorditas are best), pinto beans and Spanish rice.

Birria (my mom's recipe)

1 3 to 5 lb. beef roast (preferably brisket - NOT "CORNED" BEEF BRISKET)
1 large can whole tomatoes, crushed (you can do this with kitchen shears right in the can)
3 large carrots shredded
1 large white onion, sliced very thin
2 celery stalks, sliced thin
1 jar medium sized Spanish olives, sliced
Seasonings to taste: salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder

Put roast in the crock pot. When roast is done (8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high) remove it from crock and shred. Remove any fat and save the broth. Layer in the crock pot in equal amounts as follows: meat, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, olives, broth. Repeat layers. Allow to heat for 30 minutes so flavors can blend.

Vegetables

2005-12-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

Baked Potatos
Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potatos

Baked Potatoes

2005-12-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

Probably one of the simplest recipes you can prepare in the crock pot, and also the biggest time saver. Much better texture than just popping them in the microwave.

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

Prick potatos with a fork. Wrap each one in foil. Put them in the crock pot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. DO NOT ADD WATER!

Taco Soup

2005-12-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

This soup is great for the cold weather, it's hearty and filling and loaded with flavor.

Taco Soup

1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
1/2 c. frozen corn
1 c. pinto beans, cooked and drained
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 c. hominy, drained
1 can green chilies, drained
salt and pepper to taste.

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or crock pot and cook until vegetables are tender. Serve topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.

Aloha Chicken

2005-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of my absolut favorite recipes, I found it on WAHM.com and have prepared it many times. My family loves this served with white rice and California Mix vegetables.

Aloha Chicken

Chicken pieces of your choice or boneless chicken breast
1/2 bottle of Terriaki Sauce
1 Can of Pineapple

Put the chicken in your crock pot
Pour half the bottle of Terriaki Sauce on top
Pour in the juice from the pineapple

Let this cook all day on low! 1/2 hour before you are ready to eat, dump the pineapple in it. This is great served with steamed broccoli and noodles or rice.

Crock Pot Chili

2005-12-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

Awesome cold weather fare... this doesn't last very long in my house.

Crock Pot Chili

1 lbs. ground beef
1 c. dry pinto beans or kindey beans (cooked)
3. c. water (or cooking liquid from beans)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
3 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tpsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. oregano
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1-2 tsp. salt
pinch of brown sugar

Brown ground beef, drain. Add all ingredients to crock pot. Allow to simmer 6 hours on low. Serve topped with cheese and sour cream, with rice or crackers on the side.

Chicken

2005-12-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

African Chicken Stew
Aloha Chicken
Almond Chicken
Apricot Chicken
Chicken and Stuffing
Chicken Curry
Greek Chicken
Smothered Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Tropical Chicken

Tropical Chicken

2005-12-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

I came up with this recipe one day when I wanted a new and different recipe for dinner. It was a hit. I served it with rice but it would also be excellent with potatoes.

Tropical Chicken

1 chicken, cut up
1 bell pepper diced
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
1 c. orange-pineapple juice
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. Lea and Perins Worshteshire sauce
dash of Chinese 5 Spice Powder

Put vegetables in crock pot, top with chicken. Whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken and vegetables. Cook on high 4 - 6 hours or on low 7- 8 hours.

Aztec Stew

2005-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

An excellent recipe for the cold weather, I created this last winter and it is a keeper.

Aztec Stew

1 lb. cooked shredded chicken
1 Envelope Taco Seasoning
1 small can tomato sauce
2 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 c. frozen corn
1 small can black beans (drained)
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 c. hominy, drained
1 can green chilis, drained
2 c. chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or crock pot and cook until vegetables are tender. Serve topped with shredded cheese, sour creme and tortilla chips.

Soups and Stews

2005-12-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

Aztec Stew
Baked Potato Soup
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Beef Stew
Chili
Posole
Taco Soup

Welcome to Crockpot Adventures!

2005-12-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

After a few months of blogging about my adventures in feeding my family on a tight budget, I began to realize that a large majority of my cooking is done in the crock pot. In my not so humble opinion, a kitchen without a crock pot is not a kitchen. So in honor of the ever so humble, yet oh so useful slow cooking device I have started this blog. I have added all the recipes already found on my other blog, Chef Michele's Adventures and will be adding many, many more. Stay tuned for a variety of recipes from all over the world that will virtually prepare themselves while you attend to more pressing things. Happy Cooking!

Beef

2005-12-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

Birria
Chili
Crock Pot Italian Beef
Crock Pot London Broil
Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Pot Roast
Ropa Vieja
Slow Cooked Pot Roast
Tamale Pie In The Crock Pot
Thai Beef

Boston Baked Beans

2005-12-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

These are so much better than the canned kind. This recipe makes a lot, but don't worry because they freeze well and you can thaw them in the microwave.

Boston Baked Beans

Serves 8 to 10

2 pounds dried pinto or navy beans
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 large onion, minced
dash ground cloves
12 ounces salt pork
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Sort and rinse beans. Boil salt pork in water for about 10 minutes to render some of the fat, drain and place in crock pot. Add beans. Combine remaining ingredients and add to crock pot. If necessary, add enough water to cover beans by 1/2 inch. Set on low and cook 8 to 12 hours. For the last 50 to 60 minutes of cooking, uncover beans, and, using tongs or a long fork, pull the pork to the surface. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve.

Apricot Chicken

2005-12-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

Sweet, tangy and satisfying... this recipe is sure to please! I serve this over rice.

Apricot Chicken

1 can apricots (make sure to peel them, they still have the peels onion the can)
1/2 c. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. Chinese 5 Spice Powder
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp honey

Drain the apricots (save the juice) and peel them, put them in a mini food processor and puree them. Pour the puree in a bowl and whisk the juice back in. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk well. Pour over chicken and marinade then bake or put chicken in crock pot and pour marinade over it over the chicken and cook until done.