<<--- KING of CROCK --->>

RECIPE: Chili Steak and Black Bean Tacos

2012-01-29T14:50:00.004-05:00

Flank Steak was on sale this week at the local market, so I hopped online and found a great recipe for chili steak and black bean tacos. It came together easy and tasted great (just like I like it!). I added some seasonings to the original recipe, feel free to experiment with the spices to your tastes. I like to serve these with shredded cheese (try pepper jack for something different), sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

2 cups low sodium beef broth

1.5 tbsp. chili powder (Have you ever tried Ray's Chilli brand? the spices are AMAZING!!)

1.5 lb. flank steak (remove excess fat, but don't be afraid to leave some for flavor)

1 lg. can of black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 small can of green chilies (get mild if you don't want the BITE)

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

Mix chili powder, garlic, and beef broth in slow cooker
Add beef, turning in broth to cover with spices
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until tender and easy to shred with forks
Remove beef and set aside
Drain all but 1/3 cup of liquid from slow cooker
Shred beef with forks
Place beef back into slow cooker along with salt/pepper, beans, and chilies (dice these)
Mix well and cook an additional 45 minutes on LOW
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Stuffed Pork Loin (w/ dried fruit)

2012-01-15T21:04:00.003-05:00

Pork Tenderloin is one of the easiest meats to cook in the slow cooker and is a GREAT offering to impress company. This recipe takes the pork loin up a notch by adding in the sweetness of dried fruit, while keeping the meat moist and delicious.

1 (4 lb.) Pork Tenderloin

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1.5 cups dried stone fruit (plums, peaches, apricots)

1/2 cup sherry

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. dried thyme

2 tbsp. butter

Heat oil in skillet
Brown tenderloin over medium-high heat
Remove and set aside
Melt butter (safe skillet), add onions and cook until soft
Add sherry and cook a few minutes, scraping bits from pan, 3 minutes
Stir in fruit and spices, cook one minute and remove from heat
Butterfly tenderloin
Spread fruit/spice mixture onto roast
Bring the roast back together and tie with kitchen string
Pour 1 tablespoon over tenderloin
Cook on LOW for 5 hours
Remove roast from slow cooker and let stand 10 minutes before serving
Transfer cooking liquid into saucepan cook on high heat for three minutes to reduce sauce
Serve pork tenderloin with sauce
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Office Christmas Party Dips... 3 ways!

2011-12-08T21:40:00.005-05:00

DIPS THREE WAYS

The date has been set, your Yankee swap gift is being carefully selected form last years unopened gifts, and you are trying to figure out what to bring to the Office Christmas Party. FEAR NOT, Crock Star! Here are three PARTY dips that will leave you being the OPH (Office Party Hero)!

Broccoli Cheese Dip

16 oz. Velveeta cheese

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of cooked white rice

10 oz. frozen chopped broccoli

1 small yellow onion, chopped fine

1/2 cup chopped celery

Combine all ingredients in Slow Cooker
Cook on LOW for 2 hours
Serve with sliced breads and crackers
ENJOY!

Pizza Fondue

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 lb. chopped pepperoni

2 jars of tomato sauce

2 cups of grated cheddar cheese

2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 small yellow onion

1 tbsp. cornstarch

Brown onion and beef
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker (except cornstarch)
Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours
Add cornstarch to thicken fondue if needed
Serve with breadsticks and green pepper slices
ENJOY!

Chicken Dip Ole'

2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded

1 can of black beans, drained

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

2 bricks of cream cheese

1 can of RoTel, drained

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 2 hours
Serve with tortilla chips
ENJOY!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the King of Crock!

RECIPE: Chicken Stew

2011-11-27T21:03:00.002-05:00

I was looking to make a big crock of stew to have for lunches for the week. I poked around some old chicken stew recipes and headed to the market to see what was good. Lo and behold... the boneless chicken thighs (you KNOW that's the King's GO TO CHICKEN) was on sale. I picked up the other ingredients and got to work. 5 Hours later... it is GREAT! Here is the newly created recipe... ENJOY!

2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs - cut ti bite sized pieces

2 cans cream of celery soup (reduced fat)

3 cups of chicken broth

8 small yukon gold potatoes - cut to bite size

1 bag of baby carrots

1 small onion - diced

1 bag of frozen mixed veggies (use whatever you'd like, but I used peas, beans, and corn)

12 crimini mushrooms - quartered

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. basil

pinch of salt

Brown chicken with onion
combine all ingredients in slow cooker (except frozen veggies)
cook on low for 5 hours or until the potatoes and carrots are tender
Add frozen veggies and cook for an additional 20 minutes
ENJOY!

Slow Cooker Holiday Shopping Guide

2011-11-18T21:49:00.007-05:00

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO CROCK... I SALUTE YOU!

With Black Friday next week and the holidays right around the corner, I thought it was a good time to give you a King's look at my favorite Slow Cookers. While there are a TON of great slow cookers on the market, I have highlighted my three favorite for the season. Remember, slow cookers are NOT all made equal.

When you are purchasing slow cookers pay attention to the following features:

Does the slow cooker have a removable insert for easy cleaning?
Does the slow cooker have a "keep warm" feature?
Does the cooker have a programmable timer?

Without further ado... here are the CROCK STARS of the season.

AWESOME... but expensive.

The Breville 7 Quart Slow Cooker is in a class of its own. This stainless steel cooker, with a cast aluminum crock takes the art of slow cooking to a new level with itsversatility. The materials and design used allows the user to place the non-stick aluminum insert directly on the stove-top to sear meats or saute vegetables. The handle design allows for "straight to tabletop" serving.

PROS:

Insert can be used on the stove-top
Insert is aluminum, allowing for an extremely uniform heating
This product is VERY easy to clean
The silicon handles allot the insert to be moved from cooker to table
roasting rack included with purchase
It looks GOOD!

CONS:

There are NO timing features (timer, countdown, programmable, etc)
This cooker may be cost prohibitive ($129 from manufacturer)
High heat is high, can cause overheating if not attended to

The King of Crock Rating:

Four out of Five CROCK STARS, you will not be disappointed!

_____________

QUALITY... and affordable!

The moderately priced Kenmore 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is as consistent as they come. With both count-down and count-up digital timer, as well as three temperature settings, this cooker is a perfect for any kitchen, for crockery chefs of all skill levels. The removable stoneware insert is super easy to clean. This popular slow cooker is a good entry point to the Crock World.

PROS:

Removable stoneware insert for easy clean-up
Easy to use programmable timer
"Keep Warm" feature kicks in when time has expired... VERY COOL
At $49.99, this is a good deal for a good cooker

CONS:

This cooker is HEAVY
With the stoneware insert and a glass lid, this is a fragile unit
It is SLOW to get going. High heat takes a long to time to get there
It's a Kenmore (Sears) product, customer service can be challenging

The King of Crock Rating:

Four out of Five CROCK STARS, a GREAT Value!!

_______________________________________________

UNIQUE... a great gift

The brand new CREATE-A-CROCK from Rival gives you a chance to customize your slow cooker with photos and colors of your liking. Easy ordering online, this new slow cooker would make a GREAT gift for the holidays.

PROS

You will have a ONE OF A KIND slow cooker
removable stone insert is dishwasher safe
has a convenient "keep warm" setting

CONS

Perhaps a little more than you'd like to pay for a very basic slow cooker ($50 for a cooker that would normally run you $30)
Online ordering only
Manual, no programmable timing

The King of Crock Rating:

Three Crock Stars out of Five

___________________________________________

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping from the King of Crock!

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RECIPE: Chicken Teriyaki

2011-11-11T22:11:00.002-05:00

An Asian favorite, this chicken teriyaki is en easy fix it and forget it meal. Few ingredients, few steps, this one is a keeper.

1 lb. chicken breasts (bone-in)

1 can pineapple chunks

1 bag frozen asian vegetables

6 oz. teriyaki sauce (Kikkoman is a great brand)

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 5 hours
Serve over white rice
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Home on the Range Casserole

2011-10-27T21:36:00.002-04:00

Howdy Partners! This weekend, the King is putting royalty aside and kickin' it Cowboy style! This hearty casserole is a great dish for entertaining or for the family dinner.

1 onion, chopped2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
6 medium potatoes, 1/4 inch slices
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can beans (kidney or green)
1 can diced tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste

brown the beef, garlic, and onions
layer beef mixture, potatoes, beans in slow cooker and cover with tomato
cook on low for 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Mushroom and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

2011-10-18T21:23:00.004-04:00

This is a low fat recipe with HUGE flavor. If you love mushrooms, this recipe is right up your alley. In the category of "WHo KNew?!?!"... I found out that cremini mushrooms and baby bellas are the same thing. Make this recipe with some long grain wild rice on the side. DELICIOUS!

4 chicken breasts (find some nice, think ones for better "stuff-ability")

1/2 cup crumbled feta

olive oil

1/2 lb. cremini mushrooms, finely chopped

salt

pepper

3 cloves of garlic

1/3 cup herbed bread crumbs

2 tbsp. dry vermouth (I recommend Martini and Rossi, available at your local package store)

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

heat oil in skillet over medium high heat
brown mushrooms, salt, pepper, and garlic (5 minutes)
add vermouth and heat until mostly evaporated
remove mushroom mixture from heat and let cool 10 minutes
slit chicken horizontally to form pockets
after mushrooms are cooled, add feta and herbed bread crumbs
fill each chicken breast with two tablespoons for stuffing and secure with toothpick
brown each stuffed breast in skillet
place stuffed breasts in slow cooker
cover with chicken stock and cook on LOW for 5 hours
serve with rice and ENJOY!

RECIPE: Taco Stew

2011-10-02T10:45:00.002-04:00

This one is currently in the Crock and smelling AWESOME! It looks a lot like a chili, but the spices are all different. The seasoning is simply one packet of taco seasoning and one packet of ranch dressing. Not too spicy, this is a hearty stew (and great for SUnday GAME DAY!)

1 Lb. ground turkey (or beef)

1 can Rotel chunky

1 can black beans

1 can red kidney beans

1 can chili beans (I really like CASA FIESTA beans)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 medium onion, chopped

1 packet taco seasoning

1 packet hidden valley ranch dressing mix

1 bag of frozen corn

Brown meat and onions, drain
Add meat and all other ingredients into the slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 8 hours
Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Easy Burger Casserole

2011-09-23T22:14:00.003-04:00

A square meal in a round crock pot. This is an easy meal that the kids will love. Try different variations by switching using various veggies or try using ground turkey. Mix it up and make it once a week! You're going to love it!

2 lbs. ground beef, browned

3 lg. potatoes, diced in 1/4 inch pieces

2 carrots, sliced

1 stalk celery, chopped
1 bag of frozen green beans
1 can tomato soup
1 can water

1 chopped red onion

Brown the Beef and onion until meat is no longer pink
Set aside
In your slow cooker, layer veggies in the order above
Mix soup and water in a bowl and pour over veggie mixture
place browned meat on top of veggies
Cook on LOW for 6 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Harvest Ham Supper

2011-08-29T21:28:00.004-04:00

BACK TO SCHOOL time has arrived. For the next several posts I will pass along easy, family friendly recipes that you can have "up your sleeve" for those crazy back to school days. This first one is a traditional ham dinner, tasty and simple.

2-3 lb. boneless ham

1 cup of maple syrup

3 sweet potatoes, quartered

3 yellow potatoes, quartered

6 carrots, cut into two inch pieces

arrange vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker to form a "rack" for the ham
place ham on the vegetables
cover ham with maple syrup
cook on LOW for 7 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Scallops with fresh tomatoes

2011-08-19T21:21:00.004-04:00

With the garden tomatoes ripe and the the sea scallops "in season" - a match made in heaven. This fresh sauce is terrific to serve over pasta or white rice.

2 lbs. fresh Sea Scallops (for those of you who live on the North Shore of Boston, check out Rowands Fish Market in Beverly)

1 can tomato paste (6oz.)

1 can tomato puree (12oz.)

1/3 cup of dry red wine

1 medium white onion, diced

1 clove garden, minced

3.5 cups of fresh tomatoes (peeled)

2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp. chopped oregano

1/4 tsp. black pepper

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
Saute onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent
Add tomatoes (peeled, paste, and pureed), wine, parsley, oregano, and pepper
Cook on LOW for 6 hours
Turn slow cooker up to HIGH, add scallops
Cook for an additional 15-25 minutes (until scallops are cooked through)
Serve over pasta or white rice
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Thai Style Shredded Pork

2011-08-08T21:18:00.005-04:00

A variation on the traditional pulled pork with an Asian flair.

This Thai style dish is easy to make and tastes terrific served over jasmine rice or Thai rice noodles. (NOTE: if peanuts will put you in the hospital... probably don't eat it.)

2 medium sweet red bell peppers (julienned)

4 greens onions (sliced)

1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup teriyaki sauce, low sodium

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 3-4lb. pork butt (often called Boston Butt - you could also use a shoulder if you'd like)

place the peppers in the slow cooker
place pork butt on peppers, fat side down
combine garlic, teriyaki sauce, and vinegar in bowl and mix well
pour liquid over roast
sprinkle pepper flakes over roast
cook on LOW for 8 hours (or until tender)
remove meat from heat
shred meat with two forks
reserve 2 cups of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker (skim off the fat)
stir peanut butter into the liquid and mix until completely blended
place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker
cook on low until heated throughout
serve over rice or noodles
use the chopped peanuts and green onions as garnish

RECIPE: Slow Cooker Rosemary Potatoes

2011-08-03T21:56:00.002-04:00

This recipe is a great summer side for your next BBQ. Throw the ribs and sausage on the grill and have this delicious (and healthy) side dish ready to serve.

8 - 12 red bliss potatoes, quartered

1 yellow onion, diced

2 cups of baby carrots

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. garlic

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped fine

combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until the potatoes and carrots are coated evenly with oil and spices
spray slow cooker with cooking spray
place potato mixture in crock pot
drizzle any remaining oil and spices over the potatoes
cook on LOW for 6-8 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: PLAY DOUGH

2011-07-29T21:58:00.004-04:00

IT'S PLAYTIME!

This is an easy recipe for family fun. Have the kids help make their own play dough. A great idea for your next rainy Saturday or play date. A word of caution... the food coloring does stain... keep a keen eye on the three year olds!

2 Cup flour

1 Cup cornstarch

1 Cup salt

1/4 Cup cream of tartar

2 Cup hot water

2 tbsp. oil

Place the dry ingredients in the slow cooker and mix
Add the water and oil
Stir until completely blended
Cook on LOW, check every 20 minutes until a ball forms
Remove from heat and cool enough to handle
Kneed dough. If it is too dry, add water. If it is too sticky, add cornstarch
Add food coloring and kneed until evenly distributed
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Chicken Casablanca

2011-07-20T21:00:00.003-04:00

White House?... I don't get it. I am not sure why this is called Chicken Casablanca, but this is a GREAT summertime recipe as it features many summer vegetables that are fresh from local gardens. Feel free to add different vegetables as they are available... try summer squash, green beans, bell peppers, etc. GOOD STUFF!

3 lbs. chicken breast (boneless/skinless, cut into pieces)

1 med. onion, sliced
1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated (can use ground ginger)
1 tsp. garlic piowder
3 carrots, chopped
2 lg. potatoes, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, sliced 1" thick (skins on)
1 15 oz. can chick peas

1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
14 1/2 oz. can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro

Combine first eight ingredients in slow cooker
Combine spices in small bowl and sprinkle over chicken mixture
Add chopped tomatoes over chicken
Cook on LOW for 9 hours
With 10 minutes left, stir in fresh spices
Serve over cooked rice

RECIPE: Hot Dog Sauce

2011-06-21T21:15:00.003-04:00

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Grilling season is upon us here in the Northeast. Weekends are filled with family cookouts and little league picnics. Burgers and dogs for everyone! So what can YOU... keeper of the crock... bring to the picnic table?

Try the King's Hot Dog Sauce, a royal condiment and a GREAT addition to the grilled dog. It's like a "beanless" chili.

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can (28 oz.) of crushed tomatoes

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dry mustard

1 tbsp. chili powder

2 lbs. lean ground beef

brown onion and beef
drain grease and place in slow cooker
add remaining ingredients
cook on LOW for 8 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Chicken Piccata

2011-06-17T21:50:00.004-04:00

I had some delicious chicken piccata for dinner tonight. This inspired me to go on a hunt for a nice and easy crock pot translation. I found one, made a few little changes, and here it is. I haven't tested it yet, but look forward to doing so. ENJOY!

2-3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

1/2 cup white wine

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tbsp. capers

1 can of mushroom pieces, drained

1 lemon, quartered

2 tbsp. quick cooking tapioca

2 tsp. fresh chopped parsley

Combine wine and tapioca in mixing bowl, stir until fully mixed
Place liquid in crock pot along with all remaining ingredients (except parsley)
Cook on low for 4-5 hours
Remove lemon wedges and discard
Add parsley and cook for an additional 15 minutes
Serve over pasta (I like mine on linguine)
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Beef Brisket - smokeless

2011-06-06T20:42:00.003-04:00

This is an easy recipe that gives you the smoked brisket flavor with the ease of your slow cooker. The critical ingredient is the Smoked Sea Salt. I think McCormicks makes it, but you may have to hunt around for it. If you like to order stuff on-line, check this site for the BEST smoked sea salt, Maine Sea Salt Company.

4 lb. beef brisket

1 tsp. celery seed

1 tbsp. mustard seed

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tbsp. smoke-flavored salt

medium onion, sliced

12 oz. chili sauce

place a layer of sliced onions at bottom of slow cooker
spread smoke salt evenly on brisket
combine mustard seed, celery seed, pepper, and chili sauce in small bowl
pour over brisket
cook on LOW for 10 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Fish and Corn Chowder

2011-06-01T22:13:00.003-04:00

This time of year in New England provides the freshest, most delicious fish. This easy fish and corn chowder recipe is a great meal for a rainy day. A nice variation from the New England Clam Chowder, this fish and corn recipe is a "keeper" (fishing reference pun intended).

2 lbs. white fish (I like trout or haddock, use tilapia if frozen) cut into chunks

1 medium white onion, diced

2 tbs. butter

1/2 lb. bacon

6 white potatoes, cubed

1 bag frozen corn

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 tsp. dried parsley

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

4 cups fish stock (use chicken stock if you prefer)

1 cup half and half

Cook bacon, celery, and onion in butter until bacon is crumbly and onion and celery are translucent
Drain fat, place bacon, onions, and celery into slow cooker
Add fish potatoes, corn, broth, and spices to slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (until potatoes are tender)
Add half and half, stir until evenly blended
Cook on LOW for 30 minutes
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Beer Brats

2011-05-23T22:15:00.003-04:00

Are you having a Memorial Day Cookout? Looking for an alternative to burgers and dogs that will give you more time with your guests and less time sweating by the grill? This is a great recipe that your guests will love... and SO EASY!

6 - 12 Bratwurst (those of your North of Boston need to check out Karl's Sausage Kitchen in Saugus... it is HEAVEN!)

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 small chopped onion

1 (or 2) bottle of beer (I like to use HARP)

Heat oil in skillet
Add garlic, onion, and brats
Cook until onions are translucent and brats browned
Transfer onions and brats to slow cooker and add beer
Cook on LOW for 6 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Roasted Chicken w/ Lemon and Honey

2011-05-16T21:21:00.005-04:00

This roasted chicken dish is perfect for a rainy springtime Saturday. It's an 8 hour cook time, so fix it in the morning and the let the magic of the crock do its thing! The lemon and honey give it a light and fresh taste. It is so easy... and so delicious.

1 whole chicken, cleaned with inside stuff removed

1 large lemon

2/3 cup of honey***

1/2 cup Orange Juice

Poke several holes in the lemon with a fork
Place whole lemon inside the bird
Place chicken in the slow cooker
In small bowl, combine honey and orange juice
Pour honey/OJ mixture over chicken
Cook on LOW for 8 - 9 hours
Remove lemon, cut in half and squeeze lemon over chicken
Remove chicken and carve
ENJOY

*** I used to think that all honey tasted the same. Have you ever had REAL HONEY? The closest thing to farm honey I have been able to find to buy is Red Bee Honey from Connecticut. It is AWESOME! If you can find it, give it a try (you can buy it online as well).

RECIPE: Tomato Herb Scallops

2011-05-15T21:00:00.004-04:00

As spring arrives and the weather turns nicer, the crock pot dinners shift from wintry stew and soups to lighter meals. This tomato herb scallops recipe is a wonderful springtime meal. Living near the ocean is an added bonus. Sometimes on a Saturday afternoon, the family will head down to the local fish market on the docks (we like ROWAND'S in Beverly, MA) and buy fish, caught earlier in the day. GOOD STUFF! Enjoy this recipe... I know we do.

2 lbs. fresh scallops, cleaned and drained (I remove the hinges; I find them a little tough)

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 medium onion, diced

1/3 cup red wine (dry)

6 oz. tomato paste

12 oz. tomato puree

28 oz. canned whole tomatoes

In skillet, heat oil, add onion and garlic

Cook until onions are translucent

Add onion, wine, tomatoes (whole, pate, and puree), and spices into slow cooker

Cook on LOW for 6 hours

Mash remaing whole tomatoes

Turn cooker to HIGH, add scallops and stir gently

Cook for 15 minutes or until scallops are just cooked through

Serve over white rice

ENJOY!

RECIPE: Crock Pot Lasagna (low-fat)

2011-05-03T21:23:00.002-04:00

A number of people have asked me for this recipe, so I thought I would post it on the KING of CROCK blog. It is one of our favorites. Perhaps the best part... you can eat it guilt free; this recipe is lower in fat... and DELICIOUS!

1 lb. lean ground beef (92% lean)

1 sm. onion (chopped fine)

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. basil

28 oz. crushed tomatoes

15 oz. tomato sauce

1.5 cups part-skim ricotta

1.5 cups part-skim mozzarella

6 dry whole wheat lasagna noodles (do not cook) (I like Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta best)

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan

brown beef, onion, and garlic in skillet, drain
add tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper, basil, oregano
simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to blend
in separate bowl, combine ricotta and one cup of mozzarella
spoon 1/3 of beef/tomato mixture into the slow cooker
place three noodles on beef (you may need to break the noodles to fit the shape of the cooker)
spread half of the cheese mixture on the noodles
then 1/3 beef mixture, 3 noodles, cheese mixture, 1/3 beef mixture
cook on LOW for 4.5 hours
combine 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses
spread over lasagna
cover and cook an additional 15 minutes to melt cheese
unplug slow cooker and let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Cassoulet

2011-04-29T21:23:00.005-04:00

It's a great day for a cassoulet!

What on earth is a cassoulet? This is a traditional slow cooked French bean stew, typically made with chicken. It is rich with flavors and easy to prepare.

HELPFUL REMINDER: Leave your lid on! It takes over 20 minutes for your crock pot to regain its heat after the lid has been removed. Resist the temptation to peak.

1 medium onion, diced

4 boneless chicken thighs (cut in 1/4 inch cubes)

1 lb. pork sausage (casings removed)

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. thyme

1/2 tsp. black pepper

4 tbs. tomato paste (concentrated strong flavor, don't overdo it)

3 cans of great northern beans (15 oz. each)

3/4 cup bread crumbs

3 tbs. fresh parsley, finely chopped

Brown meats in skillet
Add onion, garlic, thyme, and black pepper and cook until onion is translucent
Drain grease
Combine meat mixture in slow cooker with beans and tomato paste
Cook on LOW for 5 hours or until the beans are tender to taste
Combine bread crumbs and fresh parsley and sprinkle on top (if you find OLD LONDON bread crumbs in your local store, give them a shot... DELICIOUS!)
Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Shepherd's Pie

2011-04-28T21:22:00.006-04:00

Congratulations, Prince William!

Perhaps one day you, too, can be a King.

With all the hullabaloo for tomorrow's British nuptials, I figured it was appropriate for Crock Pot Royalty to share a traditional British recipe.

So tomorrow morning, after you have watched the exchanging of the vows, before you hunker down to watch the arrival of the newlyweds at the reception, throw this recipe in your slow cooker and get ready for a dinner fit for a king... or a future king.

1 lb. of ground lamb (you could also use ground pork)

1 lb. of ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 14oz. can of diced tomatoes (drain excess liquid)

1 bag of frozen peas

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

3 tbs. quick-cooking tapioca

prepared mashed potatoes (as least 40 oz.) - Try Simply Potatoes brand!

Brown meat and onions in skillet with garlic powder, pepper, and salt

Combine all ingredients (except the potatoes) in the slow cooker

Cook on LOW for 8 hours

Top with potatoes

Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are warm

ENJOY!

RECIPE: Beef with Broccoli

2011-04-08T21:26:00.004-04:00

It is always cool when you can replicate a "restaurant food" at home (especially in the 'ol crock). Beef and Broccoli on a bed of sticky white rice has always been one of my favorite Chinese Food Take Out dishes. This easy crock pot version came out terrific... a big hit! ... now if I could only figure out how to make crock pot crab rangoons.....

2 Lbs. chuck steak cut into strips (I used a boneless chuck roast)

1 can of beef consomme (hunt for consomme, stock wont cut it)

1/2 cup of oyster sauce (Dragonfly - imported by US Trading Company)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1.5 lbs. broccoli florets (steamed)

3 tbs. sesame seeds

Place beef in slow cooker, cover with consomme and oyster sauce
Cook beef on HIGH for 3 hours
Remove 2 tablespoons of liquid, mix together with constarch
Add cornstarch mixture back into slow cooker and stir, creating a thicker "gravy"
Cook on HIGH an additional 15 minutes
Add broccoli, mix, and cook on HIGH for 10 additional minutes
Serve over white rice and serve with sesame seeds
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Turkey Chowder

2011-03-29T21:19:00.006-04:00

This Turkey Chowder is a creamy, thick soup loaded with rich flavors of bacon, turkey, and veggies. With turkey bacon and low sodium creamed soups, it is a good alternative to high in fat chowders. You will not be disappointed!

4 slices of turkey bacon, browned and crumbled (my favorite is the Applegate Farms Natural Turkey Bacon... GOOD STUFF!)

1.5 lb. turkey breast (cubes - 1/2 inch)

3 cups chick broth

2 cans low-sodium cream of mushroom soup

1/2 teaspoon sage

1/2 teaspoon parsley

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 celery stalk, diced

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 9 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPES: QUICK AND EASY

2011-03-16T21:27:00.003-04:00

I bumped into my friend, Tom, today at a conference. Tom spoke the magic words when he said, "I think I am going to buy a crock pot." After finding out what he was looking for and going on a "slow cookin' tirade" for 15 minutes on the pros and cons of about 15 different crocks, I recommended that he buy the Hamilton Beach 33697 6 qt. Crock.

He then asked for some recipes. He said, "I'm lazy, make them easy." The King never backs down from a crock pot challenge. I told him that I would post three recipes with 4 ingredients or less. Here you go, Tom (and the hundreds of KoC followers)...

RECIPE: COUNTRY STYLE RIBS

1 package boneless country style ribs (2 lbs. +)

1 bottle BBQ Sauce (I like Barn Brew BBQ)

combine ingredients in slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: EASY BEEF ROAST

1 Beef Roast (4 lbs.)

1 can of stewed tomatoes

1 package of dry onion soup mix

place roast in slow cooker
pour tomatoes over beef
cover with soup mix
cook on LOW for 8 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Ham and Potatoes

Boneless ham (3 lbs.)

8 red bliss potatoes, halved

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. dry mustard

place potatoes in slow cooker
place ham on potatoes
crumble brown sugar on ham and sprinkle mustard
cook on LOW for 10 hours (or until potatoes are tender)
ENJOY!

RECIPES: LENTEN SLOW COOKER IDEAS

2011-03-07T21:03:00.005-05:00

Kerri, a faithful KoC follower from Danvers, MA, recently asked me for some slow cooker ideas for the Lenten season. I dug through the King of Crock archives and found my favorite MEATLESS entrees... here they are - Cheese Soup, Caribbean Shrimp, Clam Chowder (skip the bacon), Pumpkin Soup. Here's a brand new recipe.... a new look at the sloppy joe.... I think I will call it the DANCING SARAH.

1 cup shredded carrot

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup dry lentils

1 cup (uncooked) brown rice

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

3.5 cups of vegetable stock

2 tbsp. yellow mustard

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. chili powder

2 tbsp. vinegar

1 small can of tomato sauce

combine all ingredients (except vinegar and tomato sauce) in the slow cooker
cook on LOW for 8 hours
stir in tomato sauce and vinegar
cook an additional 1 hour on LOW
serve on toasted buns.... ENJOY!

RECIPE: Slow Cooker Snackin' Mix

2011-03-03T21:03:00.004-05:00

This is a snack mix with a bite! Make this easy crowd favorite ahead of time for your next gathering. It stores easily in ziploc bags. A quick hint... spread out on brown paper bags to absorb surplus oils.

1/2 cup canola oil

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1 tbs. chili powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 black pepper

2 cups of cashews

2 cups of mini pretzels

2 cups oat cereal (o's)

2 cups of multigrain square cereal

combine oil and spices
place nuts, pretzels, and cereal in slow cooker
add oil mixture and stir until evenly mixed
cook on LOW for 3 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: ROYAL POULTRY RUB

2011-02-27T21:08:00.002-05:00

I made a roasted chicken today in the slow cooker. It was, as the kids say, "off the hook". I cut up a few potatoes, threw in some baby carrots, two cups of chicken stock. But the real magic was the dry rub I used on the top of the bird. Follow this seasoning mix and just rub it onto the chicken before placing it in the crock. I cooked it on LOW for 9 hours. This was the best roasted chicken I have ever made (or so says the Queen of Crock).

3 tsp. sea salt

3 tsp. paprika

2 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. chili powder

ENJOY!

RECIPE: Chicken and Corn Soup

2011-02-24T21:25:00.003-05:00

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1 white onion, chopped

3 red bliss potatoes, diced small

2 cloves of garlic, pressed

2 carrots, sliced into discs

1 tsp. dried, ground basil

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 can whole kernel sweet corn

1 can cream style corn

3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

1/2 tsp. ground pepper

2 tsp. olive oil

heat olive oil in a skillet
brown chicken, onion, and garlic
move chicken mixture to slow cooker
add all other ingredients (except parsley) to cooker
cook on LOW for 7 hours (until carrots are tender)
add parsley and cook for 30 more minutes
ENJOY!

RECIPE: White Chili

2011-02-22T21:50:00.003-05:00

This is a nice alternative to a traditional chili. Using chicken and low-sodium chicken stock makes this dish a much healthier choice than other chili. This recipe is loaded with flavor!

2 lbs. of boneless chicken (1 lb. breast / 1 lb. thigh) cubed

3 cans of white beans, drained

1 can of white whole kernel corn

1 yellow bell pepper diced

1 yellow onion diced

2 cloves of minced garlic

4 cups of low sodium chicken broth

1.5 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. black pepper

(optional - 2 jalapeno pepper, diced small)

In a skillet, brown the chicken, onion, garlic and yellow pepper
Place chicken mixture in slow cooker
Add all other ingredients
Cook on LOW for 6 hours
Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and corn bread
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Chicken Saltimbocca

2011-02-16T21:42:00.003-05:00

Jump in the mouth!

The Italian translation of saltimbocca reads very clearly "jump in the mouth"... and the taste certainly will. This traditional European dish, often made with veal, includes the combination of prosciutto, provolone cheese, and sage. These strong flavors will combine and JUMP in your mouth.... GOOD STUFF!

6 boneless chicken breasts

12 slices of provolone cheese

12 slices of prosciutto

1 teaspoon sage

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup

butterfly cut each breast into two thin pieces, pound to a thickness of 1/4 - 1/3 inch
place 1 slice of prosciutto and 1 slice of provolone on each breast
roll cutlet and secure with toothpicks
in a bowl, combine flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper
coat chicken in flour mixture (hang on to the remaining flour mixture)
heat oil in skillet (medium/high heat)
brown chicken rolls on each side
place rolls in slow cooker
cover chicken rolls with soup and sage
cook on LOW for 6 hours, remove chicken
add 3 or 4 tablespoons of the leftover flour mixture into the sauce to thicken
serve with pasta (farfalle?!?)
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Parmesan Pork Roast

2011-02-15T20:25:00.004-05:00

1 (4-5 lb.) boneless pork loin roast

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup honey

2 tbs. olive oil

2 tbs. soy sauce

2 tbs. minced garlic

2 tbs. dried basil

1/2 tsp. salt

heat oil in skillet
combine Parmesan, honey, soy sauce, garlic, basil, and salt - mix
roll roast in Parmesan mixture
brown all sides of pork roast in skillet
place roast in slow cooker
cook on LOW for 5-6 hours

INTERVIEW: Lou Pappas - Cookbook Author

2011-02-13T13:24:00.005-05:00

An interview with Lou Seibert Pappas, cookbook author

For Christmas, my mother found a slow cooker cook book first published in 1975, entitled Extra-Special Crockery Pot Recipes: time saving meals for the gourmet appetite. I had a wonderful time flipping through the recipes, a book filled with Classics! Small in size, but BIG with information, and written so well. I thought I'd do a little more research about the author. I was pleased to stumble across Lou's website and even more pleased that she was quick to respond to an interview request.

Lou has written over 50 cookbooks covering a wide variety of food types and cooking techniques (including several books with William Sonoma) She currently resides in California and enjoys tending to her prolific garden and cooking light. I had a chance to bounce a few questions off of Lou... here is what she had to say.

KoC: What are the biggest changes you have seen in Crock Pot over the past 35 years?

LP: Then the pots were smaller than the big ones today.

KoC: How about the recipes? What were the recipes like in 1975 and how have they changed over the years?

LP: When I did the book the recipes were actually quite worldly for that time. Today I think Indian and Asian styles are popular in the cooker books as they are newer.

KoC: Describe for me your favorite meal.

LP: Salad with fruit like grapes or pears, goat cheese and caramelized pecans with balsamic dressing. miso grilled salmon, quinoa or brown rice, sugar snap peas, and always homemade ice cream (made with no eggs but honey and sugar, milk, cream, and either Triple sec, coffee, or chocolate or pecan flavors. Then I love a nut souffle cake with a little grated chocolate in it. and wine of course--red for me. I have a garden--a city one--with 20 fruit trees, veggies, and herbs.

KoC: What is the biggest benefit of Slow Cooking?

LP: The cooker is ideal for entertaining and people who work and want to cook on the weekend and have some left for a second meal during the week. Those with families and who love meat are also good candidates.

KoC: Lastly, which recipe in your 1975 Slow Cooker cookbook is the most timeless.

LP: My favorite from that book, which is a gem, is the BEEF EN DAUBE (recipe to follow).

Thank you to Lou Seibert Pappas for her time answering these questions. Our correspondence was delightful.

RECIPE: BEEF EN DAUBE

2 lbs. stew beef

2 slices of bacon (diced)

2 doz. tiny boiling onions

1 tbs. brown sugar

1 tbs. red wine vinegar

1.5 cups red wine

1.5 tsp. salt

.5 tsp. pepper

.5 tsp. thyme

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 tsp. beef stock base

2 strips orange peel

2 tbs. cornstarch

2 tbs. chopped parsley

fry bacon until crisp, remove from pan
brown meat and onions in drippings
transfer bacon, meat, and onions into slow cooker
add vinegar and brown sugar to pan drippings, heat 1 minute
add wine and bring to a boil
pour pan mixture over meat
season with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, stock base, and orange peel
Cook on LOW for 8 hrs.
turn to high, allow juices to bubble, add cornstarch until thickened
garnish with parsley
ENJOY!

NOW AVAILABLE: Print Page Feature

2011-02-11T05:59:00.003-05:00

Due to popular demand, royal subjects are now able to print a clear PDF of the King of Crock Posts. Simply click on the "Print Friendly" icon at the bottom of each post for a printable version of the recipe.

ENJOY!

RECIPE: Caribbean Shrimp with Rice

2011-02-08T21:19:00.003-05:00

HEY GUYS.... here's a crock pot meal good enough for a romantic Valentine's Day Dinner to impress the LADY! Easy to make, fix it and forget it.... and ENJOY!

1 lb. frozen medium shrimp (thawed)

3/4 cup chicken broth

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 cup of frozen peas

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/2 cup diced sweet pepper

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups cooked rice

Combine shrimp, broth, pepper, and spices in slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 2 hours
Add peas and tomatoes, cook an additional 10 minutes
Add rice, cook an additional 10 minutes
ENJOY!

NEWS: ROYAL CHILI WINS AGAIN!

2011-01-31T09:47:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to fellow slow cooker and loyal King of Crock subject, Chuck Putney, for his victory in the Annual Chili Cook-off in his hometown of Paxton, MA. This contest is part of the town's Winter Carnival Celebration. This is Chuck's second year in a row taking home the blue ribbon with his version of the King of Crock's Royal Chili (he likes to add cumin and red bell pepper).

WAY TO GO, CHUCK!

RECIPE: Spanish Chicken w/ Chorizo

2011-01-30T21:24:00.003-05:00

A flavorful chicken dish, low in fat and calories. Serve with yellow rice or polenta.

4 boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup chorizo, chopped

1 can (14oz.) of diced tomatoes

2 tbs. tomato paste

1 cup of frozen peas

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 spanish onion, diced

1 tbs. paprika (if you are looking for quality spices at affordable prices, the Nutmeg Spice Company can't be beat, check their site for local retailers)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tbs. cornmeal

combine tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, bell pepper, chorizo, salt, and paprika in your slow cooker
top with chicken
cook on LOW for 6-8 hours
with 30 minutes left in cooking, add peas and cornmeal to thicken sauce
ENJOY!

QUESTION: IMMERSION BLENDER HELP!

2011-01-24T21:30:00.005-05:00

The King of Crock is in the market for his first immersion blender.

Having reviewed scores of tomato soup recipes that read "puree with immersion blender", now is the time to make the investment.

KING of CROCK reader input is important. LET'S HEAR FROM YOU!

Are there any product recommendations? success stories? immersion blender nightmares?

RECIPE: Asian Inspired Chicken

2011-01-21T16:24:00.006-05:00

Served over a bed of Jasmine Rice this moist chicken goes together with ease and is a great dish for entertaining. The choice of chicken is up to you. But as you know, the KING loves chicken thighs, so that's what I use.

2 - 3 Lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (feel free to substitute legs or even breasts)

2 tbs. olive oil

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. garlic powder

garnish with almond slivers or toasted sesame seeds (I like JFC White Roasted Sesame Seeds)

Brown chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet
transfer chicken to slow cooker
combine soy, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl and stir until blended
pour over chicken
cook on HIGH for 1 hour
turn over chicken to make certain it is coated
cook on LOW for 4 hours
serve over white rice and spoon liquid over chicken and rice
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Cheese Soup

2011-01-20T21:34:00.007-05:00

CHEESE... GLORIOUS CHEESE!

Happy National Cheese Lover's Day (celebrated annually on 1/20). I hope you worked cheese into some of today's dishes. For me, lunch featured a chicken and cheese enchilada and dinner an All-American Cheeseburger from the Daily Harvest Cafe (AWESOME!).

Here is a quick and easy slow cooker cheese soup next time you have a big time cheese craving (as far as I am concerned... EVERY DAY should be cheese lovers day!).

2 Cans - Cream of Celery Soup

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

1 cup half and half

4 cups of shredded cheese (use what you like. I like to use 2 cups of cheddar, 2 cups of Monterrey jack)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine soup, bell pepper, paprika, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 3 hours
Add cheese
Cook for another 1 hour on LOW
Add half and half, stir until thoroughly blended, salt and pepper to taste
Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes
ENJOY!

(you may want to top the soup with some fresh bacon crumbles or cooked broccoli for some variety)

RECIPE: Pork Tenderloin w/ apricot and ginger glaze

2010-12-08T21:31:00.004-05:00

This elevates the crock to CLASSY... imagine that.

A great way to prepare a delicious pork tenderloin, this recipe combines the sweet fruit flavors of the apricots, with the bite of ginger, and the texture of coarse ground mustard. You will not be disappointed. It can also be a great alternative to an expensive roast (this week at my local market, McKinnon's in Danvers, MA, I found it for $2.99/lb.) ENJOY!

1 (2-3lb.) trimmed pork tenderloin

1 jar of apricot preserves (12 oz.)

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 red onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp. whole grain Dijon mustard (the King recommends MAILLE)

Heat oil up in skillet
Salt and pepper the tenderloin
Brown roast on all sides (6-8 minutes)
Move roast to slow cooker
In same skillet, combine shallots, onion cook until soft
Remove from heat and add ginger, apricot preserves, and mustard stirring until sauce is well blended
Pour mixture over pork
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Chocolate Peppermint Mess

2010-11-17T21:31:00.005-05:00

This variation on the classic chocolate cake is easy to put together and tastes delicious. Chocolate and peppermint combine to make this holiday favorite. This delicious dessert goes together in a snap... it's a PIECE of CAKE!

1 package chocolate cake mix
1/2 pint sour cream
1 package instant chocolate pudding
1 small bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup canola oil
4 eggs
1 cup water

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

2/3 cup chocolate peppermint sauce (you CAN use regular chocolate sauce, but the Stonewall Kitchen Chocolate Peppermint Sauce is AMAZING!)

Spray slow cooker with cooking spray (PAM)
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients
Stir until completely blended
Cook on LOW for 7 hours
Serve with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Sweet Potato Casserole

2010-11-15T21:11:00.006-05:00

With Thanksgiving just a few short weeks away, my thoughts turn towards SLOW COOKIN' Turkey day side dishes. Using the crock pot can be a time saver, leaving you more time to enjoy family or watch the game. Put this one on first thing in the morning and it will be perfection just in time for dinner.

A quick side note: Did you know that November is Georgia Pecan month. Another reason to celebrate! This recipe calls for some chopped pecans... GOOD STUFF!

4-5 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled

1.5 sticks of butter

2.5 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup orange juice

1.5 cups of packed brown sugar

1 cup of chopped pecans

Cut sweet potatoes in 1/2 inch slices
Place potatoes in slow cooker
Melt butter in microwave
Combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon and 1/2 cup of pecans and pour evenly of potatoes
Toss to coat potatoes
Cook on LOW for 7 hours
Spread 1/2 of pecans over potatoes and serve
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Bacon and Cheese Dip

2010-11-09T21:46:00.005-05:00

Mmmmmmmmmm...BACON!

Looking for an easy and delicious appetizer for your next party? Try this awesome bacon and cheese dip. Serve it up with pita pieces, slices of french bread, or your favorite crackers. It's easy to make and easy to enjoy!

12 slices of bacon

1.5 cups of shredded cheddar

1.5 cups of shredded Monterrey jack

2 packages of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup half and half

2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. minced onion

1 tbs. hot sauce

Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy brown, drain and cut into small bits
Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring once after one hour
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Kielbasa

2010-11-08T21:01:00.005-05:00

Another easy recipe from the sausage family. This time... the Polish Sausage, the Kielbasa. This recipe could not be easier to make and is great "Football Fare" for your next weekend gathering.

2 lbs. kielbasa, cut into 1-2 inch slices

1 12oz. can of beer (any beer will do, but the King of Crock likes to use SHIPYARD EXPORT)

1 jar (24-32oz.) of sauerkraut, drained

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours
ENJOY!

HINT: It's always nice to have a dark spicy brown mustard to serve with kielbasa. A GREAT brand to try is WOEBER'S ... (their Horseradish sandwich spread is terrific too)

RECIPE: Wassailing in the fall!

2010-10-24T13:28:00.003-04:00

Who says that Wassail has to be a "Christmas Only" beverage?

I mixed up a batch of wassail for a family gathering recently and it was a BIG HIT! After all, the apples in New England are at their best creating amazingly rich cider with incredibly robust apple flavor. This warm drink should be made with plenty of time to get the spices heated, filling your home with the smell of harvest!

1 gallon of fresh apple cider (have an extra gallon on hand to add as it gets low)

1/4 gallon of orange juice

1 can of condensed lemonade

4 cinnamon sticks (have additional sticks for garnish)

2 tablespoons of whole cloves

1 orange, sliced for garnish (can use lemon as well)

Spiced Rum (TOTALLY OPTIONAL)

place cinnamon sticks and nutmeg in spice ball (this is typically a metal ball with holes in which spices can be placed and steeped. William-Sonoma makes a terrific "crock friendly" product for about $10. Check it out here.... )
pour apple cider and OJ into slow cooker
add lemonade and spice ball
float slices of orange on top
cook on LOW for at least 2 hours
Serve with a cinnamon stick and a splash of spiced run (if you wish)
ENJOY!!!!

RECIPE: PUMPKIN TIME!

2010-10-12T22:04:00.006-04:00

I LOVE the Fall!

The smells, the colors, THE FLAVORS. One of the can't miss tastes of the season is New England's favorite.... the PUMPKIN. The GURU of Gourds.... the SULTAN of Squash!!

Here are a few recipes to enjoy this fall. Quick and easy in the slow cooker, these recipes are kid friendly and fun to make.

RECIPE: PUMPKIN SOUP

2 cans of pumpkin (16oz. - I like Libby's - be sure you have pumpkin, not pumpkin pie)

1 medium yellow onion (chopped small)

1/2 cup celery (chopped small)

3/4 cup carrot (chopped small)

6 cups chicken broth

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp rosemary

1 tbs butter

Sour Cream

Saute celery, onion, carrot with butter in skillet until onions are translucent
Place veggies, broth, pumpkin, and spices in slow cooker
Cook soup on LOW of 7 hours
Serve with a dollop of sour cream
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds

Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Mix seeds in slow cooker with oil and salt
Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or until done.
ENJOY!

Variations... try them with some sweeter spices like cinnamon and/or nutmeg. Kick it up a notch with some garlic powder or cayenne pepper.

HAPPY FALL!

RECIPE: Tater Tot Casserole

2010-10-04T21:48:00.004-04:00

TATER TOT TRIVIA

The Tater Tot is a trademarked product name from the Ore-Ida company.

The Tater Tot first appeared in 1953.

In 2009, Americans consumed over 70 Millions lbs. of tots!

Reclaimed stardom in 2004 with a little help from their friend Napoleon Dynamite.... Lucky!

RECIPE: TATER TOT CROCK-erole

Who said you could only eat your tater tot casserole in the school cafeteria. This twist on the kids' classic is an easy, delicious, comfort food meal.

1 lb. ground beef

1 small onion

1 can cream of mushroom soup

2 cans of sweet corn (drained)

32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots

1.5 cups of sharp cheddar cheese

salt/pepper

Brown ground beef and onion in skillet
Line the bottom of your slow cooker with the frozen tots
mix ground beef and onions, soup, and corn
Spread mixture evenly over tots
salt and pepper to taste
cook on HIGH for 2.5 hours
spread cheese over casserole
cook an additional 30 minutes on HIGH
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Italian Sausage, peppers, and onions

2010-09-29T21:26:00.006-04:00

Sausage happens to be one of the Kings' favorite food groups, right up there with sandwiches, nachos.... and cheese. But anyway, here is a super easy and delicious sausage recipe that is a great addition to any party menu or invite some friends over to watch the football game with and serve HALFTIME HOAGIES!

2-3 lbs. sweet (or hot if you'd like) Italian sausage links **

3 bell peppers (yellow, red, and orange for a good look) - sliced in 1-2 inch slices

1 large yellow onion, sliced

1 can of diced tomatoes

4 cloves garlic, freshly pressed

1/4 cup of red wine (or beef broth)

1 tsp basil

1 tsp oregano

sliced provolone cheese

Hoagie Rolls

** The KING recommends DiLuigi's Italian sausage which can be found at BJ's, Shaws, and Trader Joes... AWESOME!

place all ingredients on slow cooker (except cheese)
cook on LOW for 7 hours
remove sausage links
skim fat from slow cooker
slice links into 1" disks
return sausage to crock
cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH
serve with slotted spoon onto hoagie rolls with cheese
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Acorn Squash

2010-09-16T22:10:00.006-04:00

It's HARVEST TIME!

Squash of all kinds can be found "on the cheap" in your local grocery stores. If you're lucky, you might be able to grab them fresh from a farm stand. Acorn Squash are one of my favorites! Here is an easy way to make a delicious autumn squash (BONUS: it makes your house smell really "FALL-Y").

2 acorn squash

pinch of salt

2 tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup brown sugar

4 tbs. butter

1/2 cup water

rinse squash and cut in half
place 1 tbs. of butter in each squash half
distribute cinnamon and brown sugar evenly amongst the squash
individually wrap each squash half with heavy duty foil
place squash halves in slow cooker and add water
cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or until tender
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Mediterranean Chicken

2010-09-01T21:42:00.007-04:00

A delicious AND EASY Mediterranean Chicken recipe with a BONUS leftover recipe for a Mediterranean chicken wrap. A great recipe for a "fix it and for get it" meal.

6 boneless chicken breasts

2 cloves garlic

1 lemon

1/2 cup white wine (dry)

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 large can tomato sauce
1 small can tomato puree
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 can whole olives
1 onion, chopped
hot cooked rice (I like pilaf)

Salt to taste

Wash chicken and pat dry
Combine all ingredients (except the rice) into the slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 7 hours
Serve chicken over rice using remaining liquid in the cooker as a sauce
ENJOY!
______

LEFTOVERS?!?!?!?

Make a Mediterranean Chicken Wrap.

Use two forks to shred a chicken breast
Place on wrap with lettuce, tomato, feta, olives, chopped onion, and TZATZIKI yogurt dip (I LOVE the CEDAR'S products, available at BJ's and other grocery stores).

RECIPE: New England Country Style Ribs

2010-08-28T21:26:00.005-04:00

Edible Autumn! These slow cooker ribs taste like fall. Slow cooked with Allspice and apples, this aromatic dish is a slam dunk. Serve them up with a maple BBQ sauce (recipe also listed) and enjoy! Comfort food...New England Style!

RIBS

3-4 lbs. boneless country style spare ribs

1 large yellow onion

2 Granny Smith apples

1 tbs. ground cinnimon

1 tbs. allspice

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. sea salt

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Slice onion and cover the bottom of the slow cooker with slices
Place your ribs into the slow cooker
Mix cinnimon, allspice, salt, and pepper in bowl
Sprinkle mixture evenly over ribs (use entire amount of available mixture)
Core and slice apples and place slices on top of seasoned ribs
Add vinegar to the bottom of cooker
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours
ENJOY!

MAPLE BBQ SAUCE

1 cup ketchup

1 cup maple syrup

1 cup of white onion

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)

2 tbs. olive oil

3 cloves of pressed garlic

2 lbs. worcestershire sauce

Pinch of salt

1/2 teaspoon of coriander

heat oil in skillet
add onion and garlic and cook until clear
place onions, garlic, and remaining ingredients in sauce pan
heat until boiling, reduce heat to simmer uncovered
simmer for 20 minutes or until desired consistency
ENJOY!

RECIPE: Shrimp and Chicken Marinara

2010-08-25T22:26:00.006-04:00

An easy Italian-American dish. Goes together easy, tastes great!
1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite sized pieces)
1 lb. cooked small shrimp
1 (30oz.) can of crushed tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic (pressed)
1 bell pepper (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 tbs. canola oil
1 tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta or other small pasta

Brown chicken in skillet with oil
Place in slow cooker with all other ingredients (except the shrimp and orzo)
Cook on LOW for 7 hours.
Add orzo. Cook an additional 30 minutes
Add cooker shrimp cook an additional 15 minutes
ENJOY!

ARTICLE: The Washington Post

2010-08-25T22:07:00.003-04:00

It's not often that a food columnist or lifestyle section of a newspaper features the joys of SLOW COOKIN'! I enjoyed reading this article entitled Cooking for One: Discovering Slow Cookers from the Washington Post. This article highlights one man's discovery of the versatility of the crock. ENJOY!

RECIPE: Pulled Pork from the Pork People

2010-08-23T21:51:00.003-04:00

Have you seen the Pork: the Other White Meat, COME AND GET IT ad campaign? It is sprouting up all over. They are printing delicious and simple pork recipes in popular magazines (I have seen it in Better Homes and Gardens and Readers Digest). The one for Pulled Pork looks terrific and features a really simple rub for the pork butt. Follow this link to get the FREE RECIPE CARDS. ENJOY!

BAMBOO FOR YOU: the royal utensil!

2010-08-22T15:12:00.009-04:00

BAMBOO!

I was asked the other day about what utensils I prefer to use with my slow cooker. For me that answer is easy. All Bamboo, all the time. My slow cooker du jour is a Breville with a cast aluminum insert. The bamboo provides me the opportunity to stir, scoop, and mix without worrying about scratching the insert. They feel great, easy to clean, and very durable. Best of all, if you leave them in the cooker (which I do ALL THE TIME), they do not absorb the heat, leaving it safe to grab and stir.

If you are new to wooden utensils, it is important NOT to get the cheapest ones. The least expensive often times dry out an splinter. Even worse, they are IMPOSSIBLE to clean and will keep the odor of ingredients even after a good wash. It is important to splurge on some nice bamboo utensils you WILL NOT be disappointed.

Two recommended bamboo utensil brands.

Pampered Chef - These were the first bamboo utensils I owned. They come in a nice variety of shaped and sizes. My favorite is a small spoon with a flat bottom (it looks like a little shovel). You can order them on-line or through your local rep. Check out the website.

Bambu - I have recently purchased a complete set of these gems. You can find them at Crate and Barrel, Dean and Deluca, and Whole Foods. This line includes some unique shapes and sizes. Check out the website to see the cool different spoons and spatulas.

RECIPE: Lime and Cilantro Roasted Chicken

2010-08-16T22:10:00.006-04:00

An easy marinade with POW! This citrus and lime marinade works on grilled flank steak, grilled chicken skewers, and steak for fajitas. But is also works FAMOUSLY as a marinade for a roaster chicken in your slow cooker. Let it sit over night in the marinade to achieve its full flavor potential.

1 cup fresh chopped cilantro

3 limes (cut and juice)

3 cloves of garlic

2 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 chopped medium red onion

1/2 cup oil (olive or canola)

1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs.)

combine all ingredients (sans chicken) into a lg. ziploc bag mix well
remove chicken insides, clean, and pat dry
poke several holes in chicken with fork to allow marinade to permeate
place chicken in bag with marinade
marinade chicken in refrigerator for 8 hours, turning once or twice
place bird in slow cooker for LOW 8-10 hours
ENJOY!

A wine pairing suggestion....

New to the market is Wicked Good White.

Check it out... it's worth a try!

I found it on FACEBOOK HERE!