My BFF
Oct. 16, 2009 7 Comments Posted under: Uncategorized
Sometimes I think my tombstone will say “her slow cooker was her best friend.” I have to admit…I love the thing, especially when I’m on deadline like I am now. It saves time, to be sure, but it also saves me headaches. When food is in the slow cooker, I have an answer to the daily question from my husband, “What’s for dinner?” When food is in the slow-cooker, I’m not as stressed in that crucial crunch time of running kids to activities, picking them up, doing homework, etc, especially when I’m on a deadline.
My favorite recipe is one that my friend Catherine Mann shared years ago when I was asking how she managed to write and raise four kids. (The slow cooker is her BFF, too). Boneless chicken breasts, a packet of Hidden Valley Italian Dressing Mix and 1/2 cup of water. Cook all day and serve over noodles or rice. If I’m feeling particularly enterprising, I might add some frozen vegetables to the mix. Usually not.
I’ve been using my slow cooker a lot lately (Have I mentioned that deadline?) so I could definitely use some new inspiration. Anyone have any great recipes to share?
This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 11:25 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can leave a comment and follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Catherine Mann said:
Oct. 16, 2009
::::Smooches!:::: Steph, you’re an even better BFF thank my crockpot!
Glad the chicken recipe helped you through a deadline… wish I lived closer and could have just dropped off supper or scooped up your kiddos to eat here at my house. Good luck with finishing up another fabulous book!!!
Michele Schilling said:
Oct. 17, 2009
Hello Stephanie-
Good for you to be so dedicated and motivated to reach your deadline goal! In regards to recipes, one of my easiest meals (easier in fact than the one you provided!) is to purchase a pork sirloin roast (I buy them at Costco – great price) and throw it in the crockpot – still frozen – early morning. I season it liberally with garlic salt, a little Johnny’s seasoning, and some pepper, and throw in maybe a a cup or two of water. Eight hours or so later, it is a main dish the whole family seems to like. (A rarity at our house!
Best of luck with the writing!
- And thanks for the encouragement with the mammogram – that cornerstone is just around the corner in a few years for me as well – just can’t wait!
Stephanie Newton said:
Oct. 17, 2009
That sounds yummy, Michele! One of my favorite things about the crock pot is that you don’t have to thaw anything ahead of time, LOL!
Sierra Donovan said:
Oct. 19, 2009
Oh wow. I’m saving these ideas. Usually the only thing I use my crock pot for is soup!
Stephanie Newton said:
Oct. 20, 2009
I just found this blog…I’ve been checking out some of the recipes and will check out her book too. It’s really cool what she did–one year of crockpot cooking! http://www.crockpot365.blogspot.com
Carol said:
Oct. 22, 2009
Love your blog! Am sending the site to Amy. We loved having time with you and yours last Saturday!
I love my crock pot too. Can’t wait to try your chicken recipe.
My favorite recipe is “Roast Beast”.
Beef roast
1-2 cans mushroom soup
1 package Lipton Onion Soup Mis
Cover and cook all day. Yum!
Serve with rice, coleslaw and crescent rolls. Sometimes I use beef tips and add carrots and potatoes for an easy stew. When I do I add a can of beef broth as well as the mushroom soup.
Stephanie Newton said:
Oct. 24, 2009
Sounds delicious, Carol!! Thanks for the recipe and for the visit!
Steph