During the cold days of winter, a steaming bowl of comfort is on my meal plan multiple times a week. Slow cooked meat and vegetables make my heart sing. Today let’s discuss classic homemade beef stew. Growing up I loved my mother’s simmered beef stew cooked on top of the stove for hours. I personally prefer to use a crock pot for ease, but beef stew can be made in the oven, on the stove, or in a slow cooker.
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Slow Cooker Pork & Sauerkraut
Happy New Year! I thought of sharing the recipe for Pork & Sauerkraut today, due to the holiday yesterday. Every culture has a lucky dish that they eat on New Year’s Day. The tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut for luck on New Year’s Day can trace its origins back to Germany. Germans and other pig-raising cultures have been eating this dish for centuries, with immigrants bringing the tradition to the United States. It is the ultimate hearty meal for a cold evening. The pork is perfectly juicy and tender after simmering with sauerkraut and apples. There are tons of pork and sauerkraut recipes online with slight variations. The basis of my recipe comes from an acquaintance of my youth who grew up in Amish country in Pennsylvania.
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Upgrade Your Cooking Skills
Several days ago I shared my ideas to Find Inspiration For Cooking. Most of us cook at least some although I’ve met people who eat take out almost daily. Home cooking shouldn’t be compared to restaurant food. First most fast food tends to be high in salt, sugar, saturated fats, trans fats, calories, and processed preservatives and ingredients. An occasional takeout meal probably won’t hurt you, but you should make wise choices on what you order. Check out How to Eat Takeout With Ruining Your Diet for more ideas.
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Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage
Stuffed cabbage is an old-fashioned family favorite. It’s a hearty meal that’s easy to make. Using a slow cooker makes this dish even easier to prepare on a busy day. Make a flavorful combination of ground beef, pork, and brown rice stuffed into pre-boiled cabbage leaves. If you prefer using Italian sausage instead of pork, look for a lower fat variety. Each leaf is then nestled into the slow cooker and the whole thing is topped with a tomato sauce. Come back hours later to a filling and tasty meal. NOTE: If a family member can’t eat cabbage, make them meatballs with the filling and cook it in the sauce.
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5 Cozy Dishes For Cold Weather
It’s that time of year when the temperatures drop, and everyone craves getting warm and cozy in their homes with warm, nurturing food. With that in mind, there are plenty of winter-warming foods and drinks that will keep any foodie satisfied as we start to head through the coldest months of the year.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Today’s recipe is an easy dish that brings lots of warmth, flavor, and comfort but with only 15 minutes prep. Italian chicken cacciatore usually uses a mix of chicken parts and is slowly simmered on the stove. I like a healthy chicken cacciatore slow cooker approach. Making chicken cacciatore in the crock pot achieves the same tenderness and depth of flavor as the slow-simmer method, with less hassle.
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Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Today’s recipe is another slow cooker soup based on classic potato soup. In an effort to make this classic a little healthier, I used low fat dairy products, chicken (or turkey) bacon, and low sodium broth. The soup still tastes wonderful but it is a little easier on your diet.
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Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
This Pineapple Chicken is healthy, sweet, tangy, and easy to make. You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. During the holiday season you are busy with so much to do. Put this on and in 5 hours on low dinner is almost ready. Serve with rice and a salad. I prefer brown rice, and it has so much more fiber and nutrition. I have family who do not like it. Brown rice has a nuttier and chewier taste because of the bran, and I like that. The choice is yours or you could opt for cauliflower rice or quinoa.