Slow Cooker Fall Favorites Day 1 {A Review and Giveaway}

That's right! It's almost that time! Cool fall days with crisp fall nights are headed our way quicker than you think, or in my case, much quicker than I would like. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy fall; and everything it brings with it. Apple picking, bonfires, pumpkins, fall festivals...I love it all. 

However I hate what comes after fall, and I long for summer so much. So, if we could have autumn for a couple months, skip winter and go right back into summer...I'd be a happy camper. But alas, I live in the Midwest, where we enjoy (or endure) all 4 seasons. So I better find a way to cope. And what a better way than a brand new cookbook from my good friends at Gooseberry Patch, full of not only fall inspired recipes...but all of them are for our Crock Pots!!

I don't think there is a time of year I enjoy using my slow cooker more than fall. There is just something about being outside enjoying a cool, sunny autumn day, and then coming back to a warm, comforting meal waiting on me. As much as I use my slow cooker year round, it probably sits on the counter top the most during the autumn months. 

In this fabulous book you'll find everything from breakfast ideas, to great tailgating ideas (Another one of the reasons I love fall...football!!!), warm soups and delicious main dishes, to sweet treats to end your meal with.

When I started to thumb through my copy, I immediately knew I had to try a soup. Soups and slow cookers are just a match made in heaven to me. They are what I cook the most in mine, so it was only natural. The minute I saw this recipe I was totally intrigued. See, I have another recipe for the same dish, but it differs in two major ways. One, it contains meat; and while delicious, I'm always on the lookout for meat free options for both my family and to share with all of my vegetarian fans. And two, my other recipe cooks stove top, so this one is immediately easier!

If you love to throw something in your Crock Pot and then head to work, and know supper is waiting on you at the end of a long day, this recipe is for you. Seriously, take about 5 minutes in the morning to open a few cans, stir, and forget it. When supper time rolls around, boil some pasta and dinner can be on the table in almost no time. And not just any dinner. A warm, comforting bowl of delicious soup, bursting with flavor that will warm your soul!

Autumn is on it's way, and while we still have some very warm days ahead of us, it's time to start thinking about all the yummy things we have to look forward to! Oh, and the great folks at Gooseberry Patch have a copy of Slow Cooker Fall Favorites for one lucky EMM reader too. Just scroll down to the giveaway! 

Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli 

Bela's Favorite Pasta Fagioli

Contributed by Julie Dossantos Fort Pierce, Fl, Found on pg. 108

1 tsp. olive oil

2 (14.5 oz.) cans Italian diced tomatoes

1 (15 oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 cloves garlic, diced

1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped

2 TBS Italian seasoning

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

2 (32 oz.) boxes chicken or vegetable broth

1 lb. ditalini pasta, cooked

Thinly sliced mozzarella cheese, for garnish

Combine oil, undrained tomatoes, beans, garlic, basil and seasonings in a slow cooker. Mix well. Add broth. Stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Divide pasta among soup bowls. Ladle soup over pasta. Garnish each bowl with cheese. Serves 6-8. 

*NOTE* I used 1 TBS dried basil in place of fresh and garnished with shredded mozzarella. 

Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 22, 2014

Soup at Very Good Recipes

***Giveaway***

To Enter: Leave a comment telling me your favorite slow cooker autumn inspired dish.

Bonus Entry #1: Become a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.

Bonus Entry #2: Follow Gooseberry Patch on Twitter.

Be sure to leave an email address so I can find you!

Contest Ends: September 3, 2014

Disclaimer: I was provided with (2) cookbooks from Gooseberry Patch in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.