Slow Cooker Holiday Season

Happy November 1st! Go put that jack-o-lantern on the front porch in the trash before it starts to rot (or before it gets any worse), grab your pilgrim and turkey decorations and start prepping for the biggest foodie holiday of the year! 

It's going to be a whirlwind over the next 2 months and before we know it we will be writing 2022 on all of our checks. But there is so much to plan, do and celebrate between now and then.

Let's talk about holiday season meals; and I don't just mean the Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. I mean all the meals that have to happen between those! From simple weeknight suppers to plan around the school concerts, work parties, holiday shopping, and those that have to be doubled or tripled due to those house guests who are coming soon! No matter if your company will be here for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the entire time between the two, I've got a meal that is sure to please both in flavor and ease! 

During the holiday rush, slow cooker meals are definitely the way to go! Letting it take care of cooking while you're running around doing the million things on your to-do list will save your sanity over and over. 

This recipe is another one that can be served a few different ways, making it as versatile as it is delicious. I piled these Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers on top of hoagie buns, added some shredded cheese and my boys devoured them. Well, that is partly true. My big boys ate them that way. For the little guy and myself, I just cut them up on a plate and we enjoyed them just as much. They would also be delicious with a side of pasta too. You can get a couple different meals out of one recipe, or one meal that everyone can customize for themselves. 

I hope these next few weeks don't fly by too quickly for you to take a minute and savor them! We are gearing up for the most magical, wonderful time of year and I for one, can't wait!

 Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers

2 lbs. mild Italian sausages

2 cups marinara sauce

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried basil

Hoagie buns

1 cup shredded pizza style cheese

Salt and pepper

Dried parsley, for garnish

Grated Parmesan for serving

Dried Red Pepper for serving 

Grease slow cooker insert. Add sausages. Top with sliced vegetables. Sprinkle with seasonings. Pour marinara over. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Stir well. Serve on hoagie buns topped with cheese, over pasta or as is. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

Yes, I Know It's Fake

Have you noticed more and more people are becoming very brave online? And by that I mean they know they can sit behind their keyboards and spew out opinions and hide from the person they are saying it to. Yep, cyber bullying is a term that has invaded our culture and our homes. 

Well, me and my friends, aka food bloggers, know all too well how these comments flow freely and without much remorse from many. From the use of Minute Rice, to cake mixes, to condensed soups (the list could really go on and on) folks have opinions on all of them and they basically want to tar and feather any of us who use them. 

Now I will be honest, I haven't had near as many of the nasty comments on these said foods as many other bloggers. I don't know if it's because EMM fans are more polite, or like me, my followers are all for taking a short cut here and there to make sure dinner is tasty and still on budget. 

Today's recipe includes one of those "evil" foods a lot of people love to hate on. Imitation Crab. Oh my. Yes I said it. And before we go any further, yes I know it's fake. I know it doesn't have an ounce of real crab in it. And yes, I think it tastes good and I'm okay with it! If it isn't your thing, please move on, or heck spend the big $$$ on the real if you want. Whatever floats your boat. For us, the fake stuff works just fine, and leaves my wallet a little fatter. 

This is going to become a huge hit this summer to every party, cookout, picnic, and backyard barbecue you take it to. Everyone is going to want the recipe (sorry if when you tell them you get the crab hate too) and ask you to bring it again!

I actually served this as a main dish with some crusty bread and fresh cantaloupe on the side; and I know that is how we will enjoy many times this summer, on those hot nights when it's too hot to eat but you're starving! 

I love what I do, and I know there are downsides to every job. But maybe, if we all just take a step back and remember there is someone on the other side of the screen, and make sure we aren't typing anything we wouldn't say to some one's face this whole online world can be just a little bit happier.

Crab Pasta Salad

1 lb. salad shells

1 lb. imitation crab

2 large celery ribs, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 (3 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained

1 1/2 cups plain yogurt

1/4 cup mayo

1/4 cup zesty Italian salad dressing

1 TBS Chesapeake seasoning

1 tsp. celery seed

1 TBS mustard

1/2 TBS soy sauce

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried Chives for garnish

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place crab in a large bowl. Using two forks, tear it apart to separate it. Add celery, peppers and olives. In a medium bowl combine yogurt, mayo, salad dressing, Chesapeake seasoning, celery seed, mustard, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well. When pasta is cooked, rinse with cold water and drain well. Add to bowl. Pour dressing over. Mix gently to combine. Chill for a couple hours. Garnish with dried chives. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Inspired by Wine and Glue

Max Time

It's no secret that since our baby Max joined our family, the blog has suffered. New recipes aren't really on the top of my priority list. Some days I barely have time to throw some frozen fish sticks in the oven, let alone test a new recipe, play around with it, photograph it and blog it. This little cutie pie keeps me way too busy.

I'm not complaining. See, when I started blogging it was because Alex was getting older and didn't need me as much, so I needed an outlet. A way to contribute to our family and keep me busy. Those needs haven't went away, they have just shifted to the back burner so to speak because for the last 12 months my time has been Max's. And honestly, I don't see it changing any time soon.

This little guy turned 1 on the 11th, and I can't believe an entire year has gone by. The craziness of having a newborn and tiny infant is gone, but it's been replaced with the whirlwind of having a walking, talking, and yes most of the time, running toddler who doesn't let me get much rest.

But that's my job. Him and his big brother. My life revolves around them. My schedule is set to theirs. My days are planned with them in mind every single minute. I am mom and I wouldn't trade that for anything in this world.

But every once in awhile, the stars will align and I can try something new in the kitchen. I will have the time to test a dish I've been cooking in my mind. (I still develop recipes....in my head...usually when I'm giving Max a bottle or rocking him!)

That's what happened last week with this meal. I had been given some beautiful green bell peppers from a friend's garden and I was craving stuffed peppers. And even though I have a super simple recipe for them, they still take over an hour to cook. I wasn't going to have that kind of time, so I wanted to find a way to have the same flavors, in the time Max allowed me. 

A one skillet meal that can be on the table in about 30 minutes....every busy mom's (or dad's) dream! Both of my big boys said this was one of the best things I had made in a long time. (Yeah, I think they are noticing the dinner rut around here too!) I have to agree. It was not only easy, but super delicious.

Max is still occupying most of my time, and I thank God for that every day. But maybe now in his second year I can find time to try a few more new recipes...we can hope!

 Stuffed Pepper Skillet

1 TBS vegetable oil

1 lb. ground beef

2 green bell peppers, diced

1 ( 4 oz.) can diced green chilies, undrained

2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup beef broth

1 1/2 cups instant rice

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. dried roasted garlic*

1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

Fresh Cilantro Leaves, for garnish

In a large skillet over medium high heat oil. Saute beef and peppers until brown and tender. Drain any excess fat. Add seasonings. Stir to combine. Add broth, tomatoes, chilies and rice. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook until rice is tender, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese. Cover until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Garnish with cilantro. *NOTE* Regular garlic powder would work fine too. If you want to use fresh, about 2 cloves. 

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Recipe Inspired By Damn Delicious

Summer Sides

When I am meal planning in the summer I of course want to enjoy all those side dishes we associate with warmer weather. Potato Salad. Coleslaw. Corn on the Cob. Pasta Salad. The list could go on and on. But sometimes I want something super fresh, with that straight from the garden crunch you get with the veggies you're bringing in from the garden. That's when a salad like this is perfect.

I love beans. All beans. But here is a family secret. My husband will eat pretty much anything on the planet. Except....Garbanzo Beans! In his exact words, "Chic Peas are scary." I don't know if he had some childhood trauma with those little evil things, but he will not touch them. We've been married 14 years and I've only tried to use them once....and no joke, he walked into the kitchen, saw them, and walked back outside. True story.

I'm telling you this, because if I had my way this would have been filled with garbanzo beans, but to ensure the stability of my marriage I substituted others instead.

I love this salad for not only how fresh it is, but how economical too. Veggies are pretty inexpensive this time of year, and if you grow your own, or have a local farmer's market, even better. And canned beans? One of the best values at the grocery store. I shop at Aldi and I think these cans ran me 59 cents each.

If you've got zucchini and/or yellow squash laying around, I think both of those would be so tasty in this too! It goes so well with anything you've got coming off the grill, and makes a great dish for a sunny day since there is no "creamy" aspect.

I can't believe summer is starting to wind down. I'm in total denial, but I'm going to make sure we get to enjoy all of these warm weather foods as long as we can!

Marinated 3 Bean Salad

1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans

1 (15 oz.) can black beans

1 (15 oz.) can great northern beans

1 medium tomato, chopped

1/2 yellow pepper, diced

1/2 orange pepper, diced

1/2 red pepper, diced

1 rib celery, diced

1/2 English cucumber, diced
1/2 cup water
1 TBS dried basil
1/2 TBS dried parsley
2 TBS lemon juice
2 TBS vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste

Rinse and drain all beans well. Add to a large bowl with tomato, peppers, celery and cucumber. In a medium bowl combine water, oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Whisk well. Pour over vegetables. Stir well. Cover and chill several hours before serving, stirring occasionally.

Unique Christmas

I actually tested this recipe few weeks ago, and wasn't even sure when I was going to share it with all of you. During this time of year, we food bloggers try really hard to provide you with terrific, tasty ideas for Christmas, so when we test recipes that don't necessarily fall into the category, they sometimes have to wait to be posted, or at least that's how it works for this food blogger.

But then last night a friend of mine posted on Facebook that her family was looking for something new for their Christmas day feast. They are growing tired of the traditional ham or turkey, and she was looking for ideas to start a new tradition. As I was reading the comments, I was shocked at how many responded with "We do Mexican for Christmas." Some said it's what they have on Christmas Eve after church, others said they've made a big Latin inspired spread on Christmas day, and a few said they too were looking for something new this year, and Mexican is what they had decided on.

Well, I'm not going to lie, my mind was blown a little. Don't get me wrong, we've enjoyed some not so traditional meals as well, I just didn't realize how many out there turned to tacos and enchiladas after opening gifts, that's all. So it was at that moment I decided this recipe did indeed need to be share now, in the holiday spirit, or to be saved until after!

If your gang loves cheese, these will become a new favorite. If your gang loves green chilies, these will become a new favorite. If your gang loves beef burritos, these will become a new favorite. If you love super simple meals that fill them up without too much effort, these will become a new favorite. Yep, they will do all that and so much more!

Seriously though, the cheese sauce? I might make it again, by itself, and just put a straw in the pan! No joke, that's how good it is!

If you are looking to switch up your holiday routine, and are giving into your Mexican cravings, but still want something new, here you go! Or if you're going to be enjoying the standard ham or turkey, but definitely want something new and tasty to ring in 2016, that is what the save button is for!

Cheesy Beef Burritos

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies, undrained

8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 lb. ground beef

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

10 8" flour tortillas, slightly warmed

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 TBS butter

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried Chives

Preheat oven to 350. Heat butter in large skillet over medium high heat. Add peppers and onion. Saute until tender. Add beef. Cook until no longer pink. Season with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add black beans. Stir to combine. In a small sauce pan combine evaporated milk, chilies and 1 c. cheese. Heat over medium heat until cheese melted and well combined. Season with salt. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture. Add shredded cheese. Roll up, tucking in sides. Place in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Pour cheese sauce down over burritos. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 20-30 minutes until set and slightly browned. *NOTE* When you are rolling burritos, don't feel bad if they fall apart a little bit, the cheese sauce will cover it up! 

Soul Food Saturday

There are some many things that my Mom cooked for our family growing up that I
believe I could write a book full of just those recipes, and food stories. We weren't picky kids by any sense of the word, but Daddy on the other had his favorites and wanted nothing more than those things, most of the time. 

So to get us excited about whatever new recipe she decided to try she'd come up with a fun way to describe it to us all.

I haven't made this recipe many times on my own, only because I never asked what the recipe actually consisted of. Until now. I hope you'll love it as much as we still do, she calls them Little meatloaf stuffed peppers.

Little Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped finely
1 c. dried bread crumbs
2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c. ketchup plus 8 tsp.
1 14 oz. can sweet corn, drained
8 bell peppers, reserve tops
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 c. cheddar jack cheese

Preheat oven at 400.
Take each bell pepper and cut off only the tops. Remove seeds and ribs. Remove stems from the tops, and chop finely. Place peppers in rimmed baking pan cut side up, then set aside.In a large bowl add ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, bread crumbs, garlic, Parmesan, red pepper flakes,  salt and pepper, ketchup, and corn. Mix to thoroughly combine all ingredients.Take meat mixture and form into 8 balls. Fill each bell pepper leaving a little room on the top.Top with 1 tsp.. of ketchup and cover with foil. Bake for an hour or until juices are bubbling, and peppers are tender.Remove from oven, carefully remove foil, then top generously with cheese. Return to oven, and allow cheese to melt completely.Approx 5-10 minutes. Serve hot, with your favorite side or a salad for a lighter meal. Enjoy!

Soul Food Saturday

Can you believe summer is nearly here? I certainly can't.  But to be honest I missed the food the most.  Backyard grilling,  and fresh from the garden vegetables. Yep, I could go on, and on. How about a way to use up bits of left over pork chops? Thought so, grab a few friends and lets eat! 

Loaded Pork with Garlic Sauce

2 c. Pre cooked boneless pork chops,  chopped

1 small onion,  diced

1 yellow bell pepper,  diced

4 c. Broccoli, chopped

1 tbs olive oil

2 c. Kale, stemmed and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 c. garlic sauce

In a medium skillet add oil and onions.  Mix to coat onions with oil.  Cook until onions are clear.  Add bell pepper.  Stir to combine.  Add pinch of salt to season peppers. Cook until slightly softened.  Add Broccoli and a bit more salt. Toss to combine.  Cook until broccoli starts to brown and turn vibrant green.  Stir more frequently. Add in kale and a touch more salt. Toss to combine. Cook until kale has wilted slightly,  then add pork pieces and sauce. Stir to combine and cook until meat is heated through and sauce has coated veggies. Serve alone or with rice or pasta.

Earth Fare Comes to Fort Wayne

I am so excited. We have a new store here in Fort Wayne, and it's a great addition to our community. Foodies are gathering at the doors and shoppers are crowding the aisles. That's right folks, in case you haven't heard, Earth Fare has come to our city; and I am honored to be blogging for them too! 

That's right, once per month you're going to see a recipe of mine that I purchased all of the ingredients for at Earth Fare. But before I get to the yummy dish, let me tell you a little more about this new grocery store, or at least new to us. 

Earth Fare's mission is to connect communities and improve lives through food. Their vision is to be the most trusted organic and natural food market in the country. To be a place where healthy decisions are easy, shoppers can have confidence in the food they buy, and patrons always feel welcome.  

And I can tell you from personal experience they excel at all of this! The first time you walk through the doors, you are greeted by friendly employees, beautiful food and an easy to maneuver store. 

Plus, what really sets Earth Fare apart from other stores is what their products do not contain. No products contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors/sweeteners, and synthetic growth hormones in fresh meat and dairy. Basically you can shop without having to read the labels, because they already have and you can trust you are getting the absolute best there is. 

For my first recipe I had Memorial Day and summer picnic season on the brain. And for us, neither of those are complete without a great pasta salad. But the fantastic thing about this version is that it's full of so many yummy things, it also makes a great lunch, or even light summer time supper. When the temps are so high, cooking is out of the question and you're practically melting, this is filling without being heavy. 

If you want to learn more about Earth Fare, or maybe see if you have one close to you, be sure to check them out online. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

Antipasto Pasta Salad

1 lb. short cut pasta

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 (2.2 oz) can sliced black olives, drained

3 tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped

3 string cheese, chopped

1/4 lb. Genoa salami, chopped

3/4 c. creamy Italian dressing 

1/2 TBS dried parsley

1/2 TBS Italian seasoning 

Salt and Pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse well with cold water. Drain well. In a large bowl combine cooled pasta, peppers, olives, tomatoes, cheese, salami, and seasonings. Stir to combine. Pour dressing over top. Stir again. Chill for at least an hour before serving. 

Shared on The Country Cook May 23, 2014

Disclaimer: I was provided with a gift card to purchase ingredients from Earth Fare. All thoughts opinions and the recipe are my own. 

Soul Food Saturday #33

Good Morning! I hope ya'll had a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with family, love, memories made and yummy food! Is your fridge stuffed with leftovers? Want something to use that turkey for besides yet another sandwich? Bekki has just the answer today!

I hope that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and all of the wonderful things that surround us during the holidays; our families, friends, and time together. I have a huge soup addiction and the Fall and Winter are the perfect time to make big pots of the bubbly deliciousness. With all the left over turkey we all need new ways to use it up and make it stretch for a few more meals. This is just one more way. Along with my addiction to soup I have a new love for kale. It’s a peppery green leafy vegetable that is perfect in this soup. Add a few more veggies, some pasta, your remaining gobbler and voila dinner! Let’s continue our time of thanks giving, with something to warm you heart and soul. Enjoy!

 

Turkey and Kale Noodle Soup

6 c. low sodium chicken stock

3 c. carrots, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

1 orange bell pepper, chopped

3 c. cooked turkey, chopped

3 c. kale, chopped and stemmed

4 c. cooked pasta

1 tbs. olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

 

In medium stock pot add olive oil, and onion. Cook until onions are softened. Add bell pepper, and carrots. Stir to combine. Add chicken stock and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Cook until carrots are tender. Add kale, turkey and pasta. Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper if desired. Soup is ready when kale is tender and turkey is warmed through.