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Farm Kitchen: What is your favorite crockpot meal? |
MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2016 : 6:41:20 PM
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I am a big fan of crockpot meals but my actually list of crockpot meals is very small. I would like to make them more often to help me out with my busy days. What are your favorite crockpot meals to make? I am even open to crockpot desserts!
Krista |
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DandeeRose
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Alicia
Charlestown, IN
1509 Posts |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7115 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7115 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 04:49:27 AM
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Ribs. The thing about cooking ribs in crock pots is to keep them dry. I like an oval crock pot for ribs because you can spread them out more than in a round one, but either should work. I usually make my own sauce with wine or beer. Cover the pot with paper towels and than put the lid on. As the condensation goes up the paper towels traps it so the meat stays dryer on top but still moist.
A crock pot liner saves clean up especially when cooking ribs.
On the Food Channel I saw Sandra Lee use paper towels when making bread pudding in crock pot.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14 FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015. Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 06:09:43 AM
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Hi Krista! I love my crockpot. I have two, and have "worn out" one, so I am keeping an eye out for another on sale. You can pretty much make anything in a crock pot. I love my dad's "Crock Pot Chicken Delicious" recipe. Take skinless, boneless chicken breasts, put inside the bottom of the crock pot. Cover with lemon juice. Add one cream of mushroom soup and one cream of celery OR cream of chicken (I recommend using the organic kind that comes in the cartons, it works just as well as the traditional canned variety), add one half cup of white or blush wine, cover with parmesan cheese and generous sprinkle paprika on top. Turn on low for 6 - 8 hours, and serve over hot rice. Oh my! It's sooooo good!
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155 KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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CindyG
True Blue Farmgirl
293 Posts
Cindy
Fairfax
VA
USA
293 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 06:59:43 AM
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My favorite crockpot meal in itself is by far pot roast. I have learned some key "tricks" over the years, with the main one being to brown the meat first for the best flavor. Another important one is to not go overboard with dried spices because they kind of exponentially multiply in intensity in the crockpot. I once made thyme with a side of pot roast. Of all things using beef broth as part of the liquid is not as good as chicken broth - isn't that odd? But I'm talking commercial broth and not homemade. I have found a perfectly cheap red wine - Yellowtail "Big Bold Red" (I think - or some name similar to that) is a great addition to the liquid.
My favorite meal component to make in the crockpot is simple chicken thighs. I am not a breast meat fan - too dry for me. So I put lots of chicken thighs, salt, pepper, a little garlic and a chopped onion in and just let that cook. When done, I portion it out into whatever size I need, and then freeze them. I then have a great protein base for so many dishes, and they go together that much faster because the chicken is already cooked. We use them in enchiladas, pot pies, all kinds of casseroles, even soup. Very handy and so tender we jokingly call it "pre-chewed chicken". Gross, but funny to us! |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 7:33:32 PM
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Deborah and Alicia- I am glad to hear that I am not the only one. I hope you will find some recipes that you will like as well.
Sara- I have never made ribs before. You make it sound so easy with the crockpot. I am going to have to attempt some ribs now.
Shannon- Thank you! I quickly glanced at the website. I would love to get one of her cookbooks. They must be good if you have 2!
Nicole- That chicken recipe sounds so delicious! I have everything to make it except for the wine. Can you use something else? If not I will have to get some because I really want to try it this weekend.
Cindy-That is a wonderful idea for chicken. I like being able to make things faster and more convenient. Do you fill the crockpot up with chicken thighs or put only a couple in?
Does anyone have a good crockpot recipe for hamburger? We have so much because we buy a half a cow.
Krista |
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CindyG
True Blue Farmgirl
293 Posts
Cindy
Fairfax
VA
USA
293 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2016 : 06:57:59 AM
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Krista,
I usually do 10-12 chicken thighs to a batch - minimum. My crockpot is not happy cooking small batches of anything; the few times I've tried resulted in scorched stuff.
Like Sara, I have made ribs, too, and they are a family favorite.
One weirdo tip that might be just for me: I put a post-it note on the interior garage door (from the house out to the garage) so the last thing I see before I bolt away from the house in a rush is the question "Is the crockpot on?". Too many times I INTEND to turn it on right before I leave for the day, but then get distracted and then run late and then come home expecting that wonderful smell of stuff that has been cooking all day, and it is not there. Rats. Then I have a crockpot full of stuff that needs to be chucked since it has been sitting out all day. But the note has saved the day (or dinner) several times! Cindy |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2016 : 5:16:19 PM
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Thanks Cindy. I do have a smaller crockpot so I bet I can only fit 10 to 12 chicken thighs at a time. So this will work out perfect.
Oh my heavens that is so something I would do! I will have to make me a sticky note as well. I typically only use my crockpot on days that I am home, so I have been able to avoid that disaster! Thank you for the tip! I am sorry to hear that you have forgotten and had to throw the food out. Such a bummer.
Krista |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7115 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7115 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2016 : 05:19:13 AM
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Recipe from Capper's Farmer e-mail newsletter this morning so I have no idea if it's any good; but it does sound good.
Slow-Cooker Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients:
12 eggs 6 Tsp milk Salt & Pepper to taste Cheese, herbs, spices, cooked meat and fresh vegetables of choice.
Instructions:
1. Spray a slow-cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt & pepper. Add cheese, herbs, spices, cooked meats, and vegetables. Blend with fork. Pour into slow-cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until eggs are cooked through and veggies are tender. Stir every hour to help eggs cook evenly so they come out light & fluffy.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14 FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015. Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2016 : 4:33:25 PM
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Thanks for sharing that recipe Sara. I don’t have a breakfast crockpot recipe yet so I am glad to add this to my collection. I will give it a shot and see how it tastes.
Krista |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13666 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13666 Posts |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2016 : 3:29:55 PM
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What do you like to put in with your roasts? Mine taste alright but they could defiantly use a change. They need a bit more flavor.
Krista |
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ComeOnSammy
Farmgirl in Training
35 Posts
Samantha
Shelton
WA
USA
35 Posts |
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MBurns
True Blue Farmgirl
1859 Posts
Marlene
Swisher
IA
USA
1859 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2016 : 1:57:54 PM
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Thanks for the great recipes for chicken breast and scrambled eggs. I love to crockpot food and am always looking for new recipes. Lately we have made turkey chili and really like that as a change from hamburger. anyone have any good dessert recipes?
Farmgirl friends are fun. |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2016 : 2:23:10 PM
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I sear my roasts before putting them in the crockpot with salt and pepper, and often deglaze the pan with some red wine... I have also put horseradish on top of the roast - do NOT breathe it in while cooking!!! After it cooks, however, it turns kinda sweeter and is really yummy!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2016 : 12:24:06 PM
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Hi Krista,
I've never made it without the wine, but that is what really gives it a nice flavor. Let me know if you try it.
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155 KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2016 : 4:43:36 PM
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Thanks for the recipe Samantha! I just made taco soup in my crock pot last night and I could have made this. Dang it I should have checked here a day sooner! Ha Ha
Marlene, that is good question. I would love to have a dessert recipe. Can you make peach cobbler in the crock pot?
Thanks Shannon. I will add that next time and give it a try.
Good to know, Nicole. I will have to make a special trip and get some. You see, here in Utah they don’t sell wine in stores!
Krista
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2016 : 8:02:45 PM
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Hi girls!
Krista - AWESOME topic! Thank you!!!
'Just want to pop in to let you know that we tried your recipe tonight, Nicole, and my guys LOVED it!!! I mean, even my kid who is not fond of lemony stuff (other than rolled grape leaves! lol!) or anything cooked with wine absolutely loved it and said to tell you, my friend, that it was "really, really good!" The wine lent just the perfect touch to the dish - very, very light, but it definitely rounded the flavor experience! So, thank you, Nicole for a wonderful treat! It's going right into the recipe book, for sure!
Shannon- Thank you for that website! SO awesome! I'm already taking notes and planning meals!!! :)
Sara - Those scrambled eggs are going to be a wonderful wake up this weekend - we're anticipating a Nor'easter on Friday, and it will surely take the chill out of our bones the next morning! Thank you!
Samantha - that recipe looks fantastic! YUM! Thank you!
Girls - ALL of these recipes look wonderful! I'm definitely taking notes! Thank you for sharing!
One of our favorite's is Mary Hunt's "Three Packets and a Roast" recipe: http://www.everydaycheapskate.com/food-and-recipes/recipes-thatll-make-look-good/ (You'll need to scroll down a little to the recipe.) I do things a wee bit differently, though. I make my own Ranch Dressing and Gravy mixes, and I will make up about a cup of homemade Italian dressing to finish. I also add my potatoes, carrots and an onion to the crock before turning it on, and add about 1/2 - 1 cup extra of water. Everything turns out terrific!
Thanks for all these recipes! I am so excited to try them!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2016 : 6:04:35 PM
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Wow Nini that roast recipe sounds delicious. I really like the idea of mixing those 3 kinds of seasoning. I am going to have to write this one down and give it a shot. Thank you for sharing!
Krista |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9439 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9439 Posts |
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MnMotherMary
Farmgirl in Training
20 Posts
Mary
Jordan
MN
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2016 : 10:15:38 AM
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I use Reynolds crock pot liners. With such easy clean up I use it at least once a week. Favorite recipe's-- Any kind of pork roast, cover with root beer & cook on low 6-10 hours. When done, remove from root beer & shred with 2 forks and use with your favorite BBQ sauce. pork chops 4-6, Pour 1 packet ranch & 1 can cream of chicken ( I use homemade). Cover & cook on low 4-6 + hours. I generally foil wrap some russet potatoes to cook at the same time. |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7243 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7243 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2016 : 4:29:32 PM
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Mary- I actually just seen a coupon for those crock pot liners and was curious about them. I wasn’t sure if they really worked or if they made the food taste funny. I am going to have to get some now. When you use root beer on your roasts do they end up tasting like root beer when they are done? What kind of flavor does that add?
Krista |
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Cristi
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Cristi
Fountain
Colorado
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2016 : 07:43:41 AM
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So a friend invited us to dinner a couple of years ago and her husband does all the cooking, not because he is a fan but they both work and she keeps the house clean. Sounds fair to me ;). So he cooked a roast in the crock pot adding only a jar of pepperoncini peppers and let it cook all day. Oh my goodness! It is not your traditional roast but it was great with roasted potatoes. I have made this numerous times since then (sometimes in the oven) and my husband loves it. By the way, it makes incredible beef filling for anything Mexican. Enjoy!
A natural lifestyle is a breath by breath affair. |
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MnMotherMary
Farmgirl in Training
20 Posts
Mary
Jordan
MN
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2016 : 2:12:40 PM
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Krista, You don't taste the root beer. It some how breaks down any fat and separates from the meat. The liners don't have any taste. They just make you want to use the crock pot more often :-) Mary |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13666 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13666 Posts |
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Farm Kitchen: What is your favorite crockpot meal? |
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