Crockpot Swiss Steak, Tangy Cucumber Onion Salad, and Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Back to school time is here. We all know that can be a busy and expensive time for families. With our economy currently not doing so good, stretching the food budget becomes especially important as money is being spent on school fees, clothing, athletic fees, even glasses for the children. Here is a menu that is tasty, inexpensive, and easy for busy, working moms and others.
A Swiss Steak made in the crockpot or slowcooker is great for busy families. It has beef, potatoes, carrots, and tomato so you have your meat and vegetables one dish. Add a salad of Tangy Cucumbers and Onions for a dash of crunch and flavor. For a quick and tasty dessert try our Mini Cherry Cheesecakes.
CROCKPOT SWISS STEAK DINNER
1 1/2 lbs beef round steak cut into 6 pieces
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
8 new red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into fourths
1 lb whole baby carrots
1 med onion, sliced
1 can diced Italian-style tomatoes, undrained
1 jar homestyle beef gravy
fresh parsley, chopped; optional
For more information...
Crockpot Swiss Steak, Tangy Cucumber Onion Salad, and Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Some Crockpot Tips
Many of your favorite recipes can be successfully adapted to the crockpot or slow cooker if you follow a few simple rules. You’ll find a basic time/temperature guide for converting recipes, some do’s and don’ts for specific ingredients and a few tips for making your slow cooker dishes more flavorful.
Liquids
Generally, liquids may be decreased in slow cooking – a general rule of thumb is about half the recommended amount. Unless the dish contains rice or pasta, one cup of liquid is usually enough.
Pasta and Rice
When recipes call for cooked pasta to be added, cook it until just slightly tender before adding to the pot. Add 1/4 extra liquid per 1/4 cup uncooked rice, and use long grain converted rice for the best results. For long-cooking recipes, add cooked rice shortly before serving.
Beans
It is usually best to soak beans overnight before cooking them in the crockpot. Before adding sugar or acidic ingredients, the beans should be softened first, either in the slow cooker or on the stove top. If your recipe includes tomatoes, salt, or other acidic ingredients, the beans should be tender before beginning.
Herbs and Spices
Ground herbs and spices tend to dissipate over long cooking times, so it’s best to add them near the end of cooking. Whole herbs release flavors over time, so are a good choice for crockpot cooking. You should taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary, before serving.
For more information...
Some Crockpot Tips
How to Keep Your Kitchen Cool? Bring out the Crockpot or Slowcooker
Slowcookers and Crockpots are not just for winter meals. They are a great way to help keep your kitchen cool in the summer time. You can cook the main part of your meal without turning on the stove or oven. The Spareribs, Cabbage ‘N’ Kraut is a tasty meal that has a German flavor. The Chunky, Creamy Chicken Soup is easy and should please everyone. It is also an excellent recipe for diabetics.
SPARERIBS, CABBAGE ‘N KRAUT
3 to 4 lb lean pork spareribs, cut into serving size pieces
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 small can sauerkraut
1/2 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 apple, quartered, cored, and sliced
1 tsp caraway seeds or dill weed
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
Sprinkle spareribs with salt and pepper to taste. Brown spareribs for 30 minutes in a heavy skillet or broiler pan. Put alternate layers of spareribs, sauerkraut, cabbage, onion,and apple in CROCK-POT. Add caraway seeds or dill weed to the water and pour over all. Cover and set to Low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. Stir several times during the cooking process if using the high setting.
CREAMY, CHUNKY CHICKEN SOUP
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinnless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch strips
For more information...
How to Keep Your Kitchen Cool? Bring out the Crockpot or Slowcooker
