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
Spray a 12-inch non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper over beef pieces. Cook meat 6-7 minutes, turning once, until browned.
Layer potatoes, carrots, onion and beef in 4 – 5 qt crockpot or slow cooker. Mix tomatoes with gravy and spoon over meat in slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low setting for about 8 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Sprinkle each serving with chopped parsley, if desired.
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.
Milk/Cheese
Milk, sour cream, and cream break down over long periods of cooking, and should be added during the last hour. Condensed cream soups are good substitutions for milk and can be cooked for extended times. “Healthy,” or reduced fat cream soups can be used in any recipe as a substitute.
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
2 tsp vegetable oil
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
Crockpot 3040-Bc 4-Quart Round-Shaped Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel
Crockpot 3040-BC 4-Quart Round-Shaped Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel reviews.Slow cookers are the classics, such as 4-pot, it seemed the fourth kitchens. In addition, cookbooks, but it just looks like the modern professional kitchen. Given the simple structure of chrome, black is black handles and a removable ceramic insert is also a small saucepan set of accessories such as covers, vinyl, racks of meat and heat transport containers of food additives, clay pots.
Crockpot 3040-BC 4-Quart Round-Shaped Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel reviews by customer. Slow cookers are generally regarded as chili, soup or stew. But the 200 bonus cookbook that branch Top 4 Quart Rival Crock Pot Stoneware Slow Cooker Recipes, comes like roast chicken with peas, ham and cream, San Francisco Cioppino, and Lamb Korma. No, what you eat and the pot.
I also have slow cooker as a wedding gift and I love it. My father did not interchangeable plates was a pain until I’ve used, always clean. I had no problems with drivers and a maximum of 2 years. I had more than one time to cook, but it was probably due to overloading. Advisable to take the completed form in order to avoid overcrowding. I like this one to buy my mother to one cooked beans in tomato sauce, and these were too.I us crock pot chili twice, and each time was Nummy. Cook evenly and thoroughly. The open area is very wide, so you can determine whether you need to change the heat or not. It is heavy and solid, much of what we have left the ship more than projects, more stable than my Slow Cooker, because the uneven heating. It also has a beautiful device, and is easy to clean .damn
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Crockpot Pork Roast With Onions and Potatoes Meal
For all the busy cooks out there, here are a couple of recipes to help you put dinner on the table quickly, easily, and economically. With a crockpot entree of meat and potatoes, add a make-ahead green bean salad and you are ready to feed your family a nutritious dinner in no time at all.
PORK ROAST WITH ONIONS AND POTATOES
This recipe requires a 4-quart slowcooker for best results.
Approximately 3 lb boneless pork loin roast, trim off fat
1 large garlic clove, sliced
5 medium potatoes, washed, cubed, unpeeled
1 large onion, sliced
3/4 cup water (or tomato juice, if desired)
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp cold water
Make slits in roast in insert slices of garlic. Place roast under broiler to brown. Put potatoes in slow cooker. Add 1/2 the onion slices. Place roast atop vegetables and cover with remaining onions. Combine water or juice with soy sauce and pour over roast. Place lid on slowcooker and cook on low about 8 hours. When ready to serve, remove roast and vegetables from cooker. Combine cornstarch and cold water. Add to the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn cooker to high until liquid is thickened. Slice meat and serve thickened liquid over the meat and vegetables.
This recipe has a few more protein grams than carbs so it is excellent for diabetics who want to enjoy some good old “meat and potatoes”.
GREEN BEAN SALAD
2 cans French-style green beans, drained
1 small can of peas, drained
Crockpot Cooking -What’s for Dinner?
At this very moment millions of people are asking themselves this question: “What’s for dinner?” Maybe you are hearing yourself asking this very question yourself.
If you didn’t plan ahead you might be thinking of just going to a fast food place for a bite to eat.
“No, that’s not very nutritious. Besides we just did that yesterday.”
Maybe a nice sit down restaurant is what you’re thinking would be good option.
“Should we dress up?”
How about getting food delivered to your home.
“Now where’s that phone number?”
Maybe you’re feeling a bit adventurous and will just head out to the nearest drive thru to have a teenager hand you a bag.
“No, not today.”
Now what? You’re hungry.
You may want these types of spur of the moment ‘what’s for dinner’ decisions to be the exception and not the rule. These types of meals are just plain less nutritious, more expensive, and more time consuming than if you had prepared the meal at home. Expenses as you know can be astronomical at the end of the year if you do this a few times a week.
So what’s the answer for a short on time, health conscious, cost conscious person?
If you’re short on time a crockpot might me your answer.
Not All Crockpots are Alike – the Right Slow Cooker Makes a Big Difference!
To get the best results from your slow cooker recipes then you don’t want to go too cheap on your spending. But ar the same time you also don’t need the top of the line model either. You’ll need to do just a little research here as I don’t endorse any particular brand. But you will be pleased to know that all you need to spend is around $40.
If you decide on any of these brand names- brand names like Rival, Hamilton Beach, Kitchen-Aid, Cuisinart or Proctor Silex – you won’t go wrong. Don’t pinch your pennies since you get what you pay for – you’ll want your crockpot to last for a good long time.
Don’t skimp on the quality and features in your search for a good deal. You should look for the automatic shut-off and warm feature since you don’t have to make it home at the same time the meal is finished cooking. The slow cooker will automatically switch to a gentle warming mode. This helps when you are serving a large meal by keeping stews, soups, and other dishes ready to serve.
Once you have settled on the brand and model, now pick the size. Some of the most popular sizes for slow cookers are the 3.5 and 4 quart models. Smaller and larger are available to suit your needs as well, depending on the size of your family.
There is no ideal recipe when it comes to crockpot cooking. The blended flavors of your recipes ingredients is what the crockpot is especially good at. There is no end to the types of foods you can cook in a crockpot. From sauces and soups, stews and roasts, it does them all well.
Remember, fast food is out and slow cooked meals are in. A favorite famly meal can be as easy as throwing some ingredients into the slow cooker before everyone leaves for the day.
If you run out of recipe ideas remember you can always surf the web – there are many websites dedicated to slow cooker recipes. You will find mega-ingredient recipes for when you have extra time to dedicate, and you will also find recipes which require as little as 3 ingredients! Or you can always go into the ‘archives and pull out one of your favorites that you know will always go over well with the family.
Healthy Low Fat Crockpot Recipe That Will be Chock Full of Flavor
Making the commitment to eat better and make healthier everyday choices in your life can be a tough adjustment. Your taste buds are conditioned to food that has been processed, is high in fat and sodium, and has tons of preservatives. It will take a little time for your body to adjust to this new way of eating. Once it does, you will be amazed at all the delicious foods you can prepare and this includes using a low fat crockpot recipe to make on hectic evenings.
One low fat crockpot recipe you might like to try is Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Vegetables. This delicious low fat crockpot recipe uses allspice and apple butter to give the pork sirloin roast and the heap of fresh vegetables their flavor. Eating this dish will have you in culinary heaven, never missing high fat alternatives.
Another low fat crockpot recipe you may want to prepare which is vegetarian yet hearty and flavorful is Crockpot Barley Casserole. The nutty and chewy taste of barley is delicious and it is good for you too. You can either serve this as a main dish or as a side with some lean protein and a salad.
Crockpot Easy Beef Stew is a simple recipe that uses just five ingredients. It tastes fantastic and is nothing but healthy for you. The ease of preparation makes this low fat crockpot recipe ideal if you haven?t much time in the morning to prepare. Using just a few ingredients, you will have your dinner simmering without missing a beat.
To give your taste buds a bit of zest, try Slow Cooker Fajita Stew. You can make your own fajita seasoning mix so you don?t have to buy sodium and preservative laden packaged mix in the market. This healthy and flavorful stew is high in vitamin C and proteins and is sure to have your family raving and asking for more.
Finding low fat crockpot recipes isn?t hard if you have the determination to stick with your new lifestyle. Low fat crockpot recipe is especially comforting on a chilly fall night after you have come home from the children?s activities. All you have to do is open the crockpot and serve.
Want to know more about Low Fat Crockpot Recipes?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-low-fat.com/article-5-Low-Fat-Crockpot-Recipe.html
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Crockpot Recipes – From Stove Top to Slow Cooking
Crockpot cooking is convenient and easier than ever before. Safeguards are in place that allow you to go about your day without worry knowing that your crockpot is doing what it is designed to do. Cleaning up after cooking with your crockpot is the best part, it is simple and is much easier to do.
Alot of your favorite stove top recipes can be successfully modified for use with your crockpot. There are some basic time and temperature guidelines for converting recipes. There are some right ways and wrong ways to use specific ingredients. Here are a few ways for making your crockpot meals more flavorful.
Pasta and Rice
Recipes that list cooked pasta or rice to be added or included, should be cooked until tender before being placed in your crockpot. Add 1-quarter extra liquid for every 1-quarter cup uncooked rice and best to use long grain rice for optimal results. Add already cooked rice for longer cooking recipes, before serving.
Liquids
Liquids should be decreased when slow cooking. A good rule of thumb would be to use 1/2 the called amount, that is unless the recipe asks for rice or pasta, 1 cup of liquid will usually suffice.
Spices
Spices tend to evaporate over long cooking periods, the best time to add them would be when cooking is almost complete. Whole herbs and spices would be a good choice to use for your crockpot cooking, since their flavor last over a longer period of time. Taste the seasoning before serving so you can modify as necessary.
Beans
Curry Recipes
Papaya Moringa Curry
Papaya- 500 gm
Moringa-150 gm
Turmeric-2 tsp
Chilly powder-2 tsp
Salt-2 tsp
Heat oil in a frying pan.Add cumin seeds,turmeric and then add Papaya,Moringa after a while.Stir well and heat for 8 minutes.Then add Chilly powder and salt and stir well.Add adequate water.
Papaya Carrot Moringa Curry
Papaya- 500 gm
Carrot-300 gm
Moringa-150 gm
Turmeric-2 tsp
Chilly powder-2 tsp
Salt-2 tsp
Heat oil in a frying pan.Add cumin seeds,turmeric and then add Papaya,Moringa,Carrot after a while.Stir well and heat for 8 minutes.Then add Chilly powder and salt and stir well.Add adequate water.
Methi Curd Curry
Snake Gourd- 300 gm
Methi-300 gm
Curd-1/4 litre
Turmeric-2 tsp
Chilly powder-2 tsp
Salt-2 tsp
Heat oil in a frying pan.Add cumin seeds,turmeric and then add Snake Gourd,Methi after a while.Stir well and heat for 8 minutes.Then add Curd,Chilly powder, salt and stir well.
Palak Curd Curry
Snake Gourd- 300 gm
Palak-300 gm