I think when most people think of the slow cooker and the things that we cook in it, they think winter.  I know that was my first thought before I learned that the slow cooker can be my best friend.  I have learned that you can cook almost anything in your slow cooker and it really saves lots of time.  On those busy summer days when you want to be at the pool but you feel like you need to cook instead, pull out your slow cooker.  Several of my friends say that this way of cooking is not for …read more

With the rising price of groceries, we all could use some inexpensive recipes for our families. This is a slow-cooker recipe and it is great because it is easy, tasty, healthy, and inexpensive! Score!
Ingredients:

chicken (I used 4 boneless breasts)
1 can diced tomatoes (I used the ones with green chilies)
green salsa (such as the kind made by Herdez)
minced garlic
sliced onions
sliced bell peppers
salt and pepper (I used Goya Adobo seasoning, which is one of our faves!)
14 oz can of kernel corn, drained
15 oz can of black beans, drained and chopped or mashed

In a crock pot, put in your chicken, tomatoes, …read more

Better Homes & Gardens is one of my favorite websites.  They always have lots of great ideas and recipes.  When it’s cold outside, you know you want something warm and comforting to eat.  I like the easiness of crockpot recipes.  Check out these links from BH&G.  There are over 50 recipes to choose from.
Slow Cooker Pork
Slow Cooker Soups
Slow Cooker Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef
Check out these other crockpot recipes.

My girlfriend sent me this wonderful recipe for crock pot pizza.  It’s easy to prep in less than 20 minutes and in the crock pot for 3 hours.  Enjoy.

Lately I’ve been visiting b5’s Home & Dining Channel and I’ve found some great blogs.  Today at Keeping the Castle, I found that Maricar has compiled a list of 50 crock pot recipes to keep you warm and full.  Thrifty Mommies are always looking for easy, time-saving meals to serve their families.  Check out Maricar’s awesome list.

Just a few weeks ago I hosted The Carnival of the Recipes and the theme was Mexican dishes.  This week’s theme is crockpot recipes.  I know you Thrifty Mommies like those easy recipes.  They allow some extra time to spend with our families . . . or a little time to relax every once in a while (not today for me!).
The carnival is hosted by Slow Cooker Recipes.  I’m looking forward to trying the Sweet & Sour Chicken.  There are many crockpot recipes, including desserts, that sound yummy!  Enjoy!

My husband really likes baked or slow cooked macaroni and cheese.  He cannot stand the instant boxed kind.  Today I was really glad that a friend sent this recipe to me for crock pot mac & cheese.  Hope you enjoy! 
1 – 8 oz. box of macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
3 c. grated cheddar cheese (use mild and/or sharp, according to taste)
3 eggs
1 lg. can evaporated milk
1 stick butter (melted)
Combine eggs, milk, and melted butter in mixing bowl.  Pour over cooked and drained macaroni in crockpot. Stir.  Add two cups of cheese and stir.  Cover the top with remaining cup of cheese.  Cook on low …read more

In a previous post, I mentioned that my mom is now giving me her old Better Homes & Gardens magazines.  They are filled with ideas for meals and decorating.  Today I was visiting the Better Homes & Garden website and gathered some links for you to easily click on for fall ideas.  Enjoy!
Pumpkin carving – includes stencils, carving instructions, tips for picking out and caring for a pumpkin, and other pumpkin decorating ideas
Halloween Food & Entertaining – includes ideas for parties, recipes for food and drinks, tips for decor and games
E-Cards - send a friend or family member a spooky e-card
Crafts …read more

Everybody is in to saving money at the grocery store.  I know we are. I have tried coupons, making out an actual grocery list instead of winging it, going when I am full, etc…  Sometimes the best way to save money is to not let my husband go at all – bless his heart LOL!  Believe it or not, there is a great article at Bankrate.com that has some fantastic cooking tips on how to save money by cooking. I like option #10 about slower is cheaper.  It works for everything but roast.  I just can’t make that one cheap.  …read more