So this started out as a blackberry crisp...then as I started pulling it all together to cook for dessert, it morphed into a blackberry-raspberry cobbler. Crisps usually have oats in them, this one doesn't...it's made with yellow cake mix. This poor dessert recipe is having a bit of an identity crisis - it's part crisp-part cobbler, but really it's a cobbler. But let me … [Read more...]
Sweet Thai Chili Salmon with Veggies
Yes. Another slow cooker salmon recipe. Because I'm crushing hard on cooking salmon in the slow cooker. This is amazing. That is all. I've not had salmon with sweet Thai chili sauce in the past and WOWEEE. We'll be having it again...not only did I love it, so did all the boys! This one is a super simple "load" - it goes like this: line with parchment paper, add the … [Read more...]
S’mores Dip
Because it's just too hot to have a fire here in the summer. I know this isn't true for everyone...especially my friends who live up north. Summer evenings are perfect for campfires and s'mores! But if you live in the south like yours truly and the thought of a campfire in the summer makes you want to melt, you can do this instead. A s'mores dip. Made in the slow … [Read more...]
Maple Dijon Salmon
Have you ever cooked salmon in the slow cooker? It's perfect...it doesn't dry out on the thin edges like it can when you bake it or grill it. It only takes an hour, so it's a great "budget friendly gourmet" option for a late summer dinner. Drop it in the slow cooker as soon as you get home and in an hour, you'll have perfect salmon. This maple dijon sauce is divine...and … [Read more...]
Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken
So. I have very little self-control problem when it comes to book stores. And office supply stores. It's like I walk into the store and leave my self-control at the curb, then walk out with more than I went in for. (Thankfully I don't have this issue with the grocery store!) I've learned that it's better for me to order books and office supplies online. Way less … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Berry Crisp
Pardon me while I just take the slow cooker insert and just start eating right out of it. Because I thought about it. Then I thought, I should just have this for dinner...the whole thing...all for me. Sometimes I have these "selfish chef" moments...where I want it all to myself, and this....THIS. This is one of those. If it wouldn't look awkward for me to place the slow … [Read more...]
4-Ingredient Creamy Ranch Pork Chops
THESE PORK CHOPS. The creamy ranch dressing sauce that these pork chops cook in is outstanding. You could make these with just 4 ingredients (not including the sides or garnish), or if you're not into processed foods you can easily make these from scratch. (What you see above is the from scratch version - both the ranch and the sauce.) The pork chops are super tender … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Lemon & Dill Salmon
I recently started cooking our salmon in the slow cooker and WOOOWWWWWWEEEEEEEE! wow-e. Yes, you can absolutely cook salmon in the slow cooker. And it's crazy delicious. Yes, it's better than baked. And better than grilled. (In my opinion.) Why? Because the end result is a softer, flakier, more tender fish. And it seems to soak up the flavors better. This is a … [Read more...]
Italian Meatballs & Pasta
These giant meatballs are simply amazing. Because of the way the slow cooker cooks meatballs, you can make really large meatballs and serve one or two on each plate on top of a pile of spaghetti. The combo of Italian sausage and ground beef is perfect. And you can use whatever flavor of marinara sauce you'd like - roasted garlic would be amazing, garden marinara would be … [Read more...]
Balsamic Pulled Pork
This is pulled pork heaven right here. Better than my favorite BBQ joint. I think it's the sweet and tangy. As you can see from the photo below, I used a balsamic glaze. I found it in the grocery store, right near the vinegar on the condiment aisle. You could use straight balsamic vinegar. The glaze is just a thickened up vinegar and did an amazing job coating the beef as it … [Read more...]