Monday, February 2, 2009

Crock Pot.

As some of you know, my birthday is in a few days and I have to be honest... I'm kind of dreading it. Turning 24 without a college degree was definitely NOT in my 100-year plan. BUT, making the most of it, I am really looking forward to my Crock Pot that my dear husband got me. It has not yet arrived, but I want to make the most of it. The one I had (have...ugh) in Boise spent far too much time in the cabinet and I want to make sure I put this one to good use. So, if you have any awesome Crock Pot recipes, send them my way! (Mom: I need both your little sausage thingys that are so awesome, AND pot roast recipes, stat!)

Yesterday my other gift arrived and Stu decided I could open it early. He got me a HUGE (18-oz.) IDAHO mug with pictures and raised lettering. I just love it and I thought it was very appropriate! :) I got to use it today too when Lisa and Myla came over for our playdate.

Tonight we are taking a picnic to the park for dinner before it gets too hot to go outside again. Seriously, it's already heating up more than I can believe. It is barely February! Last night we went for a walk around 7 and it was 75 degrees when we got home and checked. I don't know how I am going to survive another summer here, but I am foreseeing many days on the roof with a wading pool!

4 comments:

  1. Happy birthday in a few days!! post pics of the mug. it sounds great!

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  2. I will look up some good crock pot recipes and send them. I am preparing another box to send, so let me know if you need/want anything! I cannot find those "chewy sprees" that keep mentioning..I guess they don't have them in Arizona!!! haha I have a couple of the snacks for Kaden that you asked for, but they wouldn't fit into the last box so they will be in box three...yes, Papa sent two to you on Friday! It's a combination for your birthday and Valentine's Day!! Hope you like everything. Love you...kiss Sir for us! Mimi

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  3. I made this in my crock-pot on Sunday and it was a big hit at my house.

    Slow Cooker Shrimp Creole
    1 cup diced celery
    1 cup chopped onion
    1 cup chopped green pepper
    1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce
    1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
    1 clove minced garlic
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    1/2 teaspoon paprika
    1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
    1 pound shrimp

    Combine all ingredients except shrimp in 5 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours. One hour before serving, turn slow cooker to high and add shrimp. Serve over rice. Serves 6.

    Cook's Tip: For a spicer version add additional hot sauce before adding shrimp.

    (Recipe from Marketday.com)

    I also added chopped zucchini and yellow peppers, because I had them and they needed to be used up. It was really good. It is something I would make again but I would add more hot sauce next time to make it spicier. Hope you like it.

    I use my crock-pot two to three times a week. I'll try to get some more recipes together and send them to you.

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  4. I use my crockpot a lot. I make this vegetable soup every week b/c it's easy to keep in the frig and heat up. It's very flexible for whatever you want to add - this is just how we like to make it.

    Sarah's Vegetable Soup
    - 1 lb lean ground beef, ground turkey breast, or ground chicken breast
    - 3 cans chicken broth (I use low sodium)
    - 1 8oz can basil, garlic, & oregano flavored tomato sauce
    - 1 6oz can basil, garlic, & oregano flavored tomato paste
    - Chili powder
    - Salt-free all-purpose seasoning
    - Canned (or fresh) vegetables - green beans, green peas, corn, sliced carrots, pinto beans, kidney beans, sliced (red) potatoes, diced tomatoes, or any other vegetables you prefer

    In crockpot, add chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix and turn crockpot to high. Add spices to cover the mixture (or add to taste). Cook meat in a pan and add to crockpot. Rinse canned vegetables one by one in a strainer to remove all liquid, then add to crockpot. Be sure you rinse the beans until the bubbles disappear to remove the majority of the sodium. Mix all contents in crockpot. Cook on high for a few hours or until simmering, stirring occasionally. Either turn off or switch to low for a few more hours (your preference for flavor).

    Hope you enjoy! We eat this a lot, since it's so easy once it's made, and it serves a lot of meals and is easy to take for lunches... plus it's incredibly yummy, especially with bread or crackers!

    Sarah

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