The Convenience of the Slow Cooker - Simple Winter Recipes

Slow cookers are fabulous and they can cook anIngredients
entire meal for you and save you lots of time in the6 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
kitchen. They're especially convenient if you work1 can cheddar cheese soup
outside the home...or even if you work at home. Just2 cans cream of chicken soupgarlic powder, to
prepare your main dish early in the day, toss in all yourtastesalt and pepper to taste
ingredients, select the appropriate setting, and you'reDirections
good to go. You can even use two slow cookers ifRinse chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic
you are preparing a side dish.powder. Mix undiluted soup and pour over chicken in
On a cold winter day, why not surprise your familythe slow cooker.
with their favorite soup or stew and let it cook all day.Cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Serve over rice or noodles.
When they arrive home and savor the delicious aromaSlow Cooker Beef Stew
of what's been simmering all day, you immediately earnIngredients
some good brownie points with hardly any effort. And3 carrots, cut lengthwise into halves, then cut into 1-inch
speaking of brownies...since you'll be saving lots of timepieces
on your dinner, you'll have more time to actually make3 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
some, or perhaps another family favorite treat.2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
If you have a slow cooker but it's been collecting dust1-1/2 cups chopped onions
high up on a shelf somewhere, what are you waiting3 cloves garlic, chopped
for? Get it down, dust if off...and use it! I can't think of4-1/2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
anything better on a cold snowy day than a slow3/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
cooker filled with mouth-watering, homemade chili.3/4 tsp dried basil leaves
Doesn't that sound warm and cozy while you're curled1/2 tsp black pepper
up with a blanket by the fire? That is...if you like chili.1 bay leaf
The convenience of the slow cooker offers incredible2 pounds beef for stew, cut into 1-inch pieces
time-saving ways to make easy, melt-in-your-mouth1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
dishes without the stress of cooking.1 can (about 14 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
Below are some delicious slow cooker recipes for1/2 cup cold water
your taste buds1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Slow Cooker Beef ChiliDirections
IngredientsLayer ingredients in slow cooker in the following order:
1 pound ground beefcarrots, celery, potatoes, onions, garlic, Worcestershire
1 can pinto beans, drained (15 oz) 1 can enchiladasauce, thyme, basil, pepper, bay leaf, beef, tomatoes
sauce (10 oz) 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)with juice and broth.
1 tablespoon instant minced onion 1 cup waterCover and cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
1 cup shredded process american cheeseRemove beef and vegetables to large serving bowl;
4 cups corn chipscover and keep warm. Remove and discard bay leaf.
1 cup sour creamTurn slow cooker to high; cover.
1/2 cup shredded process American cheeseStir water into flour in small bowl until smooth. Add 1/2
Directionscup cooking liquid; mix well. Stir flour mixture into slow
Brown ground beef. Transfer meat to slow cooker.cooker. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in beans, enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, 1 cup ofPour sauce over meat and vegetables. Serve
cheese, onion and 1 cup of water.immediately.
Reserve 1 cup of corn chips; crush the remaining chipsIf you don't have one of these one-pot wonder
and add to the meat mixture.cookers, you need to invest in one. You can prepare
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. Toyour meals and conveniently walk away from your
serve, top with sour cream, remaining cheese, andkitchen for an entire day and come back to an easy,
reserved corn chips.scrumptious dinner with your family.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken