• bring on the cool weather and the slow cooker

    So in 80% of the country it is Fall.  There are cooler temps, leaves changing colors and the smell of burning fireplaces in the air (oh how I love that smell).  Where in live in SE Texas we are still in the 80’s (that feel like the 90’s some days) and haven’t put away our flips flops just yet…but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some cool weather yummies from the slow cooker. One of the first requests each Fall… The Hubby always has his requests when it comes to food, he even looks on Pinterest to get inspiration from time to time, but each Fall he always requests Beef…

  • slow cooker ranch yumminess

    Just because it is summer doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best of all your slow cooker has to bring you.  I mean what is better than being out all day playing (or working) and coming home to dinner being 90% done and knowing that everyone is going to love it…I don’t know about you but that sounds pretty good to me. Not too long a go I started making my own Ranch seasoning and ever since then I can’t seem to stop making everything with it, but favorite combo is with chicken.  I just love how it pairs with the flavors and especially in this slow cooker dish. The…

  • ham, ham, beans & more ham…

    Easter has come and gone, and if your refrigerator looks anything like mine it loaded with tons of leftovers.  I have some au gratin potatoes, green bean casserole, pistachio fluff and of course ham…tons & tons of ham…so why not add some beans to the mix?   It never fails, you think you buy a ham that is the perfect size for all the peeps you have coming, where most of it will be eaten and there won’t be half a ham in your fridge the next day…but it always seems to happen.  Every year I say I am going to buy a smaller ham (and I did this year)…

  • Chicken with some Mexican flair

    Spring break has started here in my part of the world and I know everyone’s calendar is booked solid wth super fun activities with the kids, & making a super delicious slow cooker meal is a perfect option for this week (or any week)…plus check back tomorrow for a 2nd round recipe using this slow cooker chicken. It is no secret that I love the slow cooker as I am sure many of you do as well, but this mexican chicken is a new favorite for sure.  It is loaded with tons of flavor but it has just a few ingredients, many of which you probably have on hand.   To…

  • takin’ it slow with pork chops

    Happy Monday and Happy (day after) Valentines Day.  I hope your weekend was something to remember.  We had a busy one here in…my uncle came in for my Mammaw’s 89th birthday, we had a birthday party for her (recipes from the party will be coming soon), we played her favorite marble game and then yesterday The Hubby treated me to a special dinner and then a little chocolate treat after…it was truly a special weekend that we will treasure for a long, long time. Now that all the fun is over (at least for now) it is time to start getting back on track and this slow cooker pork chop…

  • black beans and options

    The weekend is almost here and that means some much needed downtime (hopefully), some family time and hopefully a good meal (or two).  For us I love to break out the slow cooker on the weekends as much as the weekdays as I just love smelling the yumminess all day long as we run in & out or are doing some chores around the house…it just seems to make the day that much more enjoyable…and these black beans are a perfect weekend slow cooker dish.   Not too long ago my weekend slow cooker recipe was black beans.  OK, now I know that may not sound like the most exciting…

  • taking chicken soup to the next level

    Chicken soup is a childhood memory that is one of my favorites for sure.  Growing up we had several versions that would show up every once in a while.  Sometimes it was chicken and rice, or chicken and noodles and when we went to my MeeMaws it was chicken n dumplings…and now we have Mexican chicken soup.   Don’t get me wrong I love all the traditional chicken soup’s out there but I wanted to change it up a bit, while adding in a little kick and some extra veggies along the way…plus it was all made in the slow cooker making it a perfect weeknight dinner without a lot…

  • starting 2016 with a bang & spaghetti

    Don’t let the name of this dish fool you…this cream cheese spaghetti is still an under 400 calorie dinner that is perfect for your busy nights. It is no secret that I love my slow cooker but I especially love it when it involves pasta.  I think I could eat pasta everyday and this dish would be at the top of the list for sure.  It is rich and creamy, but without a ton of guilt which makes it even better.  To start with I used ground turkey, which I love to use in my pasta dishes…it gives the same texture of ground beef but with a lot less fat and…

  • BBQ pork in the winter (no grill needed)

    As the weather cools down using your gill outside is not so easy but don’t worry you can still have your favorite BBQ all made inside and even better it is made in your slow cooker! Break out a freezer favorite! So pork tenderloin is something I always have in my freezer.  It thaws quickly, it cooks quickly and you can do almost anything to it and it takes great!  Just last week I made this roasted pork tenderloin with root veggies that is a great Fall inspired dish and it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner…but there is just something about a BBQ pork sandwich that transports me back to…

  • chicken & sausage = comfort

    I know I have said this before but there is just something so comforting about walking into the house after a busy day and being greeted with the wonderful aroma of your dinner being almost all done…and this chicken & sausage is a real treat.  It really is one of my most favorite things! This slow cooker dish is rich, creamy and so full of flavor in each bite it screams comfort!   The Hubby loves smoked sausage and it always looking for ways that I can incorporate it into dinner, but little did I know just how much he loved it.  We went to Costco one afternoon to get…