Crock-Pot Warm Apple Crisp

If you thought you couldn't make a delicious dessert, think twice!!! The only skill you need for this recipe is the ability to peel and slice an apple, and the rest is taken care of by the brilliant crock-pot! And no one will even know how simple it was for you when you assemble this Warm Apple Crisp over a scoop of ice cream!

Do not miss an opportunity to make this one! I made this at work a few years back, and it not only had the office smelling like heaven, but it was a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Recipe:

Printable Recipe

• 4-6 apples, peeled, cored and sliced (use a variety of apples, maybe some Jonathan's and/or some Granny Smith's)
• 1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbls. butter or margarine
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water

Begin by spraying your crock-pot with cooking spray, and place the apple slices on the bottom. Gently, pour in the water over the apple slices.

In a medium sized bowl, combine the oats, sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon- use a fork to combine until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples. Cover the crock-pot and cook on high for 2 hours or cook on low for 4 hours. Serve in a deep bowl with scoop of vanilla ice cream!

You Could Also Try...

• Add in a cup of fresh cranberries when you toss in the apple slices
• Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (pecan, walnuts...) to the oat/sugar mixture

Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken

Dear Crock-Pot,

I really love your consistent heat and magical powers, especially when I throw raw meat and veggies in you, and voila!!! - in just a few hours you miraculously execute a satisfying and effortless meal.

The way you make the house smell like a warm, cozy, fulfilling dinner really makes me smile when I get back from an appointment at work. And I love how flexible you are; you don't care if I just want you to simmer some soup, or if I want you to concoct a full, hearty meal! You, Crock-Pot, make me a very happy woman!

Now, if you could only clean yourself! Oh wait- you kind of do, as long as I use a Slow Cooker Liner! Again, another magical power!

Love, NICHe in the KITCHe

Ingredients & Recipe:
Printable Recipe

• 2 cans of corn, drained
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups of salsa
• 2 Tbls. ground cumin
• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1 cup of low-fat cheddar or "Mexican-blend" cheese, shredded

Dump the corn, black beans, cumin and 1/2 cup of the salsa into the slow cooker, mix it around. Place the chicken breasts in next, and then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of salsa. Cover the crock-pot and cook on low 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

When you are ready to serve, sprinkle on the cheese and cover again, for about 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of Mexican style rice!

You Could Also Try...

• Slice up the cooked chicken and assemble a soft taco or burrito!

Crock Pot Veggie 'N' Lentil Soup

My girlfriends reminded me the other day how important a crock-pot can be in the winter. Just turn that puppy on in the morning before work, or at lunch, and when you get home you'll have the most comforting and simply meal to feast upon!

If you don't have a crock-pot, you can get a basic model at Kohl's, Target, Meijer, or Wal-Mart for under $30. And don't be mistaken...a crock pot can also be used for side dishes, main dishes, stews, chili's & even desserts!! I'll post some good ideas starting with this simple vegetable and lentil soup that is both healthy AND gluten-free! Yeah baby!

Ingredients & Recipe:
Printable Recipe

• 2 (19 oz.) cans of lentil soup (I like the one from Trader Joe's or Amy's brand)
• 1 (15 oz.) can of stewed tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz.) can of low-sodium, all-natural, no MSG vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 white onion, chopped finely
• 1 green pepper, chopped finely
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced finely
• 1 tsp. dried marjoram or oregano

Simply combine all the ingredients in your crock-pot and stir up well. Cover and turn the crock-pot to Low. Cook for 6 hours. Done:)

You Could Also Try...

• Add in 1 pound of raw skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes, for extra protein and heartiness
• Remember to be creative with your ingredients; don't love green peppers? Add in 1 cup of frozen peas instead