Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Recipes Reviewed.

Doing it's magical crock-pot thing!

Now that crock pot-cooking season is nearing its end, it has been interesting to look back on all that I've cooked in that miracle kitchen appliance.  This was my first winter cooking with one and, having used it at least once a week over the last few months, I can't imagine life without it.  Here are a few of the all-star recipes we've eaten lately...
  • Cuban Pork Shoulder - My husband says this is the best thing that has ever come out of my crock pot.  You guys.  He isn't kidding.  The dry rub is so fragrant and flavorful and then add citrus as the cooking liquid and you have a real winner.  We will most definitely make this again.  And again.  And AGAIN (and it is paleo for those of you following this type of diet).
  • Spaghetti Bolognese  - Not that spaghetti sauce is difficult to make on the stove top but this just made it possible to throw it all together and forget about it.  I browned the beef, though, before tossing it in the slow cooker for some extra flavor.
  • Lauren's Crock Pot Beef Stew - Red wine?  Anchovy paste?  Bacon?!  So good.  A few more steps than a traditional crock pot beef stew recipe but out of the three or so other beef stew recipes I've made, this one wins... hands down.  To get this recipe, though, you must buy the cooking magazine Seasoned but, I promise, with all the other delicious recipes included, it is totally worth it (and the digital download is only $6!).
  • Chicken Tiki Masala -We made this over the weekend and it was really good.  I could've eaten the cilantro-and-cucumber relish all by itself.  So refreshing!
Of course there have been some not-so-tasty meals to come out of my crock pot, too, like a very bland lamb stew and a risotto-like dish that turned into a frightening mush but they can't all be winners, right?

As we transition away from hearty stews and soul-warming bowls of chili to fresh salads and outdoor barbeque, I'll certainly miss your fragrant ways, my slow-cooker friend!  Till the weather turns and the leaves fall again...  XO.

Because crock-pot meals don't photograph well... I'll leave you with that relish!

4 comments:

  1. The recipes all sound great. I especially like the pork and the side dishes that go along with it. Will try them soon. xo

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  2. I've been thinking of getting a crock pot for this winter. So much easier to cut up veggies the night before or in the morning & have it going while I'm at work, than waiting for a stew on the stove of a nighttime. We had one when we were in Canada & it was awesome. You post has confirmed my desire! I will have to try the cuban pork shoulder - yum!

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  3. Thanks Briana for featuring my blog. I LOVE that pork recipe too; it is definitely one of my fave crock pot meals. I will have to try the Bolognese recipe AND the tika masala you also posted. I LOVE tika masala and I think I can take this recipe you shared and sub coconut milk for the heavy cream to make it Paleo friendly. Anyway, just wanted to stop by and stay thanks. I will definitely check out your blog again. Let me know if you or your hubby try any other recipes! I love feedback (only positive feedback, of course! Just kidding!)

    Laura

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  4. Thanks for the shout-out! And I will be trying that Cuban pork shoulder crockpot recipe this week! We have a couple of rainy days coming up... I'm not putting that thing away quite yet!

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