One thing that’s true about the approach of fall is that the days get busy. And dinner is the last thing you want to think about in between carpools, homework, and soccer practice. That is where one of my best friends can save the day.
Remember the handy dandy crockpot?
Well, bust it out, ladies, ’cause busy days are here again. And your slow cooker could save you from one more Big Mac.
Here is an oft-requested recipe at our house. Yes, I know it’s a little wierd. But, you knew that about us already. For the record, FishPapa does not care for it. He would never claim it as a family favorite.
We still laugh over the first time my brother-in-law was treated to this dish. Janel and Brett were very newly engaged, and my sister was teaching him the “right way” to eat it (potatoes chopped, lots of juice, etc.) At the end, she lifted her plate and slurped the juices!
Yes, we’re also amazed that he still married her. But, this dish is good enough to lick the plate clean, and I must confess, I’ve done just that. We did that all the time growing up!
The FishKids are now the third generation to fall in love with this dish. It’s plain, hearty peasant food. My granny probably made it in a dutch oven. Nanna uses a pressure cooker.
For years I only got to taste this home treat when Mom visited because I am too timid to try using the pressure cooker without her. No way do I want to scrape sauerkraut off my cottage-cheese ceiling! But, last winter I tried it in the crockpot with great success.
Sauerkraut and Spareribs
vegetable oil
2-3 pounds country style pork strips
Lawry’s seasoned salt
fresh ground pepper
1 large can sauerkraut (I buy Frank’s at my local store)
dried dill weed
hot, boiled, peeled potatoes, drained
Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet. Heat until hot. Season pork strips with Lawry’s salt and pepper. Brown in skillet quickly, until all sides have a nice crust. Place in crockpot. Pour sauerkraut and its juices over pork strips. Sprinkle with dill weed. Cook on high for four hours, or until meat falls apart. Meanwhile, prepare potatoes. Serve meat and kraut over potatoes. Adjust seasonings.
What’s your family’s favorite meal to make in the crockpot? Share it on your blog, link to this post, and come back to link your post here.
OR, feel free to share it in the comments. Either way, I can’t wait to see what plate-licking delicacy is in my future!
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I love being able to throw a meal into a crock pot and forget about it for the rest of the day. I can’t wait to read everyone else’s recipes.
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I love my crockpot! Especially in the fall and winter months when I’m in school at night.
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Unfortunately my honey balks at anything that comes from a crockpot. I know, poor me, eh?
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It is my favorite tool!
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This is definitely not a favorite of mine, but it’s very popular in this neck of the woods (and a real hit with my two toddlers!)–
barbecue hotdogs in the crockpot. It is just as it sounds- cut up dogs, with a little water and a bunch of barbecue sauce, simmered on low for a few hours.
We didn’t see much of this where I grew up in New England, but here in farm country, Indiana, it seems to be a pot-luck staple! I am endlessly fascinated by the regional differences in food… I feel blessed to have moved a lot and experienced so much (good and bad)!
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Every month (usually mid month) we have a lean week so I make sure to have a few meals worth of food in the freezer. This helps us stretch our cash until payday.
Here is what I put in the crock pot today!
Browned seasoned ground beef
Layered sliced potatoes and onion.
sprinkle of cheese between a few layers.
I mixed 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, splash of milk and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with a can of cream of mushroom soup.
Topped the whole thing with the sauce and put on low.
I make rolls and freeze monthly so I will serve this casserole with rolls and a salad.
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Hi Jessica, I linked to an old post of mine where I shared my beef stew recipe. Hope that was okay. It really is a delicious recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
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These are some great ideas! Thanks everybody!
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I just wanted to include my absolute favorite crock pot beef stew recipe. A co-worker gave me this recipe years ago and it is a family favorite and a favorite to bring to friends needing meals. It’s very simple and VERY yummy!
Crock Pot Stew
1 – 2 lbs stew beef
carrots (3 or 4 large or 1/2 bag baby carrots)
Potatoes (about 3 medium)
2 beef bouillon cubes (or 2 t.)
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 can condensed french onion soup (Campbell’s)
Put cut-up carrots and potatoes in crock pot and then meat on top. Cover with two soups and add bouillon.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours for 1 lb. beef or 8-10 hours for 2 lbs.
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LOVE my crock pot. . .almost as much as I love my PC round stone. As a working mom, a slow cooker is an invaluable tool.
Thanks for the challenge!
Andrea in NC
http://www.busymomscancook.com
http://www.andreaholloman.com
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This recipe cracks me up! My hubby would eat anything in the entire world if he could put Lawry's on it. He thinks it's God's greatest invention!!
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