Easy meal ideas? Freezer meals? Crockpot meals?

[moroccangirl]

Alright y'all, I have to get into some kind of rhythm. I'm just wandering aimlessly. I haven't cooked since a week or two before I had Sophia and I think I should start back gradually. I'm not an exceptional cook anyways, now throw an extra kid in the mix that needs 90% of my attention and I don't even want to think about doing anything.
So can y'all give me some ideas. I have a crockpot. What kinds of things do you freeze? I do stuffed peppers a lot but not much else. I want to get used to having a home cooked meal most nights and eating out occasionally, instead of the other way around. Suggestions?

[redkitty]

ETA: I just went through the 30 day gourmet website (listed below) and I think it has some good links on freezer cooking if you want to learn more about it. 

I really am the wrong person since I hate cooking. however, I go through phases where I really want to eat in more.  So I have lots of make ahead freeze cookbooks.  Essentially, just about anything can be pre-cooked and then frozen. Exceptions are leafy greens and potatoes that aren't in anything (their texture changes, so if it is in a stew it will probably be ok because a mushy texture for a potato ina  stew isn't really that bad.)  I don't think frozen cooked fish is good, either...but I do not eat fish so I might not be remembering that well.  Personally, I hate the crock pot so I can't help you there.

Decent ideas for cooking and then freezing:  Stews, soups, mac and cheese, lasagna (this does not have to be cooked, just pre-assemble and put into freezer.  You can cook it at the temp you normally would cook it. If cooking from frozen you add about 30-45 min to normal cooking time..in general I cook my lasagna at 425, but I will say if cooking from frozen it is better to go with a lower temp...350.   Pizza dough. You essentially par=cook it.  Make your dough, cook it according to directions for 3-4 min.  Then either put the crust in the freezer by itself or put it in assembled.  Can be cooked from frozen, usually 12-14 minutes. 
Sloppy joes, tacos (just the meat, the rest shouldn't really be frozen, though you can attach a bag of cheese to the meat if you need them together.)  Meatloaf.

Another option to try, are the places like Dream Dinners www.dreamdinners.com  I have no idea if one is near you or not.  But these types of places are all over the place.  At the minimum you can see what they offer and try to create your own (the food is NOT pre-cooked...so if it is a chicken dish you would assemble all of the pieces together and then once you want it you cook it then...I would recommend that for most of your meals actually....prep is usually the longest part anyway...which is one of the reasons I do not like the crock pot...it saves me no time.) 

also plenty of cookbooks out there that have the freeze meals. 

Here is a link. I have the original cookbook and the soup cookbook you can download. I like the format of this particular one because you do not have to make 10 meals in one session and it gives you the measurements for different quantities.
http://www.30daygourmet.com/

Don't Panic Dinner's in the Freezer is another one
Once a Month cooking (if you google once a month cooking you will get lots of cookbooks...check them out of the library before you commit.) 

One thing about once-a month cooking...it is a lot of work for one session.  this is why i would recommend you stick to making one meal, but doubling it so you can freeze it. With a new baby and all of your other responsibilities, I do not see where you would find the time or more importantly, the energy to do a giant session at once.  If you have a Dream Dinners type place near you, that will be MUCH faster than doing it on your own. it will also be more expensive, but in my opinion worth the extra money if you want to go that route.

[moroccangirl]

Thanks redkitty!!

[seattlegirl]

Do you have a Trader Joe's near you?  We had their panko-crusted tilapia the other night.  It comes frozen and you just bake it.  They also have a good selection of precut and washed veggies in their produce dept that can be a quick side dish.

This is pretty much a dump-and-go crockpot recipe that is tasty.  You can skip the rice and just eat it in tortillas if you want.
http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2011/07/taco-chicken-bowls-1066-recipe-133.html

[Run Amok]

Yeah, if you have a TJ's near you, I second that. They make a lot of stuff that is pretty close to as good as home-made without all of the pita of actually making it. It kind of pisses me off, actually.

[moroccangirl]

No TJ's.

[Run Amok]

I know a lot of people like that delivery service... swansons? schwanns? or something like that?

[LilyLily]

I have been eating the heck out of this recipe:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
2 cans Rotel
1 can corn
1 can tomato sauce
chicken broth to cover
1 packet of taco seasoning

shove it all in the crock pot.  Cook on low for 5 hours.  Shred the chicken.  Garnish w/ cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. 

[moroccangirl]

RA I don't think we have that here.

Lily that looks good. Thanks!

[cgraz]

Lily, that does sound good - and it seems like you could do a lot with it. Serve over rice, or put in a tortilla, or top a salad. It's making me hungry just thinking about it!

[redkitty]

It is Schwan's.  Here is their website. http://www.schwans.com/?kwid=Google-search-ppc-traditional-text--Competitors--Swanson--swansonfooddelivery--Exact

I have never eaten their food. One of my co-worker's mom's used to get this all the time. Co-worker said the food is fine. 

[monster2]

You could probably bread up a mess of "oven fried" chicken strips and freeze them, I think you would just have to thaw and bake.

serve with a side of roasted veggies and taters.

[LilyLily]

Super Easy and Good Dinner tonight!

Cut 3-4 chicken breasts into strips
Cut 2 peppers and an onion into strips

put cumin, salt and whatever other fajita(ish) spices you like.  I actually used a fajita seasoning packet into 2tbs of oil.  Coat the chicken in it.

Put, the chicken, veggies and 1 can of Rotel into a pyrex baking dish.  Bake at 400 for a half hour.  Serve w/ the normal condiments and tortillas. 

I think you can do this with Shrimp or steak as well.  Also, I think I might make some freezer bags up of the veggies and chicken to throw in the freezer and have it ready.  The kids loved it too. 

[Courtney]

I have been eating the heck out of this recipe:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
2 cans Rotel
1 can corn
1 can tomato sauce
chicken broth to cover
1 packet of taco seasoning

shove it all in the crock pot.  Cook on low for 5 hours.  Shred the chicken.  Garnish w/ cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. 

This soup is good. 

[LilyLily]

This soup is good. 

YAY! 

[moroccangirl]

Lily the fajita idea is great!! The soup too. Thanks!!!

[Ice Cream]

I have been eating the heck out of this recipe:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
2 cans Rotel
1 can corn
1 can tomato sauce
chicken broth to cover
1 packet of taco seasoning

shove it all in the crock pot.  Cook on low for 5 hours.  Shred the chicken.  Garnish w/ cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. 

Tried this last night. It was GREAT!

[LilyLily]

Tried this last night. It was GREAT!

YAY!  I'm so glad you liked it.

[Honey Badger]

What is Rotel?

[Eco Ellen]

What are chili beans?

[Honey Badger]

And do you pre-cook the chicken breasts?

[Clementine]

What is Rotel?

Ro-Tel is a brand name of canned tomatoes with chiles added.

http://www.ro-tel.com/Diced-Tomatoes-Products/Original-Canned-Diced-Tomatoes-and-Chilies

[Clementine]

What are chili beans?

Canned beans that are pre-spiced and/or in a chili-type sauce. They'll say "chili beans" on the label.

Like this: http://www.bushbeans.com/en_US/products/details.jsp?upc=3940001690

[Clementine]

And do you pre-cook the chicken breasts?

Nope.

[LilyLily]

What is Rotel?

You will find it in the canned foods aisle.  It's tomatoes and green chilis and some other stuff.  Chili beans are kidney beans.

[Eco Ellen]

Does anybody have some tried and true vegetarian crockpot recipes? Not chili. I have that.

[LilyLily]

And do you pre-cook the chicken breasts?

No.

[Ice Cream]

What is Rotel?

do a google image search and then buy at the grocery store.  That is what I did.

[seattlegirl]

Does anybody have some tried and true vegetarian crockpot recipes? Not chili. I have that.

Split pea and parsnip soup, from Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker:

1 T olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 large parsnips, peeled, halved, and sliced
1 lb dried green split peas, picked over and rinsed
1 t dried thyme
1 bay leaf
6 cups veggie stock
1 t salt, or to taste
black pepper to taste
1 t Liquid Smoke (optional)

Heat oil in large skillet over med heat, add onion and parsnip, cover and cook until softened, about 5 min.

Transfer to a 4-6 qt slow cooker and add peas, thyme, bay leaf, and stock.  Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours, stirring once during cooking process if possible.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Remove bay leaf.  Stir in liquid smoke, if using.

[Eco Ellen]

Split pea and parsnip soup, from Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker:

1 T olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 large parsnips, peeled, halved, and sliced
1 lb dried green split peas, picked over and rinsed
1 t dried thyme
1 bay leaf
6 cups veggie stock
1 t salt, or to taste
black pepper to taste
1 t Liquid Smoke (optional)

Heat oil in large skillet over med heat, add onion and parsnip, cover and cook until softened, about 5 min.

Transfer to a 4-6 qt slow cooker and add peas, thyme, bay leaf, and stock.  Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours, stirring once during cooking process if possible.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Remove bay leaf.  Stir in liquid smoke, if using.

Thank you!
What's the Vegetarian Slow Cooker - any good?  Also, where do you get liquid smoke?

[LilyLily]

Thank you!
What's the Vegetarian Slow Cooker - any good?  Also, where do you get liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke is nasty stuff.  Since it's optional, I'd omit it.  Seriously, it makes me nauseous.

[seattlegirl]

Thank you!
What's the Vegetarian Slow Cooker - any good?  Also, where do you get liquid smoke?

This book:
http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Vegetarian-Slow-Cooker-Recipes/dp/1558322566/ref=la_B000AP9F9W_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357088570&sr=1-4

It's pretty good, but I've only tried a few recipes from it.

Liquid smoke is in the spice section, in a small bottle.  It's potent, so make sure you don't put too much in!  I liked it in this recipe because I am a meatatarian so am used to split pea soup having a smoky flavor from ham.  You may not miss it. 

[Ice Cream]

I posted on liquid smoke a while ago, and the consensus was that it was not all that bad as people believed it was on first hearing it.
I use it, but not often.

[GreenMan]

Chili beans are kidney beans.

Or red beans, which are shaped slightly different from kidney beans, but for cooking purposes they're pretty much interchangeable.

Gonna try some of these ideas real soon now.

[GreenMan]

This thread inspired me to rummage around in my cupboards to see just what I have on hand, and I found some 15-bean soup I had completely forgotten existed. No time like the present, I guess, so I threw it in the slow cooker with an onion, garlic and some flavorings. We'll see how it came out by lunchtime.

Meanwhile I have red beans, pinto beans, black beans and chickpeas I should be doing something with. I'll cook 'em up and use them in some of this thread's recipes in place of canned beans. Gotta love the slow cooker for that sort of thing.

[Eco Ellen]

I posted on liquid smoke a while ago, and the consensus was that it was not all that bad as people believed it was on first hearing it.
I use it, but not often.

I looked for it in the grocery store on Sunday but couldn't find it.

So chili beans are just kidney beans?  Or is there something special about them?

[Clementine]

So chili beans are just kidney beans?  Or is there something special about them?

No, they're not always kidney beans and they're pre-spiced and/or in a chili-type sauce. They'll say "chili beans" on the label.

Like this: http://www.bushbeans.com/en_US/products/details.jsp?upc=3940001690
(In this case, Bush's Chili Beans are either red beans or pinto beans.)

[Courtney]

Nope.

In fact, I put the chicken breasts in frozen in the morning, and let them cook all day (8-10 hours) and they are good to go. 

Ellen, chili beans are in a sauce that is chili flavored.  You could probably get the regular beans and mix up some chili sauce stuff if you knew how.  Or use a packaged chili seasoning thing. 

I just bought the stuff the other day to mix up a big batch of my own taco seasoning. 

[GreenMan]

This thread inspired me to rummage around in my cupboards to see just what I have on hand, and I found some 15-bean soup I had completely forgotten existed. No time like the present, I guess, so I threw it in the slow cooker with an onion, garlic and some flavorings. We'll see how it came out by lunchtime.

Update: NOM NOM NOM

[Eco Ellen]

Update: NOM NOM NOM

I still haven't opened the slow cooker box.  Is it really all, just dump things into it and turn it on?  Because I am down with that.

[rocketgirl]

Or red beans, which are shaped slightly different from kidney beans, but for cooking purposes they're pretty much interchangeable.

Gonna try some of these ideas real soon now.

Huh.  I have bought spicy pinto beans.  I use pintos in my chili.

[GreenMan]

I still haven't opened the slow cooker box.  Is it really all, just dump things into it and turn it on?  Because I am down with that.

Yeah, that's pretty much it. You can do a lot with it; if you want to cook your own beans instead of using canned, you dump them in with some water (no pre-soaking), turn it on, do something else for ~10 hours, and voila.

One of the best things about it is that it needs zero monitoring. You can go to work, go to sleep, whatever, unlike cooking in a pot on the stove, which requires your constant presence. You do have to plan ahead but that's not much of a burden, especially once you get into a rhythm. It actually takes very little of your time.

I got my motivation from the moderator's comments in this thread on Usenet many years ago. The description of the grain breakfast is something I still do from time to time.

[GreenMan]

Huh.  I have bought spicy pinto beans.  I use pintos in my chili.

Yeah, I was just referring to how red beans are sometimes called "chili beans", e.g. at my local HFS. IMHO the more kinds of beans, the better.

[GreenMan]

BTW that Usenet link I posted above also mentions rice cookers; I have one of those too, and it's also a great boon. My usual approach is to throw in some rice and veggies and flavorings such as garlic or ginger with the right amount of water and hit Cook. It shuts itself off automatically once the rice is cooked. Roger Ebert wrote a book about cooking with a rice cooker including many recipes, but the main thing is that, as with the crock-pot, you can basically put in anything you want and end up with dinner.

[Ice Cream]

I still haven't opened the slow cooker box.  Is it really all, just dump things into it and turn it on?  Because I am down with that.

I think she meant non non non...  Don't do it.  I tried the same thing, and it was not good.  There are fr better crock pot recipes.

[redkitty]

I disagree about the crock pot being all "just dump stuff in."  1. If you are using meat, typically something needs to be done to it first.  Particularly beef. If it is ground beef, it needs to be cooked, if it is other beef, it normally needs to be browned. You also have to prepare the stuff you are using unless it is all pre-packaged stuff.  So if you are using fresh veggies, still have to cut them up, etc.  I know this sounds obvious (well it is) but for me, the preparation of cooking is the part I want to avoid doing, not the cooking itself. So if i am still taking 30 min. to prepare everything to put into the crock pot, I might as well just not use the crock pot at all.  I have been told over and over it is an easy way to cook...makes it seem simple, like it only take a few minutes of prep. I just have not found this to be true.  It saves me no time and in fact I think probably takes extra time.  Also, unless you like a lot of leftovers or have a big family, crockpots make way too much food (unless you are using a small one, but even then...)

[GreenMan]

Seems like prep time would be the same no matter which cooking method you use. 

[Ice Cream]

I disagree about the crock pot being all "just dump stuff in."  1. If you are using meat, typically something needs to be done to it first.  Particularly beef. If it is ground beef, it needs to be cooked, if it is other beef, it normally needs to be browned. You also have to prepare the stuff you are using unless it is all pre-packaged stuff.  So if you are using fresh veggies, still have to cut them up, etc.  I know this sounds obvious (well it is) but for me, the preparation of cooking is the part I want to avoid doing, not the cooking itself. So if i am still taking 30 min. to prepare everything to put into the crock pot, I might as well just not use the crock pot at all.  I have been told over and over it is an easy way to cook...makes it seem simple, like it only take a few minutes of prep. I just have not found this to be true.  It saves me no time and in fact I think probably takes extra time.  Also, unless you like a lot of leftovers or have a big family, crockpots make way too much food (unless you are using a small one, but even then...)

Have you considered frozen veggies?  All ready to be cooked.  For me, those are not in the category of pre packaged stuff.

[cgraz]

Yeah, my best quick no-prep Crock Pot stuff includes using frozen peas, baby carrots, or other things that have no prep required. And I do just plop a pot roast or pork roast in there without searing it, and I do put chicken breasts in with no pre-prep (frozen, even).

I did make a Crock Pot lasagna and felt that was kind of silly - it was just as much time to cook the meat & sauce mixture and do all the layering. I could have just put it in a pan and baked it.

The trick is knowing that you will not get browning or crisping, so it is good for certain things...pot roast, pulled pork or chicken, etc. I do feel comfortable leaving the house with something like chili cooking slowly in the Crock Pot, and I wouldn't do that on the stove, so that is a good thing if you want to leave things like that unattended.

[GreenMan]

Have you considered frozen veggies?  All ready to be cooked.  For me, those are not in the category of pre packaged stuff.

This. And e.g. frozen peas are much more appetizing than canned ones -- brighter green and less mushy.

I use fresh veggies as much as I can, but I'm organizationally challenged so frozen ones come to the rescue a lot.

I do feel comfortable leaving the house with something like chili cooking slowly in the Crock Pot, and I wouldn't do that on the stove, so that is a good thing if you want to leave things like that unattended.

This too. I cooked some beans yesterday for that recipe on the first page, and I went out for the evening and they were about done when I got back. From dried beans to cooked and stored took about 5 minutes of my time.

[Honey Badger]

I have been eating the heck out of this recipe:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
2 cans Rotel
1 can corn
1 can tomato sauce
chicken broth to cover
1 packet of taco seasoning

shove it all in the crock pot.  Cook on low for 5 hours.  Shred the chicken.  Garnish w/ cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. 

I just dumped all this into the Crock Pot.  I am just starting to get the smells of the taco seasoning.
I only had 2 chicken breasts so I used a single can of Rotel and 1/2 of a large can of tomato sauce and didn;t use the entire packet of taco seasoning.  I wasn't sure if "1 can" meant the small ones or the large.  Either way, none of those kind of changes will screw up the recipe.  Looking forward to chowing down on it for dinner!

So, is this supposed to turn out like a soup or more like a casserole?

[GreenMan]

I just dumped all this into the Crock Pot.  I am just starting to get the smells of the taco seasoning.
I only had 2 chicken breasts so I used a single can of Rotel and 1/2 of a large can of tomato sauce and didn;t use the entire packet of taco seasoning.  I wasn't sure if "1 can" meant the small ones or the large.  Either way, none of those kind of changes will screw up the recipe.  Looking forward to chowing down on it for dinner!

I just got it going too. I don't like canned stuff so I used my own cooked beans and fresh tomatoes, and instead of tomato sauce and taco seasoning I dumped in half a jar of salsa plus a few other spices.

[Eco Ellen]

I wonder if this would work with those fake chicken breast type thingies.

[LilyLily]

I just dumped all this into the Crock Pot.  I am just starting to get the smells of the taco seasoning.
I only had 2 chicken breasts so I used a single can of Rotel and 1/2 of a large can of tomato sauce and didn;t use the entire packet of taco seasoning.  I wasn't sure if "1 can" meant the small ones or the large.  Either way, none of those kind of changes will screw up the recipe.  Looking forward to chowing down on it for dinner!

So, is this supposed to turn out like a soup or more like a casserole?

Soup.  Don't forget the toppings!!!  This was meant for normal size cans not the big ones.  I would have just added in all the stuff and had 1 less chicken breast.  Let me know how you like it!

[Honey Badger]

Soup.  Don't forget the toppings!!!  This was meant for normal size cans not the big ones.  I would have just added in all the stuff and had 1 less chicken breast.  Let me know how you like it!

I've tasted it.  I used hot chili beans which gave it a bit of heat, but it tastes really good! I'm going to dive into it soon. 

[rocketgirl]

I disagree about the crock pot being all "just dump stuff in."  1. If you are using meat, typically something needs to be done to it first.  Particularly beef. If it is ground beef, it needs to be cooked, if it is other beef, it normally needs to be browned. You also have to prepare the stuff you are using unless it is all pre-packaged stuff.  So if you are using fresh veggies, still have to cut them up, etc.  I know this sounds obvious (well it is) but for me, the preparation of cooking is the part I want to avoid doing, not the cooking itself. So if i am still taking 30 min. to prepare everything to put into the crock pot, I might as well just not use the crock pot at all.  I have been told over and over it is an easy way to cook...makes it seem simple, like it only take a few minutes of prep. I just have not found this to be true.  It saves me no time and in fact I think probably takes extra time.  Also, unless you like a lot of leftovers or have a big family, crockpots make way too much food (unless you are using a small one, but even then...)

True, although a pot roast in a crock pot cooks down a lot and really only feeds about 3 or 4 people - so you'll get generally get dinner for two, plus a lunch or two out of it.  When I've done this, I've browned the roast and cut all the veggies the night before, refrigerated, and dumped in the crock pot the next day to cook.

There is a chicken and rice recipe (with canned "cream of" soups) that only requires cutting up the uncooked chicken in terms of prep work.  And maybe some onion.  I think it's a bit bland and could use some chopped celery or something and I don't like the texture of the chicken, but still, prep work is minimal.  And some people like it.

[Honey Badger]

OK, we ate the chicken bean soup for a few days early in the week and really liked it a lot.  I will definitely make it again.

I'm getting ready to shop and want to do my usual Sunday "bucket" food cooking; something that will produce leftovers for a couple-few days.
I'm going to head over to the Dutch oven thread.

[diablita]

I'm going to head over to the Dutch oven thread.

DON'T LIFT THE COVERS!

[LilyLily]

OK, we ate the chicken bean soup for a few days early in the week and really liked it a lot.  I will definitely make it again.

I'm getting ready to shop and want to do my usual Sunday "bucket" food cooking; something that will produce leftovers for a couple-few days.
I'm going to head over to the Dutch oven thread.

I'm going this afternoon (shopping that is).  Bummer to miss you at Kroger this week!

[Honey Badger]

DON'T LIFT THE COVERS!

I'm going this afternoon (shopping that is).  Bummer to miss you at Kroger this week!

  Went to Costco and then to the Martins right across the street.  I think I like Kroger better.  Or even the Martins near Stein Mart seems better than the one near Costco.

We are having pot roast tomorrow.  With lots of veggies.  Don't know if I'll do it in the slow-cooker or the Dutch oven.
And I bought stuff to make French onion soup.  But I am going to make DH slice the onions because it absolutely KILLS my eyes when I do it.
I really need to get a pair of those onion goggles.

[LilyLily]

  Went to Costco and then to the Martins right across the street.  I think I like Kroger better.  Or even the Martins near Stein Mart seems better than the one near Costco.

We are having pot roast tomorrow.  With lots of veggies.  Don't know if I'll do it in the slow-cooker or the Dutch oven.
And I bought stuff to make French onion soup.  But I am going to make DH slice the onions because it absolutely KILLS my eyes when I do it.
I really need to get a pair of those onion goggles.

That's hilarious.  I went to Costco instead today as well.  I'm going to hit Kroger tomorrow.  I'm making Beef and Barley soup to eat on during the week.  Tomorrow night will be steak and whatever I see that looks good in kroger.

[Honey Badger]

That's hilarious.  I went to Costco instead today as well.  I'm going to hit Kroger tomorrow.  I'm making Beef and Barley soup to eat on during the week.  Tomorrow night will be steak and whatever I see that looks good in kroger.

While I love Costco, I find it to be a $$ suck.  I always buy stuff I don't need and what I do buy often requires part of it be stored because it's just too damned big to fit where I need it to.  Example: I bought gallon Zip-Loc bags because we needed them.  I usually store my bags and wraps, etc. in a drawer in the kitchen.  Well, no way is this big honking box going to fit in there. It's the size of a small suitcase!

And because you can't get everything on your list it always means another trip to a regular grocery store.

 

[Gomie]

  Went to Costco and then to the Martins right across the street.  I think I like Kroger better.  Or even the Martins near Stein Mart seems better than the one near Costco.

We are having pot roast tomorrow.  With lots of veggies.  Don't know if I'll do it in the slow-cooker or the Dutch oven.
And I bought stuff to make French onion soup.  But I am going to make DH slice the onions because it absolutely KILLS my eyes when I do it.
I really need to get a pair of those onion goggles.

Put a candle or two around you when you slice the onions.

[nadra24]

While I love Costco, I find it to be a $$ suck.  I always buy stuff I don't need and what I do buy often requires part of it be stored because it's just too damned big to fit where I need it to.  Example: I bought gallon Zip-Loc bags because we needed them.  I usually store my bags and wraps, etc. in a drawer in the kitchen.  Well, no way is this big honking box going to fit in there. It's the size of a small suitcase!

And because you can't get everything on your list it always means another trip to a regular grocery store.

 

I've kind of gone back and forth on whether or not to get a Costco membership, since there's only two of us.  We have a decent amount of storage space, but not a ton.  The other issue is that the nearest Costco is an hour away (at least).  I do like the meat and especially the salmon from Costco, so for now I just go with my mom or borrow my sister's card when I need to stock up.  I don't think that most things really cost less there, though.

[Ice Cream]

I've kind of gone back and forth on whether or not to get a Costco membership, since there's only two of us.  We have a decent amount of storage space, but not a ton.  The other issue is that the nearest Costco is an hour away (at least).  I do like the meat and especially the salmon from Costco, so for now I just go with my mom or borrow my sister's card when I need to stock up.  I don't think that most things really cost less there, though.

I am in the same boat.  I find that costco is not any cheaper than other stores either.  Anyway, for the few things that are significantly cheaper, I get a one day pass and pay the extra 15%.  If the item is significantly cheaper, it's still a good deal, and better than the annual membership (for me, at least).  I just don't get carried away buying anything extra.

[Honey Badger]

Huh, before I became a member they told me they don't offer one day passes.
Their meat prices are cheaper than my local supermarkets with the exception of Tom Leonards who has good prices and quality.
I find Costco to be cheaper IF it's something you can use the quantity of.  For example price per pound or unit is cheaper, but if you toss half of it out then there goes any savings.
And I do get carried away there at times.

Yes on the salmon!  They also sell Ahi tuna which I roll in sesame seeds and sear on all sides.  Yummy!

ETA:  I made the chicken taco bean soup again today.  I love that it's so easy!

[Eco Ellen]

I made applesauce in the crockpot today. My first time using the thing.  Best applesauce I ever had. I am allergic to raw apples so this was a treat.

[Ice Cream]

I made applesauce in the crockpot today. My first time using the thing.  Best applesauce I ever had. I am allergic to raw apples so this was a treat.

it tastes just as good in the microwave.

[Eco Ellen]

it tastes just as good in the microwave.

What does this mean?

[Ice Cream]

What does this mean?

you can make apple sauce in the microwave. it's faster but just as good.

[Magic Microbe]

I made a pork roast and veggies in mine yesterday and it was awesome. It was already marinated in lemon and garlic so I added more lemon, garlic, pepper, and lemon pepper. It was so good!

[Eco Ellen]

I am making lentil soup in the crockpot today.  I really, really hope it comes out good.  Because it took me all of 15 minutes to cut up & rinse what was needed for the ingredients. 

[moroccangirl]

I am making lentil soup in the crockpot today.  I really, really hope it comes out good.  Because it took me all of 15 minutes to cut up & rinse what was needed for the ingredients. 

I've never made lentils in the crockpot because it only takes me about 30 or 40 minutes on the stove. Let us know how it turns out.

[Eco Ellen]

I've never made lentils in the crockpot because it only takes me about 30 or 40 minutes on the stove. Let us know how it turns out.

It came out really good.  It was a soup that cooked all day and I didn't have to deal with it.  I put it on when I was working from home and had it for dinner.

[Ice Cream]

I made black beans soup in the crockpot yesterday.  No effort whatsoever.

[hally]

I tried the crockpot last winter and the only thing I liked it for was a 13 bean soup, but I did it when I was home. Chicken recipes made the chicken into mush. I do use the insert to soak beans in the fridge though cause it's porcelain and doesn't take up as much room as the bowls I have

Anyway, I guess this recipe could be adapted to cook in a crockpot but I made it on the stove. My brother gave me a package of smoked paprika and was looking for something to use it in. I don't measure so this stuff is approximate but it came out awesome! You could use fresh pumpkin or butternut squash in place of the canned, I had canned I was trying to use up. I just look up recipes then wing it with my own ideas.

Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup with Smoked Paprika

! large onion chopped
2 large stalks celery chopped
1 cup of mixed sweet peppers chopped
1 or 2 hot peppers chopped (whatever you like, I used one jalapeno and one long green chili or leave it out if you don't like hot)
1 or 2 carrots diced
Chopped fresh garlic cloves to taste, I used 6 large
1 or 2 tbsps Olive Oil
1 tbsp each of cumin and smoked paprika and oregano
1-3 tsp of chili powder (I used ancho)
4 cups water, chicken broth or vegetable broth (I used low salt vegetable)
1 can pumpkin puree
1 or 2 Bay Leaves
1.5 cups of Bobs Red Mill Bountiful Black Bean Soup mix (no seasonings, black beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans and pearled barley)
Garnishes- use all or any combo-chopped cilantro, lime slices, avocado, Mexican shredded cheese or cheddar, chopped Chorizo or Andouille Sausages, chopped ham etc.

Saute first six ingredients in the olive oil till getting soft, do not burn. Once soft add the spices and saute for a minute or so. Add the liquid and pumpkin and then the beans.
Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook till beans are soft. Taste and adjust seasonings, salt, black pepper and more or spices if needed. Package said 1.5 hours but it took mine more like 4 hence the idea that a crockpot would work.

You could also presoak the beans overnight then discard the water but the package doesn't state you need to. It would cut cooking time though.

[Eco Ellen]

Oh! This morning I put potatoes in it.  Yes, potatoes.  I washed eight potatoes, pricked them with a fork, sprayed the pot with olive oil (hello, Misto, I love you), sprayed the potatoes with same and crunched up some big salt on them.  Put them on low for 10 hours so they'll be done when I get home with the kids.  I'll throw some veggie burgers in a pan to go with them.

[Ice Cream]

Oh! This morning I put potatoes in it.  Yes, potatoes.  I washed eight potatoes, pricked them with a fork, sprayed the pot with olive oil (hello, Misto, I love you), sprayed the potatoes with same and crunched up some big salt on them.  Put them on low for 10 hours so they'll be done when I get home with the kids.  I'll throw some veggie burgers in a pan to go with them.

you can put them in foil, too, in there.

[Courtney]

I made BBQ chicken and baked potatoes (wrapped in foil) the other day in the crockpot.  It came out really good. 

[Eco Ellen]

you can put them in foil, too, in there.

I know! I ran out of foil!  I hope they come out ok. 

[Ice Cream]

I know! I ran out of foil!  I hope they come out ok. 

I only tried potatoes in foil, and they were great. 

Try red potatoes, butternut squash, beets, red onions, parsnips, carrots: cube all, spray the pot with oil, add veggies and some thyme, and put on high for 3.15 hours.  It is my favorite dish that cooks so fast.  Esp. the beets.

[Eco Ellen]

I only tried potatoes in foil, and they were great. 

Try red potatoes, butternut squash, beets, red onions, parsnips, carrots: cube all, spray the pot with oil, add veggies and some thyme, and put on high for 3.15 hours.  It is my favorite dish that cooks so fast.  Esp. the beets.

Thank you! I will. Any issues doing it on low for 8?

[Ice Cream]

Thank you! I will. Any issues doing it on low for 8?

No, I just never tried.  Although I am tempted: DH often forgets to turn the crockpot on when he is instructed to, and then we have to either eat later than planned, or eat something else.

[Eco Ellen]

I am making a spicy black bean soup in the crock pot today.  We got some great powdered chiles for the holiday, and I was happy to be able to put them to use.