Using Your Slow Cooker to Bake

Do you know that you can actually bake in your slow cooker? A lot of people are not aware of this because they assume that only the oven can be used to bake the things that they want. There are some things that you can cook much easier with the use of your slow cooker than your oven. As much as possible, you would like to make things easy. You will also be using up less amount of energy with the use of your slow cooker.
Want to know some of the things that you can bake in your slow cooker? Read on.
1. Apple Cake
A lot of people think that anything that involves apples can surely be good. This recipe in particular can serve 8 - 10 people. Just make sure that you need a cake pan that can fit inside your slow cooker.
Beat the following in a bowl:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

You would need to stir in:

• 2 cups of chilled chopped apples

You would need to sift:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

You would need to mix in all of these ingredients together with the chopped apples. You may also choose to place some pecan nuts with the mixture but if you are allergic to nuts or you are not that interested in nuts, you may choose not to. Place on the bread pan and make sure that you grease the tin foil that you will be placing on top of the pan. For 3 - 4 hours, bake on high temperature.
When it is fully baked, make sure that the pan will remain on the slow cooker for about 5 minutes before you will take out the pan that contains the baked apple cake. Cool it further then slice.
2. Chocolate Fudge Cake
The great thing about this cake is that you do not need any pan in order to cook it. You can cook it directly on the slow cooker.
In the bowl before you place the cake on the slow cooker, here are the things that you would need to mix:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

You would need to stir in the following:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

The next thing that you need to do is make sure that you will spread the mixture that you have created at the bottom of the slow cooker. You can then mix in the following:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

You would need to sprinkle this over the batter that you have placed on the bottom of the slow cooker. You need to boil about ¾ cup of water to pour over the batter. Remember that you would need to cover this and cook on high for about 2 - 3 hours. Do not stir this even if it would look a bit uneven. You can check if the cake is already done when you insert a toothpick and the chocolate fudge does not cling to the sides.
3. Whole Wheat Bread
If you would want to bake something simple, you may be able to do that. You can bake your whole wheat bread without making your kitchen all hot and stuffy. This whole wheat bread recipe that you are about to see can serve up to 12 people.
You would need a deep metal pan or bowl that can fit into your slow cooker. If you do not have either, you can also choose a 1lb coffee can that you are not using anymore. Make sure that you will place the grease on the bowl and preheat your slow cooker to high with the cover on.

You would need a small bowl to dissolve yeast in ¼ cup of water. Leave it and let it sit. While waiting, you can combine these ingredients in another bowl:

• 1 cup warm milk or buttermilk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup wheat germ

Mix all of these ingredients together then you can add it with 3 cups of whole wheat flour.
Remember that you would have to knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Once you are sure that it has been kneaded properly, what you can do is place it on the greased bowl. Make sure that you will cover with aluminum foil. Place half a cup of water on the trivet or crumbled foil in the bottom of the slow cooker. Cover the cooker and bake for about 3 hours. Do remember that it does not mean that just because the bread is not brown does not mean that it is not cooked yet.
If you would like a bit of variation, you may want to replace ¼ cup of flour with ½ rolled oats that can give the bread a nutty taste.

Learn Ways To Save Money By Using A Crock Pot

Eating out all the time is something that a lot of families have done as both adults are working outside of the home. Not only does eating out all the time cost quite a bit of money, it can also lead to health problems in the future. This is why people should consider knowing how they can use a crock pot to save quite a bit of money and improve their eating habits.
Since the food is going to be cooking for a longer period of time, over a slow heat people can purchase a lower costing cut of meat. Normally people never think about this, but when they are buying a steak cut of meat for grilling they get the top of the line meats. However, with the crock pot people can start to buy the cheaper cuts of meat and still get the tender and juicy meat they want to have with their meals, thus cutting down on their weekly shopping budget.

Bulk cooking is another aspect which people will enjoy. While most of the time people never think about this, the typical size of a crock pot meal is more than what they can eat at a single sitting. Since there is so much food being prepared, people can make it in bulk and then freeze the leftovers. This way people have meals available in the future when they forget to make a meal in the morning. Or people can cook a meal for the sole purpose of freezing in serving size portions. Having meals available, ready to go will save on having to spend money on takeout meals. Just another savings on the weekly budget.
Meal choices are something else which people will enjoy when they are searching for recipes. Normally people do not think about this, but when they are using a crock pot they will find their food choices are not limited to the soups and stews that people think about but to desserts, cakes and breakfasts. Instead, a simple search will show that people can come up with almost any type of meal idea from the many recipes available, even spaghetti if people have time to make noodles when they get home.
This type of cooking gives people the opportunity to use fresh ingredients in their food. When people are making food at home, they may end up resorting to the quick and easy fast meals already prepared. Not only do these not have the same nutritional value people want to have, but they also cost quite a bit more money. Just another reason for taking 20 minutes in the morning to prepare fresh ingredients to put into your crock pot. So by purchasing fresh vegetables you are gaining a good nutritious meal and saving your money as bulk bought fresh vegetables would be cheaper than prepared meals.

With both adults in the family working, people will find they can save quite a bit of money by using a crock pot. It allows the adults to get their meals prepared in advance and start them cooking or time them to turn on while they are at work. Then people can eat at home for pennies on the dollar compared to a restaurant. Not only is it saving them money but time in the kitchen at night. They spend less time cooking the meal and doing the dishes as it is usually a one pot meal. This gives them more time in the evening to spend on other activities.

As many people have found out, working all the time does not always mean saving money. Instead, people may end up spending more money because they are forced to eat out all the time. By knowing about the different ways that the crock pot slow cooker is able to save them money, people will find that they will love the varied foods available. So by spending 20 minutes in the morning to prepare the cooker they can come home to a cooked meal or use the frozen meals in their freezers that they have previously prepared. So it is possible to save money and eat fabulously delicious meals while working full time. Click on this link for some great and easy recipes,

3 Fuss-Free Slow Cooker Recipes Using Herbs and Spices

A slow-cooker is inexpensive, economical and is a great tool to use to transform budget ingredients into a 5-star style dish. It's time that you make the most out of your weekends by enjoying flavorful home-cooked meals using your crock-pot.
Here are 3 recipes that use healthy herbs and spices that you can try:
Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Pot Roast
What you need:

• 1/2 kg. pot roast, fat trimmed
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. celery salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Combine basil, thyme, oregano, celery salt, ginger, garlic powder, mustard and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. Cut the fat side of the pot roast with 1/4-inch deep slits (1 1/2 inches apart). Rub the spice mixture all over the roast until covered completely. Pour white wine and honey over the top. Cook the pot roast in a crock-pot for 3-4 hours or until tender. Serve with mashed potatoes or with mixed vegetables if desired.
Slow Cooker Chili Chicken
What you need:

• 3 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cups green salsa
• 1 3/4 cups cooked corn kernels
• 1 3/4 cups white beans
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sliced green chili peppers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Combine tomatoes, green salsa, corn, beans, chili peppers, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper and chicken broth in a slow cooker. Stir to combine ingredients well. Place chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Cook on a slow cooker over low heat for 6-8 hours or until chicken flakes easily. When ready, remove chicken, shred completely then return to cooker and stir. Serve warm.
Crock-Pot Spinach Marinara Sauce with Herbs
What you need:

• 3 1/2 cups peeled and crushed tomatoes
• 1 3/4 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 1/4 cups chopped spinach
• 1/3 cup grated carrots
• 3/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1/2 tbsps. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsps. dried basil
• 2 tbsps. dried oregano
• 2 tbsps. salt

Mix together tomatoes, mushroom, spinach, carrots, tomato paste, olive oil, onion, garlic, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano and salt in a crock-pot. Cover and cook over high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir, then cook for 2 hours more over low heat. Pour over cooked pasta and serve immediately.
Forget take-outs for a while - take the time to enjoy a mouth-watering slow-cooked meal with herbs and spices with your family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9050233

3 Drool-Worthy Herbs and Spices Crockpot Recipes to Try

sing a crockpot for cooking is perfect for anyone who wants to come home to a delicious home-cooked meal. If you have a full time job but still want to cook and eat healthy food, a slow cooker is just what you need. To make usual stews and soups healthier and more flavorful, make it a habit to add all-natural herbs and spices to your recipes. Get creative for more unique and drool-worthy meals!
Here are 3 herbs and spices crockpot recipes that you need to try now:
1. Crockpot Chili Chicken
What you need:

• 3 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cups green salsa
• 2 cups white beans
• 1 3/4 cups corn kernels
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon green chile peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

In your slow cooker, combine the onion, diced tomatoes, green salsa, white beans, corn, chicken broth, chile peppers, oregano and cumin. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Toss to coat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until chicken shreds easily with a fork. When ready, completely shred chicken, return to slow cooker and stir. Serve warm.
2. Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Pork Roast
What you need:

• 1/2 kg. pork roast (trimmed of fat)
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

Mix together ginger, garlic powder, salt, celery salt, black pepper, mustard, basil thyme and oregano in a small bowl. On the fat side of the roast, cut 1/4-inch deep slits about 1 1/2 inches apart. Rub the herb mixture all over the roast, making sure it is completely covered. Place the meat on the slow cooker. Pour wine over it then drizzle with honey. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until pork roast is tender.
3. Onion and Celery Crockpot Stuffing
What you need:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 12 cups white bread, cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat then sauté the onion, celery, mushrooms and parsley until tender. Place the vegetable in a large bowl, adding the bread, salt, pepper, thyme, marjoram, sage and poultry seasoning. Toss to mix ingredients well. Add broth and eggs. Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on high heat for 40-50 minutes. Reduce the heat to low then cook for another 6-8 hours.
Try these drool-worthy herbs and spices slow cooker recipes and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling meal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9161401

Herbs and Spices: 3 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners

A slow cooker is very ideal for anyone who doesn't have enough time to cook in the morning but still wants to come home to a delicious homemade meal. When using a crockpot, fresh ingredients are cooked in low temperature for hours and the natural juices of meats and produce are retained, resulting to a flavorful and nutrient-rich dish. Season with natural herbs and spices for added goodness!
Try these 3 easy herbs and spices slow cooker recipes:
Cilantro-Lime Slow Cooker Chicken
What you need:

• 1 1/2 kg. boneless and skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 cups salsa
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 1/2 tablespoons dry taco seasoning mix

Mix together lime juice, salsa, cilantro and taco seasoning mix in a slow cooker. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined. Add the chicken breasts to the cooker and coat with the cilantro-lime mixture. Cover, set the cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours. When ready, use a fork to shred chicken breasts. Serve with soft taco shells and a dressing of your choice if desired.
Slow Cooker Herbed White Bean Soup
What you need:

• 1/2 kg. dry navy beans (soaked overnight)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley
• 1 sprig fresh lemon thyme, chopped
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh savory
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups mushroom broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cube vegetable bouillon

In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook carrot and onion over medium-high heat until tender. When ready, combine carrot, onion, beans, mushroom broth, bouillon and bay leaf. Tie together parsley, lemon thyme, rosemary and savory and add to the cooker. Set on low and cook for 6-8 hours. When ready, add potatoes and cook on low for 1 more hour. Remove tied herbs before serving.
Slow Cooker Herbs and Spices Spaghetti Sauce
What you need:

• 18 cups tomato sauce
• 2 1/4 cups tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons dried parsley
• 3 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 3 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Mix together tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, onion, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and red pepper flakes in a slow cooker. Stir to combine ingredients well. Cover and set on high and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring frequently. Serve on top of cooked pasta.
Come home to a healthy and fulfilling meal at the end of each day by cooking using your crockpot. Add more flavor and nutrition to the dishes with natural herbs and spices!

Hearty Crockpot Recipes for the Healthy Eater

The joy of slow cooking your food is that you only have to throw in the ingredients in a crockpot, leave it for a few hours then you'll be able to enjoy a fulfilling meal. A slow cooker brings out the flavor of food. It also tenderizes less expensive cuts of meat, so you don't have to spend much to enjoy a five-star dish!
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
What you need:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• 2 cups salsa verde
• 2 cups white beans
• 1 3/4 cups corn kernels
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Mix together onion, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, salsa verde, white beans, corn, chicken broth, oregano and cumin in a crockpot. Stir until ingredients are well-combined. Place chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 hours. When ready, remove chicken from the crockpot. Shred, return to crockpot and stir.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Seafood Dip
What you need:

• 1 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup processed cheese food
• 1/2 cup cooked lobster, flaked
• 1/2 cup cooked crabmeat, flaked
• 1/2 cup cooked small shrimp
• 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 loaf 1/2-inch thick French bread, lightly toasted

Mix together sour cream, processed cheese food, lobster, crabmeat, shrimp and cream cheese in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low until cheese is melted, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add seafood seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture then mix to combine ingredients well. Serve with toasted French bread.
Slow Cooker Sausage Fiesta
What you need:

• 1 kilogram smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 kilogram green beans, trimmed and sliced in half
• 1/4 kilogram red potatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Place sausage, green beans, potatoes, onion, water, butter, vegetable oil, salt and ground black pepper in a crockpot. Toss to coat and to mix ingredients well. Cover and cook for 45 mins to 1 hour or until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Cook these hearty yet nutritious crockpot recipes for a surely satisfying meal!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9572158