Friday, January 12, 2018

Busy Times Call for Crock Pot Dinners - 3 Recipes

The kids are getting back into the swing of school now and the restaurant is busy as ever with the start of the New Year!  We usually have a boost in customers during the first couple months of the year because of the New Year’s resolutions, but I am not complaining.  I love hearing from new patrons how they are going to try eating healthier with more plant based meals.  =)

Although I love being busy, it has been a little difficult getting dinner ready in time for the kids and my husband so I have been making a lot of crock pot dinners.  I love that I can get everything ready in the morning or afternoon and by the time for dinner I just have to finish the recipe and serve it.  Crock pot and slow cooker recipes have been my lifesaver over the week.  Here are some of my family’s favorite slow cooker meals.

Squash Lasagna

Ingredients-
•    2, 10 oz. package of frozen winter squash puree, or fresh ;)
•    1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
•    1, 32 oz. container of ricotta
•    6 cups baby spinach
•    16 oz. box lasagna noodles
•    About 2 cups mozzarella cheese
•    Salt and pepper


Instructions-
•    Mix the squash and nutmeg in a medium bowl.  In another bowl mix the ricotta, spinach, ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper.
•    In the slow cooker spread about ½ cup of the squash mixture, top with a layer of lasagna noodles.  Split the remaining squash mixture, noodles, and ricotta; layer and top with mozzarella.
•    Slow cook on low for about 3-4 hours, and enjoy!

My kids favorite, Extremely Easy Cheesy Mac n’ Cheese

Ingredients-
•    1, 16 oz. package of elbow macaroni
•    ½ cup melted, butter
•    1, 12 oz. can evaporated milk
•    1 cup milk
•    4 cups shredded cheddar cheese…(I like using Ragu Double Cheddar sauce as well)

Instructions
•    Cook the macaroni and drain.  Combine all the ingredients in a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.  Enjoy the cheesiness! =)

And my husband’s favorite, BBQ Tofu.  I serve it with French bread and usually a veggie side for a wonderful easy meal.

Ingredients-
•    2 containers of firm tofu, pressed
•    1 ½ cups ketchup
•    3 tbsp. brown sugar
•    2 tbsp. soy sauce
•    1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
•    1 tbsp. red pepper flakes
•    ½ tsp. garlic powder
•   broccoli and/or your favorite vegetable
•    Salt and pepper

Instructions-
•    Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours.  SO EASY and delicious! Enjoy!

Slow cooker meals are so tasty and extremely easy.  I definitely do not mind having them often!  Happy slow cooking!

Go green and stay keen,

Julie

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