Showing posts with label recipe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipe. Show all posts

Thursday, September 6, 2012

In the Crock Pot Chili Dinner {slow cooker meal}

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This Momma's on another mission to continue to provide yummy, healthy home cooked meals to the family.   To date, Mommy and Alexis' weight have stayed pretty much the same which is a bit discouraging but we've decided to look at the bright side and celebrate that we have not gained either!  Summer was such a whirlwind and as I mentioned before, we were eating takeout a little too much!  I'm trying very hard to stick to my goal of ordering out much less and we've done pretty well.

Our Autumn Keilbasa and Kraut was a big success, although the kids didn't eat the kraut!  We served our family of 6 plus my mom and dad from that one crock pot dinner.   The left over kraut was packed in single serve plastic freezer bags and frozen for when the urge for a hot dog with a little something extra arises.  The cost for the ingredients was about $9 including some crusty rolls so it all rounded out to a little over a dollar per serving, not too shabby!

In the pot today is a little tummy warming Chili.  We've had rain for the past few days and the cooler temps and dreary days have been calling for another home cooked stick to your ribs meal.  Chili is such a quick and easy dish to whip up, doesn't cost a fortune, and is also a great lunch reheat!



Ingredients:
     4 Cans Kidney Beans {I use canned you can substitute dried if you wish!}
     2 cans Sliced Stewed Tomatoes
     1 Can of Tomato Paste {optional- makes it a bit thicker}
     2 Packets of Chili Seasoning {add more or less to taste}
     1 lbs Ground Beef and Ground Turkey mix {use the ground meat of your choosing}
     2 Bay leaves {optional}


Optional Items:
     Crushed Red Pepper to taste
     Crusty Bread Loaf, Rolls, or Cornbread for dippy!


Chili is a special treat for our family, the all love it but the beans are not a great choice for Alexis due to her kidney disease... Kidney Beans have a lot of Phosphorus so we don't eat this too often.  With any recipe or meal planning, work around your family's dietary needs as best you can.  Limit salt for those with blood pressure issues, sugar for diabetics, use lower fat containing ground meats such as the turkey or even ground chicken for those watching their fat intake too!

So here's the How To:

Place stewed tomatoes into the crock pot first.  My kids don't really appreciate the big chunks of deliciousness so I simply squeeze them and break them up {clean hands are a must!}  Then add the tomato paste and packets of chili seasoning.  You can do all of this as you are browning your meat, just watch the stove!  Give a good stir before adding the kidney beans and drained browned meat.  Drop in 2 Bay leaves for some added flavor.  Place your lid, turn on low and allow to simmer the rest of the day!  About 4-6 hours is all it should take!  Serve with some crusty bread and you'll have one happy family! 

Leftover Ideas:
     -Top a hotdog and add some cheese!
     -Spoon some chili over some Baked Nacho chips, add a bit of cheese and a dollop of sour cream!
     -Place a few tablespoons into a flattened dough biscuit and make a chili pocket!
     -Great reheat for lunch tomorrow too!






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Friday, November 25, 2011

A Veggie Turkey & A Recipe idea using those leftovers!

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Our family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner was one of the best in years.
I truely hope your family enjoyed the holiday as well!

My sister & her hubs hosted our dinner this year and with 27 guests that was no easy task.
We're talking 3 (yes 3) deep fried turkeys (yummmy) with all the fixins.

I was asked to bring some pre-dinner finger foods and the veggie tray.
But, if you know me then you know any old veggie tray just won't do!


 Mom always told me not to play with my food... good thing I never listened!


 He took me about 2 hours including slice & chop time!


With the help of a few kaboob sticks and a cream cheese body...this little Tommy took center stage!


One of the pre-dinner grazing tables... homemade potato soup, chips & salsa dip, veggies, Oh My!
The dinner table tables ran the entire span of two rooms!
My stomach is still full from dinner & pie!


My favorite part of the day was actually going around the table with all the guests to hear what each person was thankful for, and I admit it was kind of funny to watch some people squirm at the thought!

Returning home last night after a spendid day out brought blessings of it's own!  My puppy babies missed us so!  Matter of fact my little Ortie Bo Bo is actually sitting on my shoulder right now as I write on the laptop!


He is making sure I do not get away from him today! I just love puppy hugs!

***

What are you going to do with all of that turkey sitting left over in your fridge?
Sure,  I know... same ole same old... turkey salad, hot & cold turkey sandwiches, turkey noodle soup?
I have a quick little recipe for you to try that my family enjoys every year!

The Turkey Croquette! 

Gather up your leftover turkey and stuffing, (you'll need that too)  some bread crumbs and an egg or two.  You'll need a frying pan and oil, a deep fryer or just bake them in the oven! 
(they taste so much better in a fryer...I never said it would be healthy!)
Just a note, chicken works wonderfully here as well! There are no set portions on the ingrediant list, use as much or as little as you need to feed your family!


1. Chop or shred up that left over turkey; white and dark meat, as if you are making a salad.

2.  Mix in an equal portion of your left over stuffing or dressing (call it what you will!)  Now, just mush it all togeater as if you are making a meatball or meatloaf mix.  Add a bit of water if needed.


3.  Scoop up little balls of the poulty mixture (as if making meatballs)... some meatballs are small, some make them a bit bigger  It's what you are used to... just have at it.

4.  Set all of the turkey croquettes aside while you whip your egg mixture.  Place your breadcrumbs in a bowl or dish.  Roll each ball into the egg mixture then roll in the breadcrumbs to cover.  Set them aside lined up on a plate or piece of parchment.


5.  If using a fryer (my chosen method) make sure your oil is heated to 350*.  Drop them (carefully) into the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes.  They should all be a beautiful golden brown color.
If you are using your oven,  place them on a baking dish and heat in the oven until they are golden brown.  Remember,  your ingredients are already fully cooked (except the egg) and heating them to a nice toasty temp is all that is required!


6.  Serve on a bed of whipped potatoes and top each with a smidge of gravy (also left over from turkey day)!  Since this is quite a carbo loaded meal... a nice green salad or a side of veggies would be nice!

Oh,  if you have some leftover cranberry... go ahead and put some of that on there too!

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