Happy New Year Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Happy New Year!

I'm excited about 2010 and all the fun and anticipation a New Year brings. It doesn't look like I'll be holding a baby on my lap while watching the ball drop, however. This new little one is not following the path my other two took of arriving at exactly 38 weeks, but instead is teasing with lots of contractions and then nothing for a few hours.

2010 may be the year I develop a great deal of patience.

or completely lose my marbles.

the jury's still deliberating.

I'm not bringing a slow cooker dish (shocking, I know!) to our friend's house tonight for New Years At 9 because I wasn't sure if we'd have a newborn or be in the hospital. Instead, the kids and I are going to make a fabulous apple pie thanks to the totally awesome gluten free pie shells from Whole Foods.

and tomorrow? Tomorrow we'll eat Black Eyed Pea soup. This is the recipe I used last year, and I'm looking forward to making it again. I'm going to re-print it the way it appeared a year ago.

Have an absolutely wonderful 2010 full of lots of love and hugs.

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CrockPot Black Eyed Pea Soup

Day 366.
because it's Leap Year.

Happy New Year's Eve! I made the most rockingest black eyed pea soup yesterday, and I take back everything I said last year about black eyed peas. They aren't gross. I just didn't know what I was doing.
And thank you also for all of the emails explaining pig anatomy. I get it now.

Although this is the end of my year-long challenge, the blog will not die, and I will not go hide in a corner in the fetal position. I promise.

Eating black eyed peas on New Years Day is good luck and is said to bring prosperity which can't be a bad thing. Ring in 2009 on the right note. Make this soup.

The Ingredients.

--1 pound dried black eyed peas
--1 pound spicy sausage (I used Aidells chicken habanero and green chile)
--6 cups chicken broth
--1 yellow onion, diced
--1 cup diced carrots
--1 cup diced celery
--4 cloves garlic, diced
--1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (not pictured. I didn't know I needed it at first. But I did.)
--1 tsp kosher salt
--1/2 tsp black pepper
--Tabasco sauce (to add at the end to taste)

The Directions.

Soak your beans overnight. Drain and pick out the undesirables (broken, discolored beans) in the morning.

Use a 5 to 6 quart crockpot. This will serve about 8 people. Dice the veggies, and dump them into your crockpot with the pre-soaked beans. Add sliced sausage. Pour in broth, and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 6. Before serving, use a stick blender to smash up about 1 cup of beans. If you don't have a stick blender, scoop out 1 cup of beans, blend them in a traditional blender, and add back to the soup. Don't blend too much---just enough to get the broth thicker and creamy-looking.

Ladle into bowls, and add Tabasco sauce to taste.

The Verdict.

This tastes amazing. I am so glad that I tried cooking black eyed peas again---they are earthier than other beans and make a fantastic soup base. I've got a few different tupperwares ready to go for lunches for the next few days. My brother and sister-in-law liked it too. The kids didn't taste it---they had spaghetti for dinner.

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Wrapping It Up

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Even though I didn't post daily in 2009 the way I did in 2008, this year has continued to be all slow cooker all the time in our house. It's been a glorious, energetic, nutty and somewhat surreal year.

I can't even imagine what 2010 has in store, yet I'm ready. Bring it on!

Although she has been teasing me for weeks and weeks, I do think the newest addition to our family will NOT be making her presence before Christmas. She may arrive before New Year's---I just can't tell. Whoever said every pregnancy/delivery is different is right, although truth be told, I'm getting a little annoyed by that saying.

But I feel good, the kids are happy, family is close by, and we're all healthy. There is nothing left to ask for. I feel super lucky.

I'm going to take a bit of a break for the holidays, and am going to step away from the computer. If you need help with recipes/your slow cooker, hopefully your answer is provided in the
Frequently Asked Questions part 1
Frequently Asked Questions part 2

also, there are reader comments and suggestions underneath each recipe that you might find helpful. This is exceptionally true in the case of the Slow Cooker Yogurt Recipe.

If you are cooking for the holidays, the list of Slow Cooker Holiday food has you covered.

I've still got a few contests running over on Totally Together Reviews.

The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook is over, and winners have been contacted, but if you didn't win, go ahead and pick yourself up a copy. It's a wonderful cookbook and resource.

The HP TouchSmart Computer giveaway will run until *tomorrow*, 12/24 at 5pm pacific.

The Tassimo Hot Beverage System is running until 12/31, 5pm pacific,

and the

$5 Dollar Mom Cookbook giveaway will end on 1/1/10, 5pm pacific. Erin's book was just released, and it's fantastic. She has more opportunities to win copies over on her website.

I plan on hosting more reviews and giveaways in the New Year, and I also plan on getting on the ball with posting over at Totally Together Journal. I've really slacked at posting, but am feeling motivated to get that site more active. My thought is to go through the manuscript that I have and post a simple chore or family activity daily. I certainly look forward to getting our house back in shape this upcoming year, especially once I can bend again!

And lastly, I'd like to thank each and every single one of you for the overwhelming support, love, and kindness you've shared with me through the Make it Fast, Cook it Slow book launch. I am completely blown away by the touching emails I wake to each morning, and for all of your sweet words.
Not a day has passed in months, where I'm not moved to tears. Thank you so so much for being so wonderful.

The cookbook seems to be doing well, and I have all of you to thank. Your buzz to friends, family, and over the internet, has helped so very much. I am so beyond amazed that in the December 27 issue of the New York Times, Make it Fast has made the best seller's list at lucky #13.

Wow.

(updated. well, darn. That link worked yesterday, and now they are asking people to register in order to see it. I hate stuff like that. Here's a scanned image, although I think you'll have to click on it to make it bigger.)

Like last year, I promise that the website isn't going to vanish into thin air. It will still be here, and I'll continue to add to it when I can, because quite frankly, slow cooking is the only way I get dinner on the table! I think I'll continue with budget-friendly slow cooker meals for 2010. I've got quite a few I'm itching to try out, and would love any and all suggestions. I have always thought of this website as a group project.

Have an absolutely joyous Holiday Season and a fantastic 2010. It'll be a good one.

xoxoxo

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Slow Cooker Green Pepper Chicken Recipe

I've been inspired lately by reading $5 Dinner Mom and Family Feasts for $75, and have started to trim down our grocery bills. Meat is definitely the biggest expense on the shopping list, and I'm realizing that our family of four doesn't need to be eating quite as much as we do. I usually plop 4 chicken breast halves into the slow cooker without thinking, but for this dish I used 3.

Guess what? We still were full, and there was still some leftover for Adam to take to work the next day for lunch. Go figure. We ate our chicken tucked into corn tortillas and had a side of basmati rice to soak up the yummy juices.

The Ingredients.
serves 4.


3 chicken breast halves
2 large green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 (7-ounce) can whole or diced green chiles (mine were mild)
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon dried minced onion, or 1 large yellow onion, diced finely
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup sour cream (to add before serving)
corn tortillas, optional

The Directions.

I used a 4 quart slow cooker. Put the chicken into the bottom of the cooker, and add the bell peppers and the whole can of chiles. Add basil, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir a bit to combine. Pour in the 1/4 cup of water. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or on high for 3-4.

Before serving, use tongs to remove the chicken, and set aside. Using an immersible blender, blend the peppers and sauce left at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you don't have an immersible blender, carefully(!) pour the slow cooker contents into a traditional stand blender and pulse until fully combined. Pour back into the cooker.

Stir in sour cream until melted. If you don't have sour cream in the house, plain yogurt or cream cheese would work just fine---this is only to thicken the sauce a bit and to mellow out the peppers and chile flavor.

Slice chicken, and return to the cooker. Set to high for 20-30 minutes, or until your dinner is fully hot. Serve the meat in corn tortillas, or over rice.

Or both!

The Verdict.

I've gone on the record saying I don't like green peppers. I really don't---they remind me of soggy cafeteria pizza. But they are MUCH less expensive than red, yellow, or orange peppers, and since the flavor is so pronounced a little goes a long way. Adam and the kids don't seem to mind the flavor, and the kids actually eat raw green pepper dipped in ranch, something I would never do. So I took one for the team.

I'm happy to report that I really liked the flavor when cooked like this, and when paired with the chiles. The chicken turned green, which the kids thought was neat. They happily ate their chicken over rice with a ladle full of sauce, but ate their corn tortilla as a quesadilla.

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More Give-Aways! The Tassimo Hot Beverage System and the Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook

Good morning!

When I said I had more stuff to give away, I wasn't kidding.

I'm happy to share that I have two new review posts over at Totally Together Reviews.

The first is for a Tassimo Hot Beverage System---you can make a perfect coffee house drink in the comfort of your home or office whenever you'd like.

and what do you need with coffee?

pastries!

I have never tasted better pastries than those made with almond flour. I have 2 copies of Elana Amsterdam's The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook to give away over at Totally Together Reviews.

It's not too late for last-minute shopping or gift-making, either. How about:

Holiday Gifts to Support Bloggers
Roasted and Spiced Nuts
Peanut Clusters
Peanut (not brittle) Candy
Glycerin Soap
Recycled Candles
Salt Dough Ornaments
Apple Butter
Shrinky Dink Crafts
Playdough (fun gift for small kids---wrap in a cellophane bag, and tie on a cookie cutter)

have fun, good luck, and thank you for entering the contests! (not here---you need to click over to Totally Together Reviews. Comments left here are NOT counted.)

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HP TouchSmart and $5 Dinner Mom Give-Away!

I've got a super cool computer I'm giving away, courtesy of HP and BlogHer. You can read all about it and enter for a chance to win over at Totally Together Reviews. The contest will run until 12/24/09, 5pm pacific.

I also have 3! copies of Erin Chase's soon-to-be-released cookbook, $5 Dinner Mom to give away also over at Totally Together Reviews. This contest is running until Jan 1, 2010.

and? more stuff is coming. Check back in a day or so, I'm working on some other freebie goodies to share with you!

xoxo steph

oh! and yes, I'm still pregnant. I'm about 35 weeks, which puts me in the eensy teensy tiny bit cranky all the time stage...

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Super Simple Cranberry Roast (beef or pork) Slow Cooker Recipe

I threw together one of the simplest roasts last week, and it was wonderful. The meat was sweet without being icky sweet, it was tender and moist, and everyone at the table had seconds.

I used frozen beef chuck, but this would be fantastic with any hunk of meat you've got lying around----beef, pork, or venison.

The Ingredients.
serves 4


2-3 pounds beef or pork roast or stew chunks
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes, or 1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (La Choy and Tamari wheat-free are gluten free)
1 (16-ounce) whole berry cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade!)

that's it!

The Directions.

Use a 4-quart slow cooker. Plop in the meat (frozen is fine), and add the onion and soy sauce. Pour in the entire can of cranberry sauce over the top. Do not add water. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours, or on high for 5-6. If you are cooking on high, you may need to "help" the meat break apart by taking it out an hour or so before serving by cutting it into chunks, then returning to the sauce. I like it when the meat is tender and the juice has fully soaked in.

Serve over mashed potatoes, and with a green salad.

The Verdict.

This was a fantastic dinner, and since everything was already in the house, it was free!

PS: if you're around this weekend, there's a thread on the Barnes and Noble.com message boards where I'm answering any and all slow cooker questions!

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Slow Cooker Turkey Stew Recipe

I made the most delicious turkey stew over the weekend. I've never actually had turkey stew, so I don't know if it's the best that exists, but it's definitely the best I've ever had. And, since I used leftover food from Thanksgiving, it was free!

I'm kind of bummed Adam took the leftovers to work to eat for lunch, because now I'm forced to eat peanut butter on an apple-cinnamon rice cake. Again.

The Ingredients.
serves 8

There are two parts, here. The first part is to make broth with your leftover turkey carcass. If you don't have a carcass on hand, and would still like to make this soup, jump to the next step and use 8 cups of chicken broth and 2-3 cups chopped turkey.

for broth:
use a 6 quart slow cooker.

turkey carcass, or rib cage bone-sets from 2 turkey breasts
9 cups of water
2 tablespoons granulated chicken bouillon (read label carefully for msg and gluten, I used the Herb Ox brand)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (this takes the meat flavor out of the bones, and creates a beautiful color and flavor)
1 large onion, finely diced OR 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes

cook on low overnight, or for about 8 hours. Unplug, and remove stoneware from cooking element. Uncover and let cool. When cool enough to "go fishing," remove all bones from broth, leaving meat inside the pot.

note: if your slow cooker releases a bunch of steam and condensation while cooking, put a layer of foil or parchment paper down over the top, then put the lid on so you don't lose your cooking liquid.

for stew, add the following:

2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato
1 (28-ounce) can diced or stewed Italian style tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon chile powder
1 (15-ounce) can corn, and juice
4 cloves chopped garlic OR 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder

The Directions.

Combine all ingredients in a 6 quart slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until sweet potatoes have reached desired tenderness and flavors have melded.

The Verdict.

We all really liked this a lot. The girls were slow to warm up because they thought the name "turkey stew" was weird and didn't like that the broth wasn't clear, but I didn't offer them anything else to eat. When they finally tasted it, they happily finished their bowls. Adam said he liked it even better than our normal turkey soup, which is pretty high praise, since that soup is fantastic. I really liked the deep color and the sweet potatoes in contrast to the tomato base. This did not have any spicy taste, just lots of flavor.

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Holiday Gifts to Support Bloggers

Looking for Slow Cooker Holiday Food? No problem. Click here for the entire list.

It's my birthday! The next few days are pretty bonkers around here---we've got overnight guests, a Thanksgiving Feast at school (I've slow cooked turkey breasts to share), birthday parties, and lots and lots and lots of family. It's truly the best time of the year.

It can also sort of kind of become a bit stressful. I'm trying to do everything I can to stay out of the mall this year, and order online or shop in town. So far so good.

I've compiled a list of possible gifts that might be helpful for crossing some people off of your list---there's a lot of different genres listed, and in doing so you'll be helping out some extraordinary people at the same time: bloggers!

Note: Whenever possible, I’ve linked to the author’s Amazon Associate account, not my own. While reading the reviews on Amazon is a fantastic way to get a feel of the book, buying the book at your friendly neighborhood independent book store is best for your local economy. I am familiar with the work of *all* of these bloggers. While I am sure that there are other books by bloggers “out there,” I have not personally read their blogs or their books.

originally posted 10/26/09 on Totally Together Journal.

Cookbooks:

The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook Elana blogs at Elana’s Pantry, and has a beautiful website and an even more beautiful book. She has healthy recipes for all types of gluten free food that is healthy and wholesome. She introduced me to the wonders of almond flour and agave nectar. Cooking with almond flour creates moist, delicious gluten free baked products.

Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris Clotilde blogs at Chocolate & Zucchini, and was the first food blogger I followed regularly who wrote a book. This book reads like a memoir/travel guide, and she does have a fabulous cookbook, Chocolate & Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen.

David Lebovitz I’ve linked to David’s author’s page on his blog, because he has a great collection of cookbooks and a fantastic new memoir entitled, The Sweet Life in Paris. David goes out of his way to support bloggers, and is an all-around nice guy.

Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree blogs at The Pioneer Woman, and her cookbook just came out and is a best seller! Ree is warm, friendly, and loves butter–a fabulous trifecta. She’s absolutely wonderful.

Steamy Kitchen Jaden writes at Steamy Kitchen, and has phenomenal recipes for all kinds of Asian-inspired food. Her recipes are simple, clear, and use fresh ingredients. Her friendly writing style and gorgeous photos suck readers right in.

The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Erin blogs at $5 Dinners, and is not only a great friend, she has created a fabulous resource for busy families on a budget. ALL of her meals have been made for $5 or less for a family of four. Her book isn’t out yet, but you can pre-order it and have it delivered to your gift recipient.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week Mary blogs at Owlhaven, and has 10! children. She knows how to feed a crowd, and knows all about picky eaters. A fantastic resource for anyone looking to streamline the kitchen, learn about meal planning, and save money.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s 101 Wines Gary blogs at Gary Vaynerchuk, and he does video-blogging (vlogging) on wine. He is hysterical, witty, and down to earth. Gary is the furthest thing from a wine snob, yet knows all there is to know.

Make it Fast, Cook it Slow Stephanie (that’s me, I snuck in!) blogs at A Year of Slow Cooking. In 2008, she made a New Year’s Resolution to use her slow cooker every day for a year, and write about it online. This book has the best 338 recipes from the year. All recipes are gluten-free, due to a family intolerance.

Parenting:

Sleep is For the Weak Rita writes at Surrender, Dorothy and she put together the best of the best of the mommy bloggers into a great gift for any pregnant woman, new mom, or any dad who needs to better understand his wife’s wonky behavior. I’ve given this numerous times as gifts, and it’s always well-received.

Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family Mary (featured up above) writes at Owlhaven, and is a mom to 10. I read this book when we were deciding to take the plunge from two to three, and found her advice helpful and straightforward.

The Rookie Mom’s Handbook Heather and Whitney write at Rookie Moms, and wrote this book when they were trying to figure out how to keep their little ones entertained during the day. The handbook is chock full of developmentally appropriate activities, broken down by age groups. I’ve met Heather and Whitney, and like it that they are *real* moms, instead of parenting “experts.”

It Sucked and Then I Cried Heather is an internet rockstar. She started Dooce an awful long time ago, before there were tons of blogs, and is known as the Ultimate Mommy Blogger. I found her memoir fun and light-hearted. Although it’s presented as being primarily about postpartum depression, I wouldn’t classify it as such—I found it more like a being pregnant and new-mommy memoir.

The Mominatrix’s Guide to Sex Kristen blogs at Motherhood Uncensored. Her book isn’t out yet, but will be mid-January, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and is available for pre-order. I’m probably more prude than most, but am happy that a book like this exists, and that a blogger wrote it.

Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay I’ve linked to Stefanie’s Author page on Amazon, because she has three books out. She blogs at Baby on Bored. I’ve read her first book, and thought it was a nice change to the parenting books I was reading at the time. Stefanie isn’t afraid to call it as she sees it, and she doesn’t sugar-coat the hard(er) parts of motherhood.

Memoirs:

Gluten Free Girl Shauna writes at Gluten Free Girl, and she was one of the first resources I turned to when we were first diagnosed with Celiac in our family. Shauna’s love for food and her vast knowledge gave me the confidence I needed to start embracing our new lifestyle. Her eloquently-written memoir shares much about her personal road to gluten free living. She is working on a new cookbook which I eagerly await.

Half-Assed Jennette blogs at Pasta Queen, and shares her personal journey of losing 180 pounds all on her own in this fabulous memoir. I read this book coming home on an airplane during some rather rough turbulence, and her friendly writing style and hilarious anecdotes kept me calm.

Straight Up and Dirty and Moose Stephanie writes at Stephanie Klein, formerly named Greek Tragedy. I met her July 2008 at BlogHer, and was charmed by her warmth and wit. Stephanie has led such a different life than I have–which is kind of neat since we have the same name. I’ve read both of her books, and loved being able to “listen in” on her life experiences–both as a newly-divorced and dating single, and as a young teen at a camp for overweight youth.

Bitter is the New Black, Jen Lancaster Jen blogs at Jennslyvania, and was one of the first bloggers I’d heard of to write a memoir. I’ve linked to her Amazon page, as she has four books under her belt. Jen writes like a friend speaking, and immediately engages the reader with her cut-t0-the chase humor.

Business/Blogging:

The IT Girls Guide to Blogging Kathie and Joelle blog at Moxie Design Studios, and have written a comprehensive guide to blogging—perfect for the newish blogger, the wanna-be who wants to get started on the right foot, or the blogger who wants to beef up his/her web presence.

No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog Maggie writes at Mighty Girl, and wrote a fun compilation of blog post topics. This is great for the personal blogger who sometimes has a hard time figuring out, or narrowing down blog post ideas.

Personal Development for Smart People Steve blogs at Steve Pavlina.com. I found his blog a few years ago when I was googling how to create a highly trafficked website. I like a lot of his ideas, especially the 30 Days to a New Habit posts. Some of his ideas are quite out there, and may be offensive. Please read the Amazon reviews carefully.

Crush It! This is Gary’s (featured above) newest book. I haven’t yet read it, but am interested in doing so. It’s gotten rave reviews as a fantastic resource for any interested in learning more about social media.

TypePad for Dummies Shannon blogs at Rocks in My Dryer. I love how Shannon writes, especially the way she interacts with her readers. I was fortunate to meet her at BlogHer in 08, and was thrilled to learn that she was writing a Dummies book on Typepad. The book isn’t quite out yet, but you can pre-order it on Amazon.

Humor:

Post Cards from Yo Momma Oh this is so funny. The women who run this blog were on to something--Imagine saving all of the emails and instant messages from your mom, and reading them a bit out of context. I giggled so much while reading this---it's a fantastic collection.

Passive Aggressive Notes A complete Laugh-Out-Loud book, filled with the snarky notes coworkers, roommates, and strangers leave for each other when they are just a tad bit annoyed. Excellent gift for the hard-to-shop-for brother or uncle. Or feisty aunt. Based on the blog, Passive Aggressive Notes.

Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes go Horribly, Hilariously Wrong This is such a fun book, based upon the blog of the same name. The mistakes that busy bakeries make are photographed and "reported" upon in this great gift book. It cracks me up that there are real bakers out there that will make a beautiful cake and take the time to pipe: Congratulations [insert name here]! and then try to sell it!

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okay! I hope these ideas help in your holiday shopping—hopefully you can quickly cross people off your list and help fellow bloggers out at the same time.

Happy Shopping!

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A Gluten Free (or other allergen-free!) Thanksgiving

A few weeks ago, my friend Diane at The W.H.O.L.E. (whole healthy organic living everyday) Gang had the brilliant idea to host a Gluten Free Progressive Dinner, with Thanksgiving as the theme.

I'm pleased to be a stop on the journey, with my Corn Bread Slow Cooker Stuffing. It's absolutely delicious, and I look forward to bringing it along to my mom's house on the 26th for our family Thanksgiving dinner.

I don't write too much about gluten free stuff, because I try really hard not to let this allergy change the way we eat. I feel as if we eat a balanced diet full of lots of food and grains, we just happen to steer clear from wheat, barley, rye, and oats (unless they are certified gluten free), and read labels meticulously.

Although going gluten free hasn't been too much of a strain on our own day-to-day family eating, it is hard to plan for large gatherings where other people are preparing the food, and when the food is store-bought. Most store-bought prepared party food is off-limits, and it's just a reality we have to face. I don't want my children growing up thinking that they are different in any way, or that they can't participate in festivities--so we plan ahead, and always make sure to have a safe alternative on hand. My hope is that even if you are not gluten free, you'll be inspired by reading how easy it is to doctor a traditional recipe into a gluten (or other common allergen) free one.

If you are hosting, or are bringing a dish along to a party or get-together, find out ahead of time if there are allergies. It's quite easy to swap out eggs for an approved egg-replacer, or to use soy or rice milk instead of dairy. If a guest has nut allergies, do NOT bring your world famous pecan pie. Just don't do it. And *please* don't talk about how you wish you could have brought it but had to make due with plain old apple because of so and so. (sorry, got a bit preachy just now. It's one of my biggest pet peeves...)

This is the time of year to give, and if you are able, give the gift of togetherness---while yes, it's fine to have 2 separate stuffings, why not just make the allergen-safe one for your guests, so everyone feels included? It's okay to skip the Pillsbury crescent rolls, even if they are usually a part of your family's tradition. Start a new tradition instead, one that includes everyone.

This is my contribution to the Gluten Free Progressive Dinner:

Slow Cooker Corn Bread Stuffing.
serves 10
originally posted November 13, 2008

The Ingredients.


--8 x 8 pan of baked cornbread (I used the Whole Foods 365 brand of GF cornbread mix)
--4 slices of toasted bread (I used the GF Food For Life brand in the pink bag)
--2 cups celery, chopped
--1 large yellow onion, diced
--3 beaten eggs
--1/4 cup butter, melted
--1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
--1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
--1/2 teaspoon black pepper
--2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable!) --and another 1/4 cup if desired, later

The Directions.

Use a 6 quart slow cooker. If you only have a 4 quart, toss the stuffing together in a huge mixing bowl, and then transfer to your 4 quart.

Bake the cornbread according to package directions (or by all means, make it by scratch!)

If you have a few days to let it go stale, do that. Other wise, cut into slices and bake at 300 degrees until toasty (along with your bread slices). It took about 30 minutes in my oven.

While the cornbread is toasting, chop up the onion and celery. Put the pieces into your slow cooker. Add the seasoning.

Melt butter in the microwave, and mix together with 3 beaten eggs. Stir well into the veggies and seasonings in the slow cooker.

Cut the cornbread and toasted bread into cubes, about 1/2 inch square.

Toss the cubes of bread and cornbread well with the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Pour in 2 cups of broth. Stir gingerly to combine. The cornbread will break up more than the bread did in the other stuffing, but try to keep a few pieces whole for texture.

Cook on high for 2 hours. This can be on warm successfully for up to 2 hours.

If you'd like a more moist dressing, add another 1/4 cup of broth before serving.

The Verdict.

Tasty. Delicious.
I think we have a new member at our dinner table this Thanksgiving!


Other Gluten Free Progressive Dinner Participants:

Beverages:

(Sugar Free!) Cranberry Orange Punch, at Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Hot Ginger Lemon Cider, Gluten Free Organics

Appetizers:

Spicy Olives and Almond Nibbles, Gluten Free Organics
Pumpkin Kabocha Soup (allergen-free, casein-free), Book of Yum
Goat Cheese with Cumin and Mint, Cook 4 Seasons

Main Course:

Orange Pepper Salmon with Cranberry Sauce, Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Special Turkey Breast, gfe--gluten free easily (Shirley used her slow cooker for this recipe! yay!)

Sides:

Pancetta and Sage Sausage Stuffing, The W.H.O.L.E. Gang
Pear Pomegranate Salad, Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Wild Rice, Gluten Free Girl (Shauna has included a wonderful round-up of her past posts in this entry, and has an article entitled: How to cook for the gluten free

Desserts:
these won't be posted until Friday, November 20th

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Tart, Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake, Cook 4 Seasons
Blueberry Pie, Gluten Free Organics

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Drop In and Decorate---Cookies for Donation

I first heard of this fantastic organization about a year ago. I was smack dab in the end-of-the-year craziness in the slow cooking challenge, and instead of jumping in to help, I merely bookmarked the website.

This year is different. This year I look forward to making a bunch of plain cookies, and working with our Girl Scout Troop to decorate them for a good cause. I used to run a child care center that served homeless families, and I'm looking forward to bundling our cookies up to bring to some very deserving children and families.

There are very few rules, which is why I really, really like this project. You don't need to bake (unless you want to). You don't need to make your own icing (unless you want to). All you need is a few of your favorite friends, and an open and giving heart.

My friend, Lydia, started Drop in and Decorate in 2007. It has grown phenomenally. Here's a bit of background on this not-for-profit organization:

Drop In & Decorate is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

Founded by food writer Lydia Walshin of The Perfect Pantry. The idea behind Drop In & Decorate is simple: bake some cookies; gather a group of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, your worship group or book group to decorate the cookies together; donate the cookies to a nonprofit agency serving basic human needs in your own community.

It’s a simple idea in a complicated world, and something anyone can do.

If you’d like to host your own Drop In & Decorate® event, Pillsbury and Wilton would like to help.

Pillsbury has donated 50 VIP coupons, worth $3.00 each, off any Pillsbury product -- including sugar cookie mix and icing -- to be distributed, first come, first served, while supply lasts, to anyone who plans to host a Drop In & Decorate event (max. 5 coupons per person). And we'll include a Comfort Grip cookie cutter, donated by Wilton, to people who plan to host cookies-for-donation events.

Write to lydia AT ninecooks DOT com for more info on how to get your free coupons and cookie cutters.

My girls are quite excited to participate in this event. While I type this, they're looking over my shoulder and would like to do it twice---once with the girl scouts, and again with friends and family.

Thank you to Lydia for this fantastic way to give back to the local community, and for providing a beautiful opportunity to make a difference while creating family memories.

PS. Today (November 15) at 5pm pacific, the $200 Best Buy Gift Card give-away over on my review blog will finally end. It's your last chance to throw your name in the pot.

xoxo steph

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Slow Cooker Holiday Food

Here's a line-up of tried-and-true slow cooker dishes that are suitable for your Holiday--any Holiday-- dinner table.

Unless otherwise stated, ALL recipes are completely gluten free, due to a family allergy. If you are not gluten free, simply ignore my notes. --steph

Main Course:

Bacon-Wrapped Cornish Game Hens

Barbequed Hot and Spicy Shrimp

Cajun Turkey Breast
Christmas Ham (honey citrus)

Cioppino

Coq au Vin

Corned Beef

Haggis
Honey and Thyme Ham

Leg of Lamb 
Leg of Lamb with Rosemary and Lemon
Leg of Lamb with Prunes

Lemon and Herb Chicken
Maple Ham
Mint Glazed Leg of Lamb

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Pomegranate Beef

Red Wine and Cranberries Glazed Pot Roast
Roast Beef

Rotisserie-Style Chicken
Tamales
Turkey (whole entire)

Turkey Breast

Vegetarian No-Noodle Lasagna
Vegetarian Pesto Lasagna

Side Dishes:

Acorn Squash
Brussels Sprouts (the world's best!!)

Candied Sweet Potatoes (yams)

Corn Risotto

Cornbread Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Creamed Corn

Garlic Baked Potato

Green Bean Casserole--
"Grown Up" Green Bean Casserole -- as seen on Rachael Ray
Horseradish Scalloped Potatoes

Lima Bean Casserole Cassoulet

Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Cream Cheese

Pecan Topped Baked Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes AuGratin

Roasted Vegetables
Savory Sweet Potato Bake -- as seen on Rachael Ray

Stewed Tomatoes

Stuffed Onions

Stuffing (traditional)
Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

Sweet and Sour Carmelized Onions

Walnut and Sage Potatoes AuGratin
Winter Root Vegetables

Soup:

Cream of Asparagus Soup

French Onion Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

Jamaican Pumpkin Soup
Lobster Bisque

Potato Leek Soup

Restaurant-Style Tomato Soup

Have leftover turkey?
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Stew

Dessert:

Cheesecake

Chocolate Mousse Creme Brulee
Frito Candy

Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Pudding (crustless pumpkin pie)
Red Wine Poached Pears

Rocky Road Candy

Beverages:

Mulled Wine
Peppermint Hot Chocolate/Peppermint Mocha
Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Wassail (spiced punch)

Holiday Punch (non-alcoholic)

Gingerbread Latte
Hot Buttered Rum

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Entertaining With Your Slow Cooker

Do not read this as "Entertaining Your slow Cooker." Even though I anthropomorphize probably more than I should, I do draw the line somewhere. :-)

We're fast approaching the season for entertaining. The Holidays bring about many reasons for getting together, and many different ways to utilize your slow cookers so you can get out of the kitchen and enjoy your guests.

This past weekend I fired up the Crock-Pot Trio, and brought it to a friend's house for a Halloween Party. I put in three different dips/appetizers:

Sundried Tomato Dip
Brie with Apricot Topping (this gets a lot of mileage. It's a favorite with my friends)
Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Rotel Dip (aka "mommy crack")

The Trio works well, but the cord is terribly short and each of the 3 (2-quart) inserts has a spoon slot, which means you have to put down a layer of foil while cooking/heating so your food doesn't dry out. This isn't much of a problem, but it is something to be aware of while using.

We aren't hosting any big parties this year, but in the past have really utilized my collection of slow cookers to prepare and serve hot appetizers, beverages, side dishes, and a variety of main courses. I love it that I can put the food on early in the day, then tend to the other chores around the house while dinner cooks itself.


I also appreciate the opportunity to mingle with guests as they arrive instead of fiddling in the kitchen.

The slow cooker is also an excellent way to bring a dish to a friend or neighbor's house who is hosting the main event. Oven and stove top space can be hard to come by, but there's always
an extra outlet available--even if it means plugging the cooker into an outlet in the garage.

What are your favorite ways to use your slow cooker for entertaining? If you have any great recipes that work well to serve large groups, or any slow cooker entertaining stories, please leave them in the comment section. We could all use some new ideas for parties this time of year!



related:

Slow Cooker Holiday Food
A Slow Cooker Party

Also!

I have a post up at BlogHer.com where I ask YOU about your children's play habits.

and, Books Inc, Burlingame, CA will be hosting a book signing/launch party for Make it Fast, Cook it Slow this Friday evening, November 6, at 6:30 pm. I'm going to be giving away a brand new Crock-Pot eLume--it's gorgeous. If you are in the area, I'd love to meet you!

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Slow Cooker Witch's Brew Recipe

Happy almost-Halloween! We had a play date today, and my 5-year-old taste-testers couldn't get enough of this stuff. The comments I overheard were priceless:

"it doesn't taste like there are spiders or lizards or bugs in it"
"how did your mom even know how to make this?"
"is my tongue green yet?"
"I've never had ice cream in a drink before"
"I guess this is why witches have green faces"

This is a super easy hot beverage to whip up, and tastes like a lovely citrus cocktail. I'm sure you could put a shot or two of something in there if you are planning on serving adults.

The Ingredients.
serves 8-10


2 quarts apple juice
2 quarts pineapple juice (or thereabouts. the canned holds 1 quart, 14 oz)
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 box (6 ounces) lime jello powder
5-6 whole star anise *
orange sherbert (to add before serving)

* I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase star anise if you don't already have it in the house. It looks neat floating in the pot (like little spiders), and provides a touch of a licorice taste, but not enough to justify the expense. If you really want a tad bit of licorice flavor, throw in a few jelly beans and call it a day.

The Directions.

You will need a 5.5 quart or larger slow cooker. If you only have a smaller one in the house, you'll need to cut down the juice quantities.

Pour in the juices, and add the allspice. Stir in the jello powder, and float the star anise (if using) on top. Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours, or on high for about 3. Serve with a scoop of orange sherbert---it will cool the beverage down enough for small children to enjoy right away, and creates a fun foamy slimy film---perfect for Halloween.

The Verdict.

Delicious. It's quite limey in flavor, and a really fun color. I debated whether or not to thrown in a handful of grapes to mimic eyeballs, and am glad I decided not to. I think the possible choking hazard thing would worry me too much. My little friends were thrilled with their after-school snack (I promise I fed them lunch before filling them up with sugar!) and I received many sticky hugs and thank yous.

I also taught them my favorite joke of all time:

What's Ernie's favorite ice cream?

SureBert!

hahahahahahaa

P.S. don't look now, but the Holidays are right around the corner. They really, and truly are. Here's a round-up I did on Totally Together for Holiday Gifts that Support Bloggers.

also, if you have not yet entered the $200 gift card giveaway, it's still going strong over on my Review Blog.

Have a fantastic Halloween. Be safe!

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