How to Cook Without a Kitchen... Crock Pot Recipes....

I am sure I have talked about this before... cooking without having a kitchen has been a bit of a challenge, but I am making it work at my work place.  I am very lucky to be able to do this :)

My work has a small refrigerator, and a microwave.

I have brought in a small crock pot.  Yay!

Let the gastronomical games begin!

First, I use plastic utensils and paper cups and bowls so I can just toss them. The only washable items I use is my good cutting knife, and a gravy ladle.  These two, after use, I wipe clean, swab with a Lysol Disinfectant Wipe, let dry, then wipe with clean water and dry.  We don't have running water in the shoppe.  We have to go to the pizza place to use the bathroom.  Don't feel like I should be doing the dishes there.

I also use Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners.  They are BPA free, and a blessing to just gather and toss away after use. All I do then is just wipe out my crock pot like the knife and ladle previously noted.

 I decided this might be a good place for me to stockpile my crock pot recipes because I am easily forgetting them.  I have tried to use recipes with few ingredients so I am not hauling tons of spices and condiments with me into work.

So here you go.  Check back, as I will be adding to this list!  :)

* * *   R E C I P E S * * *

Please note:  these recipes are not entirely precise,

you just have to feel them out for yourself.  

Proportions, ingredients....be creative!

The timing is also "as you see fit".  If you need it quick, turn it on high

for a while, or if you have all day, turn it on low.... most ingredients are

already cooked so you are basically just warning them through.

I always put the sauces on top, so they will melt down onto the other ingredients,

and give it a stir down the line.  Although I have heard that if you open the 

lid, you have added 20 minutes to your cooking time.  Your discretion if you can

wait until time to serve to stir.

Spice note:  Along those same lines, you can spice these recipes up any

way you would like!  Salt, lemon pepper, cayenne...whatever you like

to add

Serving note:  Since I have been following a certain diet, I have tried to

stop using pastas, noodles and rice.  I have learned how to substitute cauli-rice,

zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash, so I will comment my choices,

but you use your fav :)

I hope you have fun with these recipes, and Enjoy!

Sausage and Sauerkraut

One of my most favorites.  Sauerkraut is good for you!

12 oz to 1 lb of sausage, Smoked Beef or Polish sausage
1 medium onion, sliced, (optional)
1 jar Sauerkraut
1 to 2 cans sliced white potatoes
salt

Layer and cook through.


Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

1 bag of frozen Italian meatballs
1 can Fruit Cocktail, drained
1 small jar of Grape Jelly or Jam
1 bottle Heinz Chili Sauce

(All of this will not fit in my little crock pot, so I halved the recipe except the fruit cocktail, I used most of the can, and ate the rest.)


Layer in crock pot and turn on.  Let cook until it's time to eat.  Serve over cauli-rice, or steamed cauliflower, or something that will soak up the juices.  A little cornstarch or arrowroot flour could be used to thicken the sauce to a gravy.


Melinda's Unwrapped Cabbage Rolls


Layer:
1 medium to large onion, in sliced quarters
1 bag Italian meatballs
minced garlic to taste
cabbage, in thin slices, as much as you want or can fit
1 can tomato sauce
1 can Italian spiced diced tomatoes

Cover and cook high for 3 or so hours, low for 6 or so hours. 


Kalua Pork

Pork shoulder, port roast or pork butt
Rub Hawaiian salt over all the meat
Sprinkle Liquid Smoke over meat, about 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon depending on size of meat.

Place meat in crock pot.  Cook on low, 6 to 8 hours.  This cannot be cooked on a high setting.  Let it take all day :)  Shred.  Can be served with just rice, or in a bun.


Mango Salsa Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken
1 can diced mangoes, drained
1 jar Pace Salsa or Picante sauce, hotness level to your liking

Layer chicken with a little of each ingredient on top of each layer.  Cook high for 2 to 3 hours or low for longer.  Make sure chicken is well cooked.  Serve over cauli-rice.

Additionally, you could transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish layered with hot cooked rice, pour the sauce on top, place a layer Mexican Cheese Blend on top of it all.  Bake long enough  in a medium heat oven to melt cheese.  Sprinkle a little chopped cilantro on top for color.  Good enough for company! :)



Just Honest Food

cabbage, thinly sliced
onion, thinly sliced
Smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
potatoes, cut into large bite pieces (optional)
shrimp (optional)
1 can of diced tomatoes, containing green chilies

Cook through.


:)