Tastefully Tuesday - Slow Cooker Recipe Twists

A lot of people associate slow cooker recipes with wintertime because the dishes fall into the "comfort foods" category that are hot, piping, and a perfect way to combat the cold. However you can enjoy your slow cooker year-round regardless of the weather.

Here are a few of my favorite crock pot recipes. As you can see they are just as delicious on a hot, summer day as they are during the frigid, cold temperatures during the winter.

EASY PEASY CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
These aren't your grandmother's chicken and dumplings, but they will offer the same level of comfort that you felt eating at her kitchen table.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 2 cans (10.75 ounce) of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 celery stalks, sliced thin
• 1 bag of fresh, shredded carrots
• 2 packages (10 ounce) of refrigerator biscuits, torn into pieces

Directions:

1. Place the chicken, soup, and veggies into the slow cooker and add enough water to cover.
2. Cook on high for about 5 or 6 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the torn biscuit pieces and continue cooking until the bread is no longer raw and doughy in the center.

SLOW COOKED PULL-APART PORK BBQ
Serve this mouthwatering delicacy from the south on a potato roll, on your favorite multi-grain cracker, or pair with sour cream, cheese, and scallions for a great twist on traditional nacho toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless pork roast (about 3 pounds)
• 1 bottle (18 ounce) of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 dash each of garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper

Directions:

• Place all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for about 7 hours, give or take half an hour.
• Remove from slow cooker and shred.
• Return to slow cooker and continue cooking for 1 hour, adding extra BBQ sauce if necessary.
• Serve as desired.

SWEET & SOUR HAM SLICES
If you are in the mood for Chinese food, instead try this healthier option made in the convenience of your slow cooker. Eat as a stand-alone entrée or serve over white or brown rice with chunks of steamed carrots, green peppers, chunks of onion, and pineapple.

Ingredients:

• Slices from an entire cured, bone-in picnic ham
• 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of hot chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of butter
• 2 tablespoons of green onion tops
• 1 can of crushed pineapple with juice
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup of white vinegar
• 1/3 cup of ketchup

Directions:

1. Spread 1 cup of brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker crock.
2. Place ham slices in crock.
3. Rub remaining ingredients minus pineapple onto ham.
4. Dump can of pineapple into crock over ham.
5. Cook for about 8 hours.
6. Serve over white or brown rice.

The Best Slow Cooker for Your Favorite Recipes



The Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is the perfect choice for all your slow cooker recipes. The programmable LED screen makes it easy to let dinner cook in the background while you go about your daily activities - or even head off to work for the day. And the six-quart, dishwasher safe crock and lid not only mean that you will have enough dinner for your entire family but also that clean-up will be a breeze afterwards.

Click the image above to see how to get your own Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker from Amazon now! Prime members will also enjoy an 18% discount as well as free shipping.