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I use my crock pot way more in the summer than I do the rest of the year – it’s such a great way to keep the kitchen cool! Last week I used it for two recipes:
- Meatball Subs: I cooked frozen meatballs with marinara sauce on high for 3 hours. I added cheese and served them on hot dog buns. So easy! This also keeps the stove top clean – simmering meatballs in sauce makes such a mess.
- Mashed Potatoes: I cooked my potatoes in the crock pot while I was at work! I quartered the potatoes and cooked them, covered in chicken broth, on low for 8 hours. When I got home, all I had to do was add milk, butter and mash them.
I don’t like to cook chicken in my crock pot because I think it really alters the texture of the meat. It works well for beef or pork roast, as long as I completely cover the meat with liquid while it’s cooking. My mom’s recipe for Yankee Pot Roast always turns out great in the crock pot!
Here’s the rest of the menu from last week!
On The Menu
Breakfast:
- Banana Bread
- English Muffins with Peanut Butter
Lunch:
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Hot Dogs
Supper:
- Pork Chops with Tomato Gravy/Mashed Potatoes/Salad
- Taco Salad
- Chicken and Dumplings/Peas/Sliced Tomatoes
- Meatball Subs/Oven Fries/Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Beef and Cheddar Hand Pies
- Date Night!
What can you make in the crock pot that will keep your kitchen cooler this summer? I would love to know what you come up with!
Read More: 3 Oven Free Supper Meals on the Table in 20 Minutes!
Come Home For Comfort 
We love that Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad! I started making it last summer and it is easy to make ahead of time and chill, and makes a great supper on a hot night with some fresh fruit. And the leftovers make a yummy lunch! This time of year I like to make extra when I cook or grill – for example, grilling double the amount of chicken – so we have enough to make another meal.
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Doubling the meat for another meal is such a great idea! Thanks!
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I made slow cooker chicken chili tacos from Mix and Match Mama. I like to make banana muffins because they bake much quicker than bread, so the kitchen doesn’t get too hot. My favorite recipe is Sally’s Baking Addiction Quick & Easy Banana muffins. They are delicious, and healthy with the white whole wheat flour.
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Muffins are a smart idea! I like muffins because they freeze nicely too, and you can pull out a couple at a time when you need them.
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I haven’t used my crock pot in months, but that mashed potato hack makes me want to use it right now. I always avoid making mashed potatoes since they require more work/several steps. Thanks for sharing that tip!
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Have you tried Ore-Ida’s frozen mashed potatoes? You just microwave, add milk and butter, and voila! Home cooked mashed potatoes. I was really surprised with how good they were.
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I haven’t! I think I would be wary of frozen mashed potatoes, but I’ll have to try them since you recommended them. Thanks!
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My mom taught me that trick – she always does it for Sunday dinner so that they are cooking during church. 🙂
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