Crockpot Comfort Foods

It has finally happened!  The temperatures are beginning to feel nice and fall-ish at last.  And I personally couldn't be happier.

One of my favorite things about cooler weather is indulging in some warm, yummy comfort foods. Especially soups, chili, and stews.  However, because I can be a tiny bit lazy - nothing takes the "comfort" out of "comfort foods" like having to spend half the afternoon doing a lot of prepping, mixing, and cooking.

Enter the crockpot.  Best.  Invention.  Ever.

A couple of years ago I shared five of my favorite crockpot recipes.  This seems like the perfect opportunity to revisit that post:

Five Great Crockpot Recipes for Cold Weather

I am all about cooking in the crock pot.  It prevents having to turn on the oven and heat the kitchen up during the summer months.  And it's perfect for making delicious soups, chili, and stews which give the house a warm, cozy "homey" smell and feel during the colder months of the year.

Over time I have found a few big winners which my family has approved - giving them a permanent place in my recipe folder. (and yes... a few failed experiments - but that's not what this post is about)

1)  Cockpot Gumbo
Spicy, warm, and de-li-cious!  I used to make gumbo on the stove top.  But I finally came up with a version for the crock pot.  Just as yummy - and super easy to toss together.

2)  Creamy White Chicken Chili
The family loves a good chili.  (in fact, this is the first of two which made it to this list!)  This recipe from Lovely Little Kitchen is a delightful change from the typical tomato based chili.

3)  Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
Several members of my family have voted this recipe from Creme de la Crumb "The best soup I have ever eaten".  Seriously... it's just that good. Even the pickiest eater in the house keeps requesting it!

4)  My Basic Chili
 This recipe is written for stove top preparation.  But once the meat is browned, all the ingredients can be tossed in the crock pot and left on low for a minimum of 4 hours.  You'll have a warm and yummy chili waiting for you at the end of a long, cold day.

5)  Roasted Chicken Dinner
I love a good chicken dinner as much as anyone.  But it always just seemed like so much work to make a whole roast chicken.  Not so!  Especially if the crock pot is doing most of the work for you!

What are some if your favorite crockpot recipes?

(Access recipes by clicking the name!)

Currently July

On this first Wednesday in July (really?? July already??)  I find myself again linking up with Jenna at Dearest Love and Anne at in residence to let you know that in July, I am currently...

Wishing: I could go spend a day or two just sitting on a beach somewhere doing nothing but sinking my toes in the sand and reading a good book or two.

Celebrating: My daughters 22nd birthday later this month.  And my niece's 10th birthday!  (gulp!!) Where does the time go??

Wearing: I'm still rocking the skirts and dresses. I'm not much of a shorts wearer and it's just so easy and comfortable to toss on a maxi skirt or a cute dress and a few accessories.

Cooking: A lot of crockpot meals!  It's been so hot, I don't want to turn on the oven at all, and the stove only as much as I absolutely must.

Planning: A few "day-cations" and mini-cations with the family during the remainder of the summer.  And I'm going solo as I head out to Oklahoma to visit my sister and her family soon!

You can also find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups:

Juana Mickels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls

WholeHearted Home: Wholehearted Wednesdays Linkup
We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesdays
Woman to Woman: Word-filled Wednesday
A Little R & R: A Little R&R Wednesdays
Joy Dare Blog: Capture Your Journey Link Up 
My Daily Walk in His Grace: Winsome Wednesday

A Spirit of Gratitude: April 11

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Roast made in the crock pot

Lazy weekends

Crock pot liners for easy clean up

Sugar free candy for when I need a sweet fix

Texts from the Man of the House meant for the grand baby

One of Those Days

It's been one of those days.  And that's not a bad thing.  Today I feel pretty good about what I have accomplished.  Which isn't always the case.

It started this morning when I got up after only hitting the snooze button one time.  Not the usual 2 or 3 (or more) times I usually go through before finally dragging out of bed.  I got the boy off to school, started a beef stew in the crock pot, got ready for work, stopped on the way for gas, and managed to get to in on time. 

At work, for the first time in a long time I am pleased with the things I managed to complete today.  There is always still plenty to be done, as usual.  But I was able to mark several things off the constant "To Do" list today.  And it felt pretty great to see the list actually shrink today!

When I arrived home, the delicious smell of that stew filled the house.  It feels really good to know there is a nice, hearty meal ready for my family and I don't have to worry about it now; but can actually relax!  And relax I will, once I fold this basket of laundry I just took out of the dryer to make room for a new load. 

Was it a busy, stressful day?  Nope!  But it was fruitful.  And I don't feel exhausted and tense for once.  Yep.. today was a good day!