Rich Beef With Olives in the Crock Pot

Since over that side of the world you’re getting into Fall or Autumn as we Aussies call it, I thought I’d start sharing some of the increasing collection of great crock pot meals I’ve been trying lately. Many are adoptions form Slow Cooker by Sally Wise. I’ve just added my own bits and deices, mainly because I can’t seem to follow a recipe without fiddling and experimenting. Of course, I have also been known to make them up from scratch, but that will be the next recipe. This time here’s a rich beef casserole adapted from that Slow Cooker cook … Continue reading

Mixed Vegetables Au Gratin

Since I’ve been telling you what a fan I am of vegetables recently, I thought it was about time I gave you another recipe using vegetables. This one is always a winner. It is a good recipe for vegetarians and is also gluten free. The benefit is it can be prepared a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge till needed. You can also freeze it. It will keep for 3-4 weeks. It is however, unsuitable to microwave. The other disadvantage is it not suitable for those on a dairy free diet. Mixed Vegetable Au Gratin Ingredients 8 ounces … Continue reading

3 Favorites Get The Thumbs Up

Recently on the radio,I heard a food expert talking about the benefits of certain foods- in particular certain vegetables. Now I’ve always been a rap for my veggies. I was always a child that happily ate my vegetables, with the exception of peas. But that’s another story. It’s always good to know that what you like is actually good for you and can help keep you healthy. Two of the vegetables he mentioned I use a lot, broccoli and lentils. I steam broccoli as a side dish to whatever meat or fish we’re having. Many of you will know I … Continue reading

Crock Pot Recipes that are Dairy and Gluten Free

I’m a big fan of lentils, kidney beans, black eyed beans and chick peas. They are a way of adding fiber to the diet without it causing too many complaints. Here are two more crock-pot recipes using these ingenious little fiber balls. I mostly use the tinned ones because it involves less preparation time. But you can use the packet lentils if you prefer. HINT When I use packets of black eyed beans, I cook more black beans that I need for this recipe and put them in the freezer for another time. You can do the same with lentils … Continue reading

Crock-Pot Favorites

I’m back from Hawaii where I was able to gorge on my mom’s homemade meals. Fresh fish, tropical fruits and awesome ethnic favorites made their way into my mouth in large quantities. Now, it’s back to reality: Freezing cold temperatures, brutal wind chills and my overworked crock-pot. My slow cooker works overtime during the winter months, and while I long for my favorite Island-inspired dishes, I must say, my crock-pot delivers some tasty dishes with little help on my part. I love being able to cut up ingredients, stick them into the crock-pot, get on with the day, and return … Continue reading

Dicing Up Dinner

Meal preparation can be tricky with a baby. My baby takes up a lot of my mental capacity. Some days, the last thing I want to do is think about what to make for lunch or supper, especially when I want my meals to be healthy. My baby makes grocery shopping more complicated. If she’s in a good mood, it can be a fun experience. I get to get out of the house, and my baby gets to see and hear interesting new things. However, if my baby is fussy, it’s a whole different story. Even after I decide what … Continue reading

Beef Curry

Since it’s still cold weather over the other side of the world, I’ve been trawling through my crock pot recipes for favorites to share with you. Here is one for Beef Curry. HINT. You could use round steak in this recipe and reduce the cooking time but I prefer to use the cheaper cuts. Thought the cheaper cuts of meat like chuck steak and gravy beef will take longer to cook, they are also full of flour so worth it and you’ll be helping your budget as well. Beef Curry Ingredients 16 ounces of chuck steak, or gravy beef, cubed … Continue reading

Dairy Free Main Meals For Crock Pot and Casserole.

Since I’m not a fussy and fiddly type of cook, I’m always on the lookout for healthy and tasty recipes that require little preparation time. Here are two really easy dishes to make, one with beef and one using bacon. One is for the crock pot or slow cooker. The other will go into a casserole dish. These recipes are both gluten free and dairy free. Beef Hot Pot Ingredients 16 ounces chuck steak or gravy beef, cubed 1 onion, diced 1 clove garlic, crushed I green bell pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 15 ounce tin kidney beans 1 … Continue reading