Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Jul162013

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs. Sticky, Saucy, and Fall-off-the-bone Delicious! {The Mommy Games}

Remember how I told you a few weeks ago {here} that I was on a quest to find summer appropriate slow cooker meals? Well, this here is a doozy. Barbecue ribs are like summer on a plate, and these are some of the best I’ve ever had. Since they are cooked low and slow in the crock pot, they are fall of the bone tender, with the added bonus of a crispy, sauce lacquered top since they are finished in the oven. Lick-your-fingers delicious. There is hardly any hands on time with getting them started, and then just a little basting & simmering once they are in the oven. Combined with fresh cut watermelon and buttered corn, this made for a quintessential summertime meal. And it didn’t last long. Both my kiddos and husband devoured these ribs, and had sauce covered faces to show for it. Definitely put these on your list to make!

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Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Peppers

Jun252013

Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Peppers by The Mommy Games

I love my slow cooker just as much as anyone, but it doesn’t tend to get a lot of use in the summer. Heavy roasts and soups just aren’t appealing when it’s hot out.  The convenience of being able to get out and enjoy time outside, then come home to an already cooked dinner is too good to pass up though. That’s why I’ve been in major experimental mode with all kinds of slow cooker recipes that are warm weather approved. So far, anything involving chicken has been too dried out, but this one, using ground beef, is a winner. Best of all, there’s hardly 10 minutes of prep time, and you don’t even have to turn on the stove. These peppers practically scream to be paired with a big bowl of guacamole and a cold Corona. The kids loved eating the filling (they weren’t going near the actual pepper) on top of tortilla chips. These will definitely be appearing on our table many times this summer.

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Mar192013

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Spring is only a few days away, but it is still seriously cold here. Like, stay-in-bed-all-day kinda cold. The only thing good about this never ending winter weather is that we get to keep on eating hardy, warming dinners like this beef stew (and that we get to hide all our winter eating under big comfy sweaters). You are going to love this recipe. It uses frozen vegetables, so you can get it into your slow cooker with barely any prep time. And the end result is a bit lighter and definitely more flavorful than your typical beef stew, all without even having the brown the meat. We loved it over rice, but you could do mashed potatoes if that’s more your style. If you are still dealing with the cold, put this one on your list to make soon!

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Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Jan282013

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Oh, Monday. Did you really have to throw in this freezing snowy weather to add to your sting? Going on my 8th year here in the Northeast and I still haven’t come to terms with the winter weather. About the only thing cold weather is good for is an excuse to stay indoors and eat warm, hardy, comforting food. And yes, chicken and dumplings fits just that bill. This is especially perfect for a weekday since it takes no time to throw everything into the slow cooker. I mean, how fabulous is it to hit 6 pm and realize that dinner will only take another few minutes of your time. Just the kind of end of day you need on a freezing Monday like today.

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Slow Cooker Tomato Soup

Oct282012

There’s not much that can beat a warm bowl of tomato soup and gooey grilled cheese. And this recipe is a real winner. It’s super flavorful and rich, but with just a touch of cream. I actually think this would be the perfect meal to feed your kids before a night of trick-or-treating. Give them something filling and nutritious to offset all that sugar! Using Halloween inspired cookie cutters to cut out the grilled cheese is sure to make it a hit with the little ones. Brandon (my toddler) absolutely devoured this – a rare occurrence that nearly warrants a parade.

We hope everyone in the northeast stays safe against Sandy. We are crossing our fingers that it is through NYC by Wednesday so as not to ruin the fun! I also don’t know how many days you can keep two kids inside without losing your mind…pray for me. :)

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Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice

Oct182012

Can you tell that I’m a little obsessed with my slow cooker? This puppy gets some major use around our house. And you are going to love this recipe! It’s so simple that my 2-year old seriously did 90% of the work.  Next time you don’t think you have time to make dinner, take 5 minutes in the morning and pop this in (and 20 seconds to soak the beans the night before), and you will be rewarded with a delicious, comforting meal that’s practically ready to go when you walk in the door. What makes this recipe extra special is the added ham hocks, which you can shred and leave in or remove once they are done cooking. You could also do sausage if that’s more your speed, but I love the smokiness from the ham.

If you want to make this super easy, heat up some frozen pre-cooked rice. The rice in the bag that you microwave is an option too, but personally, it gives me the hebegebees. Best option – get yourself a small rice cooker. I love ours and it takes out all the guesswork. Rice, water, hit button, (wait 20 minutes), done. Enjoy!

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Tuscan Ribolita with Tomato Garlic Bread

Oct52012

Originally posted on Culinary Wannabe – this is one of my favorites!

We have had a busy week packing up the fam to head down to GA for my little brother’s wedding, so I thought I would share one of my all time favorite Fall go-to’s that I’m sure you will love. This soup is loaded with veggies and beans, possibly making it the healthiest thing I’ve posted to this blog thus far. But that’s not the reason I love it – I love it because it tastes amazing!! It’s a slow cooker recipe, so the prep is a cinch. Go ahead and whip up a bowl of this delicious and soul satisfying soup this weekend. And even though there already are some scrumptious little bread pieces in there, I just can’t have a bowl of soup without some crusty bread to dip into it. So here’s my recipe for tomato bread – so yummy and the perfect compliment to this soup.

Hope everyone is off to a great Fall!

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Carolina Style Pulled Pork

Aug222012

I’ve tried a lot of pulled pork recipes in my time, and this is by far my favorite. It’s North Carolina style barbecue, so it’s a vinegar based sauce, which is there to serve as a compliment to the meat instead of overpowering it. The meat itself is super flavorful after chilling out in the fridge all night with a serious dry rub. It’s combined with smoked ham hocks that give it an awesome depth of flavor. Plus, it’s super easy and cooks all day in your slow cooker. I served it with corn, kale chips, and blackberry cobbler. If you are still searching for that perfect pulled pork recipe, I would definitely give this one a try!

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