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Did you make resolutions this year? I didn’t…not technically. But I did take the time to reflect on some changes that I think would benefit our family! One of those is to stop grabbing so much “to-go food” & cook at home more. Often I’m scrambled by the end of the day after taking care of Ellie, working, running errands, etc. & then I’m ravenous. So I’ve come up with some tips, tricks, & advice that has really been helpful to make things run more smoothly! So here are my 10 ways to cook at home more this year- starting now!…
The BEST Crockpot Hot Chocolate with DIY Over-the-Mug Cookies!
So- is it chilly yet? It is here! ‘Tis the season for cold weather & warm drinks- which is why I’m sharing the ultimate hot chocolate recipe!It is ultra-creamy, SUPER rich, & the best hot chocolate recipe ever. Seriously. Plus…a bonus recipe! I have been seeing these adorable hanging mug cookies everywhere so I wanted to give them a shot as well! They’re not only crazy easy but I used dough perfect for a big party too! Keep reading to check everything up!…
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup + FSTG Chips!
A few weeks back I knew I was in for a horribly busy time- so I knew it was time to prep lunch way ahead for the week. How do I usually do this? Basically soup or salad. I went with soup because I had some veggies & herbs that I knew would be excellent in a soup recipe! Keep reading to check out the recipe, substitution ideas, & some of my favorite tortilla chips!…
Fondue Date Night- Beer Cheese Fondue Crockpot Style!
I decided one night that I wanted to have fondue but there just isn’t all that many options out here. Ryan grew up eating fondue at home but it was the oil kind- I thought cheese sounded better! I read a ton of recipes but decided on a few simple ones pieced together. We also had some amazing drinks because we’re grownups & no one can tell us what to do, right?
I pretty much followed this recipe here on Spoonful but using the option of beer. I also rubbed the inside of the crock pot with a raw garlic glove instead of adding it directly to the slowcooker. If you want something super creamy don’t do what I did by using up a few small bits of cheese since they didn’t melt down as well. Still tasted amazing though- like beer cheese soup!
To dip in our awesome cheese I displayed a bunch of options:
- crusty French bread
- sausage that had been charred a bit for flavor
- pear & apple
- roasted asparagus
- roasted green beans
Obviously you can use about anything you have that goes with cheese- these items just happened to be readily available. There’s just something so fun about fondue! I think it is because it is a real activity & creates a bit of conversation. The prep looks like a lot but it didn’t really take much time. If you use raw veggies then it practically preps itself.
What do you do for date nights? What’s your favorite fondue recipe? Any tips for chocolate fondue?
Pinterest: Easy Sesame Honey Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
So I found this fabulous little recipe on Pinterest (thus being part of the Pinterest series!) & had to try it! The original recipe is from Chef in Training & I urge you to check out their other recipes! Some fab stuff there! I kind of flubbed this a bit by doubling the sauce but it still turned out really tasty. I also tweaked it a bit myself. I doubled it because we always eat a lot of veggies with stir fry so I thought there wouldn’t be enough sauce. There was…so much! So here is the recipe NOT doubled! We also added some kick…but it could have used more!
Sesame Honey Crock Pot Chicken
Originally from Chef in Training
Ingredients
2.5 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 tablespoons diced onion
4 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoon canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon garlic chili sauce
4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds
Directions
Season both sides of chicken with lightly with salt and pepper, put into crock pot. In a small bowl, combine all the other ingredients except the cornstarch + water mixture. Pour over chicken.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of cornstarch in 6 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce.
Replace lid and cook sauce on high for fifteen more minutes or until slightly thickened.
Cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
We ate this 2 nights in a row (there’s only 2 of us!) over broccoli & rice. Hubby really liked it & is looking forward to having it again! To reheat, add to a small sauce pot with a bit of water. Stir as it heats & it will be just as tasty as the first night! If you like heat, add more than above. I just didn’t want to burn any tongues! I have a very high heat tolerance so I always go on the way low end when adding recipes.
