Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole

There are just some recipes that really don't make for a pretty picture, but don't let that fool you when it comes to taste! I just tried this recipe I found in Betty Crocker's Slow Cooker Cookbook and it's definately at the top of my list for comfort food!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

5 cups coleslaw mix (2 bags)

1/2 cup uncooked instant rice

1/4 cup water

2 teaspoons Paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 can (15 ounces) chunky tomato sauce

Directions

1. Cook beef and onion in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown, drain.

2. Mix beff mixture with remaining ingredients in a 3-1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker. (Cooker will be very full, but cabbage will cook down.)

3. Cover and cook on low heat setting 4 to 6 hours or until cabbage is tender.

Optional Finishing Touch:

Place squares of process American cheese over the top of the finished casserole, or sprinkle with shredded Cheddar Cheese. Cover and let it stand a few minutes so the cheese will melt.

6 Servings

Italian Chicken and Potatoes

Here's another great recipe for the slowcooker!

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

4 to 6 medium red potatoes, cut into wedges

Preparation:

Place chicken in bottom of Crock Pot. Sprinkle with half of the Italian dressing, seasoning, and grated cheese. Place potatoes around the chicken. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients.

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is done and potatoes are tender.

Serve with steamed green beans sprinkled with Italian seasoning and Ta..da...

Chicken and Fresh Fruit Salad

A Taste of Sunshine!

Ok, just close the drapes, pretend there isn't any snow on the ground and the temperature outside isn't below freezing. Now put on some Beach Boys music, get in the kitchen and make this really easy and fabulous salad, and sit back to enjoy a taste of sunshine!

Ingredients:

Steamed, Diced Chicken

Spring Salad Mix & Baby Spinach Leaves

Mandarin Oranges

Sliced Strawberries

Green Grapes, Halved

Dried Cranberries

Glazed Pecans

Crumbled Blue Cheese (completely optional)

Rasberry Vinaigrette dressing

I make this quite often during the summer months for a quick light meal and usually serve it with fresh baked muffins....cranberry-orange muffins are wonderful with this! But last night I just figured we could use a momentary escape from all the snow we've been getting. (And of course we played the Beach Boys, danced like no one was watching, and had a great time in the kitchen!) ~Enjoy~

Irish Oatmeal To Start Your Day

We all know the basics: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Whole grains are good for the heart, and we all could use a little more fiber in our diets. But we also know there are mornings when pouring a bowl of cereal is just easier and less time consuming, especially if you have kids to get off to school.

In my attempt to start the New Year off eating healthier (notice I didn't say the "D" word?) I purchased a box of McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal....and we love it! It's so easy to fix and you can get it started before you go to bed at night. Just bring four cups of water to a boil, remove your pot from the stove and add 1 cup of oats. Cover and let the oats soak over night. In the morning, cook the oatmeal on low for 9-12 minutes and you have a wonderfully hot and nutritious breakfast. I add raisins, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and my boys love it! So if you're looking to eat healthier and just want a warm, easy breakfast give this a try, you won't be disappointed!