During the cool autumn months, everyone loves to break out their crockpots.There are so many yummy warm dishes to be prepared and the time you save can be spent with with those you love. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to your slow cooker and fix the same recipe over and over again. Here are some out of the box crockpot recipes to help you make the most of fall’s favorite appliance.
Use it a a Rice Cooker
Did you know you can use your crockpot to prepare fluffy, warm rice? The recipe is very simple (we will demo) and requires only three ingredients. Use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of either coconut oil or butter. Coat the entire inside of your crock with the butter or oil before adding the additional ingredients. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours on high, occasionally stirring or fluffing the rice with a fork. It reheats wonderfully or makes amazing fried rice on the second day. For more ideas, read Fixing Rice in Your Crockpot.
Easy Applesauce or Hot Pears
For a simple side dish, cut up fresh apples or pears and toss them in your crockpot, cooking on low or warm all day long. Honestly, you don’t need to add anything else for a yummy treat. However, you can choose to add butter or coconut oil, cinnamon, sugar or a little honey if you want to literally sweeten the pot and add some flavor. Your family will fall in love with this fall favorite! Honey Cinnamon Pear Sauce is one of our very favorite recipes.
Freezer Crockpot Meals
If you have extra time on the weekend, consider filling gallon freezer bags with meats, veggies, and spices to make your own crockpot freezer meals. Then you can easily put those ingredients into your crockpot before leaving for work and have a warm and delicious meal waiting for you the second you hit the door in the evening. Looking for some inspiration? Check out these great freezer pack ideas from one of my favorite sites Goodeness Gracious.
Breakfast
Could there be anything better than waking up to breakfast cooking in your kitchen in the early morning hours? Let your crockpot do the work for you! From french toast to egg casseroles, there are plenty of great dishes you could whip up the night before and let slowly cook while you sleep. Treat yourself to a hot oatmeal or yummy savory dish as soon as you roll out of bed. You can find some of my personal favorite breakfast slow cooker ideas on Recipes that Crock.
Non-edibles
Crockpots aren’t just for cooking. A number of fun crafts can be made in this versatile countertop device. From homemade shrinky dinks to soap, play dough, and even dying yarn there’s so much you can do! Check out my Pinterest board for more great ideas.
I’d love to hear from you? How do you think outside of the crock? In what ways do you use your slow cooker around the calendar year in unique ways?
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[…] this week’s Queen on 13 segment where I shared my best Creative Slow Cooker Recipes? Move beyond dips and soups, there’s so much you can do with a crock! Check out the above […]