Easy Slow Cooking this Winter

Imagine a world where you put 5-6 ingredients in a pot and poof, without you doing anything, a whole meal is ready for you. Sounds to good to be true doesn't it?! However, I am glad to announce that this is the world we live in. It just all depends on the tools at your disposal. I would like to introduce you to the slow cooker. One of the best investments you will ever make. It can be found as cheap as $15.

       

It is literally as easy as cutting a bunch of ingredients up, adding spices and letting it sit for a couple of hours. You can make anything, whether its an appetizer, side dish, dip, entree, dessert or even a special drink. Slow cookers or as some refer to as Crock Pots (Crock Pot is actually the name of one of the brands that make slow cookers) require just a socket as they are electrical. Most people put something in the slow cooker before they leave home and by the time they get back, dinner is ready!
Here are some great website with multiple easy recipes:

• Cooking Light - 105 Healthy recipes to make with a slow cooker. One of the more surprising recipes on there is the pesto lasagna with spinach and mushrooms. Yes, it's possible to make lasagna with a slow cooker 

                                   

• Eating Well - The magazine Eating Well has some great healthy recipes. In addition, you can even download a free slow cooker cookbook. If there are several people in the household, these recipes include a great overnight oatmeal breakfast recipe
                                
• Fitness Magazine - 7 healthy recipes that are easy and simple to make. On a cold winter day, there is nothing like a hearty soup. That's why I like this easy beef and vegetable soup recipe
                               
• My roommate used to make chili that everyone loved yet it took him just 5 minutes to make:
  Approx 0.5 lb of lean ground beef or turkey
  1 can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  1 can white beans (rinsed and drained)
  1 medium size can tomato sauce
  1 can Rotel (mild, medium or hot based on preference)
  1 Packet of McCormick chili mix seasoning
  - Mix all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve hot with shredded cheese on top

The slow cooker just makes it so effortlessly easy! If you don't have one and you want one, consider just putting it on your Christmas wish list or just go and buy one for yourself. You're worth it!