Wednesday, January 7, 2009

My Crockpot, My Friend

It will be five years ago in May since I've had one of my best friends. My crockpot. She's one of those friends you take for granted. Always there, always faithful and really helpful when called upon.

It will be five years ago in May since Dear Hubs and I were married. She was a wedding gift from my Mother in Law. One of the best gifts we received!

I tend to forget how helpful a crockpot can be. And when I do pull it out and use it, I wonder why I don't use it everyday!

Yesterday I relied on her. She came through for me like a gem. I had chicken, some risotto, and leftover chicken broth I needed to get rid of. Dumped it all in there and had a tasty meal in just a few hours with very little work.

While I'm showing you my crockpot I also thought I would show you these Lock n Lock storage boxes. I LOVE these. They somehow inspire me to cook. I feel so organized, so....so....Martha.

And these little glass nesting bowls are another favorite inspiration of mine. I love filling them up with all of the ingredients I may be using in a recipe. For some reason it helps make cooking fun. Why shouldn't it be? Unless of course when I don't have time. Especially with a 3 1/2 month old in the house.

That's when I pull out the crockpot. My faithful friend.

What's your kitchen inspiration?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey...I have that crockpot too! How long and what temp did you cook that yummy sounding chicken dish??
Mrs. Tuneful
You inspired me to make quiches for dinner!

MJ said...

The crockpot isn't terribly welcome in our house. My dh actually groans whenever he sees it on the counter. If you find some great recipes, let me know!

My inspiration: my Pampered Chef stoneware is a cookie's best friend!

Ms.Daisy said...

Which cabinet is that? I don't remember seeing that one! :)
When I use my crockpot I think the same thing...why don't I do this more often!

Love ya,
Ms.Daisy

MJ said...

Here's a crockpot recipe that we like to use periodically for a little breakfast variety:

*Overnight Oatmeal - Apple Cinnamon

2 apples (peeled, cored & sliced) [I like to use Macintosh applies]
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3c brown sugar
2c old-fashioned rolled oats
4c water [I prefer to use 3 1/2 cups]
pinch of salt

Mix the apples, cinnamon & sugar in the bottom of the slow-cooker. Sprinkle oats over the apples, them pour in the water & salt. Don't stir ~ just leave it alone. Cook on low setting for 8-9 hours.

I don't tend to use crockpot recipes with pre-prepared ingredients (ie: canned soups, processed cheese). I use the crockpot to make homemade soup (ie: roasted chicken carcass and veggies and chicken broth with rice added just before serving) and this oatmeal recipe!

Enjoy!

Joyce's Journey said...

I found your blog through a comment you left on Rue's blog and had to come visit. I am glad I did. Your baby girl is beautiful and I am so happy that you are experiencing this beautiful time in your life. I am also an "older" mother in that I had my first at 33 and my second at 37. They are now 18 and almost 15 and I have loved every moment. I think you will appreciate every little thing better because of what you have already gone through in your life. I am so happy for you.

I enjoyed reading your past few posts and will be back to read more. Nice to meet you!

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Thanks, MJ, for the recipe! Dear Hubs loves oatmeal and cinnamon! May have to try it soon...while it is sooooo cold out.

Lucy Bloom said...

Hi Jillian, nice to be inspired in the kitchen, I'm afraid I rarely am - much rather be thrifting or crafting!
Lucy x

Rue said...

I think that about my crockpot too and I have those nesting bowls :)

My kitchen inspiration is the food network. I turn it on and all of a sudden I'll jump up and start to cooking LOL

hugs,
rue

Neabear said...

I should be using my crockpot more often. Your cupboard looks so organized.

oliver rain said...

My mixer and my newly purchased food processors are my best kitchen friends. Oh, they light up my world.

oliver rain said...

Oh I forgot, I haven't received anything yet, but it seems to be taking a long time to get packages from the states so I'll keep a close watch on. I'll let you know when it arrives.

Liz Harrell said...

Oooh, I'm so jealous of your pantry. That looks so organized and yummy!

oliver rain said...

It arrived today! I love it. I let some of the glitter fall onto Rainy's head and now I have a sparkly cat. I'm not sure where to hang it, but I'm going to do a post on it really soon.

Thank you so much Jillian. It was so kind of you to think of me.

Betty said...

Jillian,
I am so impressed with all your organization! Crock Pots are wonderful...

One of my favorite memories: my aunt had received one for Christmas and we were sitting around talking about the time needed to cook meat, etc., in it..this was Saturday afternoon...she said, "Well, guess I'd better go Monday's dinner in the crockpot." It's still funny to me after 30 years...Bless her heart she had Alzheimer's several years later and wasn't able to speak...

Thanks for visiting with me...Betty

Anonymous said...

I just started using mine, too, Jillian and I have said the same thing!!
OK, for someone with a brand new baby, you sure do have some great looking cabinets. I would be embarrassed to show you mine!

Dana

Terry said...

I've just found your blog and have put it on my watch list. Not only am I interested in finding out what you make in your crockpot(whatever I cook, always looks and tastes the same) but I would like to read more from you on how you organized your cupboards - more pictures please????

I'm new to blogging so any suggestions you have would be most appreciated - your very talented!

http://cherishedtreasures-terry.blogspot.com/

Free Art Printables said...

I love my crock pot! It's so easy with kids! Have you seen the blog 365 days of crock potting? She has a ton of great recipes!

Karin said...

I lOVE my crockpot....