Crock pot cooking all the same?

As many of you know, I take every chance I can to talk about crock pot cooking. I love it and I truly believe that you can make some wonderful things in it...BUT...

Recently, I've had some conversations with people who believe that ALL crock pot cooking tastes the same...WHAT??? I about fainted! But not being the kind that runs from a challenge, I took on the challenge of changing their mind. I have to say by the time it was over, I felt a little sorry for them. I mean I can talk about crock pot cooking for a long time...grin...

Slow cooking is an easier way of making meals for your family and that fact that you can take any recipe and turn it into a crock pot recipe makes it a wonderful little appliance in your kitchen.

Okay, stepping down off my soapbox now...

I just wanted to let you know that I will be posting more recipes, I'm just concentrating on revisions at the moment and getting back into a writing schedule...I'm hoping to have some recipes posted soon for some Valentine Day romantic dinners and desserts...

Happy Slow Cooking!

The History of the Crock Pot

I thought I would start the new year off with a little history...The History of the Crock Pot...so here's what I found:

The "crock pot" name is actually the trademark of Rival, but crock pot has become the standard name that everyone uses.

The crock pot started out as a "Beanery", which was a small appliance that cooked beans. In 1970 Rival purchased the company that made the beanery and soon after Chefs found that the beanery actually cooked meats better than beans...And Rival reintroduced the 'beanery" as a crock pot.

Now the art of slow cooking goes back to man and fire. Cooking meat and vegetables in a fire pit for 24 hours or more is why I imagine this system never hit big for the average person. Thank goodness Rival came along. I can barely plan my dinner the morning of, I can't imagine having to plan my dinner 24 hours in advance...grin...

So there ya go...The History of the Crock Pot...Recipes will follow soon...

Happy Slow Cooking! Hugs...

Don't forget to check out Brenda's Page...

Happy New Year!

Well, 2010 is here...hope you were ready. I haven't decided yet if I am or not, but I guess it's too late to worry about it now...grin...

Over the holidays, I was reminded of an old friend, in the form of a MG Novel that I had started writing a couple years ago. I have decided to pull this story out and finish her...I have also decided to start writing on my old blog, Brenda's Page again. I will still be posting recipes on Hazel's Crock Pot Kitchen, but I need a place to keep me on track with my writing and Brenda's Page did that for me before.

So here is to a New Year that I hope is filled with all your dreams coming true. I hope the new year found you safe, happy, healthy and smiling (or in my case, snoring...I can never stay up that late...grin)...

Happy Slow Cooking! Hugs....

Don't forget to check out Brenda's Page...

Merry Merry Christmas!!!

Hello Everyone!

From my family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday that is filled with family, friends, laughter, and love!

Stay safe and I hope Santa brings you everything on your wish list!

Hazel's Crock Pot Kitchen will re-open after the first of the year.

Happy Slow Cooking and Have a very Merry Merry Christmas! Hugs and more hugs until next year!

Cajun Pecans

Found another great gift idea...

Cajun Pecans

1 pound pecan halves
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Remove lid and turn to LOW and continue to cook for 2 hours, stir occasionally. Spoon nuts into jars and give as gifts...

Happy Slow Cooking! Enjoy and Hugs...

More Party Recipes on Hazel's Crock Pot Kitchen...

Hot Cran-Apple Punch

After a day of building snowmen, skiing or caroling, this makes a great little warm-up drink...

Hot Cran-Apple Punch

4 1/2 cups cranberry juice
6 cups apple juice
5 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves

Pour juices into crock pot; stir in brown sugar and salt. Stir until brown sugar is dissolved. Put cinnamon sticks and cloves in cheesecloth and tie cloth shut. Drop into crock pot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours; remove cheesecloth and then turn crock pot back to LOW to keep punch warm.

Happy Slow Cooking! Enjoy and Hugs...


More Party Recipes can be found on Hazel's Crock Pot Kitchen...

Hot Mint Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is a favorite around here and this is our most favorite recipe...

Hot Mint Chocolate

4 large chocolate covered cream filled mint patties (peppermint patties)
5 cups milk
1/2 cup malted milk powder (Ovaltine)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped cream, optional
Peppermint sticks/candy cane, optional

Combine all but optional items in crock pot. Cover and heat on low for 2 hours. Beat with mixer until frothy...pour into mugs, garnish with whipped cream/peppermint sticks/candy canes

Happy Slow Cooking! Enjoy and Hugs!

More beverage drinks on Hazel's Crock Pot Kitchen...