Queen Ranch Chicken

This is the lightened up version of King Ranch Chicken  Queen Ranch Chicken .  We use canned soup instead of making the homemade. We like it served on tortillas like a chicken burrito.  It is pretty juicy, so use a slotted spoon to take it out of the crock.  Yummy and filling!

Ranch Pork Chops

We really like this recipe.  The first time we made it, I had to re-name it so my youngest son would even try it.  He HATES Ranch dressing and won't usually try things that even say ranch.  His one exception is Cool Ranch Doritos!  Anyway, while we were making it, he walked into the kitchen and spied the ranch dressing mix.  He was immediately like Hey, what is this??!!  His timing was perfect.  He was pretty much out of the kitchen except for walking in just as we were using the ranch dressing mix.  I will say that he tried the pork chops and did like them.  We made them for a second time in August of 2013.  We will see what he thinks after I cook them.  Ranch pork chops  The pork chops just fall off the bone when you remove them from the crock.

Greek Style Flank Steak

We have made this one twice.  Once with beef and once with venison.  We liked it, didn't love it.  I served it in pita bread with mixed greens and tomatoes.  The first time we made it, we made the sauce.  The second time, we just bought the sauce from the store.  Our family probably won't make this one again.  It's pretty expensive for us to just feel meh about it.  Greek style flank steak with fat-free tzatziki

Meatloaf

My husband and I love meatloaf.  He loves is even more if there are leftovers and he can make a meatloaf sandwich.  Just give me some meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans and I am happy!  We make Jenna's Meatloaf in two aluminum meatloaf pans. Make sure to chop the veggies nice and small.  We use the Pampered Chef chopper to do this and it works great.   Place the filled pans flat in a gallon size freezer bag and make sure to freeze it flat in the freezer.  When it's time to cook, just place the pan in the middle of your crock and cook!  http://crockingirls.com/recipes/jennas-meatloaf/  This meatloaf is really juicy, you could probably not use as much tomato sauce if you want.  We love it as is!

Little Meats and Gravy

We have made Little Meats and Gravy several times.  It is so good and so easy!!  We like to serve it over baked potatoes instead of noodles.  The sauce can be a little runny, but baked potatoes soak up all the liquid.  This makes a hearty meat & potatoes meal!
Little Meats and Gravy

Taco Stew

We made Taco Stew for the second time in August of 2013.  The first time I made it, it looked too dry, so I added an extra can of chicken broth.  That was a mistake!  When it cooks, it gets jucier and adding the extra can of broth diluted the flavors.  Stick to the recipe as published on this one.

Crockin' Girls Taco Stew

Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is one of our regulars and one of my family's favorites.  We put everything in the slow cooker except the biscuits.  About 15 min before we want to eat, we put some broth from the soup in a small saucepan.  Cut the biscuits into at least fourths and boil in the broth for a few minutes (like 10) until done.  Put everything back in the crock and serve.
Crockin' Girls Chicken and Dumplings

Time to blog about our slow cooker recipes!

My friend Leigha & I have been preparing slow cooker meals and freezing them for a few months now. Here's a peek at our first session! Crockin prep the first time around We are trying so many, it's hard to keep track of what we have done, and what changes we would make if we make them again.  So I'm going to blog about them so we can comment on the recipes.  Almost all the recipes we use come from the Crockin' Girls website or cookbook.  Here we go!

New school year beginning with a few twists

Well, this is not my ankle.  It's worse.  It's my son's.  How I wish I could take this injury from him and make it mine.  Being 15 is hard enough without dealing with surgery, physical therapy, casts, walking boots, crutches, pain medicine, and not being able to enjoy all the physical things I take for granted.  But he has been a pretty good sport.  School starts in 10 days and we are trying to figure out how he will navigate a high school hall full of students when he is worried that someone will bump into him.  Ugh.  I know it could be so much worse, but still.

Along with his new school year, my husband and I both work at a university and our new school year starts the day before his does.  New class of incoming students, some returning familiar faces.  New school year means another chance at new year's resolutions.  I want to get back on track with Weight Watchers and healthy eating.  I won't say diet.  Healthy eating is all I really need to lose those last few pounds and feel better.  I'm just stubborn. 

 I'm also tossing around the idea of training for a half marathon.  One of my friends has done two this year.  She survived.  I knew she would, but watching her go through it has made it seem more possible for me. I'm still not sure if I really want to - but I know I am not totally against it.  Whatever that means.  Anyway, tonight we run a 5k called the Midnight Streak.  It starts at 11pm and it's a pretty fun, laid back atmosphere.  Just right for us not too serious runners.

We will see what happens next.