This supremely satisfying Creamy Wild Rice soup is comfort food. The wild rice is filling, while the finely minced and chopped vegetables give the soup consistent flavor. Healthy, nutritious and earthy good. Beans aren’t usually on the menu at Chez Charlene’s. Hearty Calico Beans, of course, which uses kidney beans, lima beans or navy beans. Tacos or taco salad with black beans or refried beans. I had to look up Cannellinni beans when I saw this recipe. It is one of four types of white beans -- Navy beans, Great Northern beans, Cannellini beans, or Baby Lima beans aka butter beans. I’ve heard of the other three and used them in cooking. How did I miss Cannellini beans? Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be ... [Read More]
slow cooker
Chicken, Mushrooms and Bacon in the crockpot
Chicken with mushrooms and bacon makes a tender, juicy and surprisingly flavorful chicken dinner. The chicken breasts are dredged in flour and browned in a skillet to keep them juicy on the inside. The mushrooms, and bacon are quickly sauted and added to the chicken in the crockpot where they simmer for only four hours. Put them in the crockpot at lunchtime and come home to a wonderfully aromatic dinner. Serve with brown rice, pasta or potatoes with vegetables on the side. Have fruit or ice cream for dessert. (Even better ice cream with fruit.) Use chicken breasts that have been flattened or sliced to about an inch thick. They will cook more evenly than the chunky chicken breast. This slow cooker chicken recipe is a simple meal and takes less than 15 minutes and one skillet to ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker White chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is so easy to prepare in the crockpot. It is a cold weather boost to come in the house after work to a fragrant ready to eat meal. Since it makes twelve one cup servings, you may have leftovers for a second meal – bonus! This recipe also works well for make ahead freezer cooking, too. Make it, freeze it and pull it out when needed. Versatile and delicious! Beans are a great source of protein, especially in a vegetarian diet. They are a rich source of fiber and B vitamin as well, as lesser known nutrients as magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. Beans also have health benefits such as reducing cholesterol, decreasing blood sugar and improving healthy gut bacteria. They are not low carb, however, so they need to be worked into a low carb diet intentionally. ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a simple dish of meat and mushrooms with a sour cream sauce that literally has been around for centuries. Eventually it was given the name of the Russian Count Pavel Stroganoff. Stroganoff, was a celebrity in turn-of-the-century St. Petersburg, a dignitary at the court of Alexander III and a gourmet. He entertained frequently and beef, onions and mushrooms in a savory sour cream sauce became a signature dish bearing his name. However, his Beef Stroganoff was likely served over potatoes rather than noodles. Beef Stroganoff has many variations and here is one more! This is a quick and easy version of Beef Stroganoff for families on the go. It takes about 10 minutes to put together, using cubed stew meat. You can use frozen diced onions to shave off a couple of ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker Sausage and Egg Casserole
Slow cooker Breakfast and Eggs Casserole is great for a crowd. And if you don't have a crowd, the leftovers for lunch the next day are great, too! I like to have casseroles for breakfast when we have guests. Usually we have some kind of activity planned and hearty breakfast keeps us going till lunch. This easy to make casserole fills the bill nicely. It is high in protein at 23 grams per serving for active people and just high enough in carbs at 18 grams to stick to the ribs. The eggs, well whisked, help keep this dish light. I use turkey sausage, but you can use your choice of sausage or even diced ham if you prefer. Precooked sausage crumbles speeds up preparation. In a time pinch, use frozen diced onions. The bell peppers add nutrition and color. Use any color. I had ... [Read More]
Chicken Taco Chili
Chicken Taco Chili was a unanimous thumbs up the first time I made it. And every time since. Before I found this recipe I was definitely not a chili fan. Chili always seemed "heavy" and unappetizing. This one, with chicken and taco seasoning, is light and flavorful and full of good stuff. When Bytes and his big brother turned up their toddler noses at something, I'd wait a couple of weeks or so to bring back the objectionable food. When they protested at food they'd already rejected, I told them that they didn't like it when they were little but now that they were "big" boys it their taste buds just might like it. Worked 99% of the time! Obviously, my taste buds have finally matured. You'll like it too!! Chicken Taco Chili is very simple to make ahead and freeze for later ... [Read More]
