Dried Beans in the Crockpot

My Mom gave me these beans a while back. She had an overabundance of them. I just now got around to cooking them. I'm the only bean eater (unless it's green beans) so a pound will last me several days. Hopefully I can eat them and not have to discard any because of spoiling. 

Anyway I forgot to take a picture of them in the crockpot. Maybe next time. I washed them and put them in on low with about 4 cups of water, or enough to have about 2 inches above the beans. Half way through I added a bit more water as the beans were pretty thick. I cooked them on low for about 8 hours. They are perfect. I didn't add any seasoning this time. Actually I don't think I have ever added seasoning when cooking them. 

Excuse the messy table 👀. Here's my cooked containers. The one in the middle is about a good big serving for me. So between the other 2 containers I would say about 3 to 4 more servings. Woo! Hope I can do it lol!

I like to eat them cold. I add seasonings to taste and not always the same seasoning. Today I only added garlic salt. I always add cheese and sour cream  If I have onion and tomato I add them. Sometimes I add salsa if I have it, but not today.  Rotel is good to add too. 

How do you like to eat beans? Let me know in comments below. 👇👇

Thanks for stopping by ❤️

Today in the Kitchen

I did a lot of prep in the kitchen this morning.....I had a 10# bag of chicken leg quarters that I got for 39¢ last week.  I divided them up to freeze.  These are for Hubby.....I don't eat them LOL! 

 I forgot to take pictures, but I also had a 5# chub of hamburger that I divided up into a 1# and 2# package.  The other 2# I put in the crockpot with some chopped up bell pepper and dehydrated onions.  This will be used for chili sometime soon.

I used the last package of previously purchased leg/thigh quarters and put them in the crockpot for hubby for supper.  I topped them with sweet baby ray's bbq sauce.

I cut up a few red potatoes and put them in water to soak a few hours before I cooked them for supper.

I put them in my fridge to soak.....yes that's my fridge.  Not a lot in it, but it's not very big at all.  We downsized after the youngest son moved into his own place.

Here's my 2 crockpots cooking away.  They will be waiting on my arrival later in the day.

I cut up some red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, red onion and mushrooms to sautee in with the potatoes.  They were super yummy!  I shared a little with hubby to go with his BBQ chicken.

Hubby said his bbq chicken was good.....and the potatoes much better than the first time.

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Ham and Beans Update

Well it smells good.  I like the broth and the beans.  Hubby likes the broth and ham. Son said it was ok.  We took it to church for the Wednesday evening supper and everyone said it was good.  I think the original recipe needs a little tweaking and then maybe I can call it my own.  We never use a recipe as is for Cosmic Castle.  We always have to change it in some way, then I can tell people where I found the recipe, but I won't tell them the changes I made.  SO table this for a while and I will let you know when/if we proceed.

Beans and Fudge

So something I don't ever remember eating growing up is ham and beans.  My dad refused to eat any beans other than green beans and lima beans. His reasoning is he ate way too many growing up.  His family grew pinto beans in Wyoming.  They sold the good ones and lived off the not so good ones all winter long. Guess I can see his point.  We have had a request for ham and beans and cornbread for a Thursday evening meal at Cosmic Castle.  I have to get brave and fix it and see if I like it.I found this Slow Cooker Ham and Beans recipe and decided to give it a try since the ingredients looked good.

It's been awhile since I cooked dried beans (I like pinto, red, and kidney) and, silly me, forgot you had to soak them.  I put them in a container with water and soaked them for about 7 hours.   My finger is about where the dried beans level was.  I decided to try one and my word they are good!  Kind of like a cross between a raw pea and a raw lima bean.  I may have found a new favorite snack.  LOL!

So I added everything to my crockpot.  I must say the broth tasted good.  I can't wait to try the whole dish.

I plugged my cockpot into my trusty timer and set it to cook over night.

Like I said, I can't wait to try them tomorrow.  I'll let you know how they turn out.

Now for the fudge.  I wanted a quick easy sweets recipe. I found this Two Ingredient Strawberry Fudge recipe on Pinterest.  No mine isn't strawberry, i'm not much of a strawberry person unless they are fresh.  I got the funfetti chocolate fudge (I think that's what it was.  It was one of those chocolate ones).

It was super easy.  It turned out pretty cute and wasn't bad tasting, but my family and I couldn't get over the fact it tasted like chocolate frosting.  I plan to take the rest of it to church Wednesday evening to the weekly supper before Bible Study.  I probably won't be making this again unless I can figure out some way to seriously improve it.  Guess I need to find an actual fudge recipe and give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!  

Crockpot Gravy

Ok, so I didn't just make gravy, I cooked  some meat along with it.  I have finally mastered making crockpot gravy though.  This recipe is my stand by.  Any kind of meat that you want gravy with will work.  This time I used 4 cube steaks.  I salted and peppered them for seasoning.  I added 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup to the bottom, added my meat (with a little soup in between to prevent them from sticking together).  I used a secon can of soup and mixed in a packet of onion soup mix and spread that on top of the meat.  I added 1 cup of beef broth and set it on low to cook for about 4 hours. When the meat is cooked, remove it and turn the slow cooker on high until the gravy starts to boil.  To thicken it I figured approximatly 3 cups of liquid (he cans are almost 16 ounces of concentrate and then 1 cup of broth) so I added 3 TBSP of corn starch and just enough water to make a paste in a measuring cup.  When the gravy started to boil I added in the cornstarch and stirred a little.  It didn't take long to get thick. I heated some water and mixed up some instant potatoes.   A very yummy meal indeed!

Crockpot Philly's

Crock-Pot Philly's​ are amazing!  So easily made too. The best part is having supper nearly ready when you get home.       I doubled the recipe and we actually got 2 meals out of it. 2# beef (I just use what is on sale) 1 envelope onion soup mix 1 can beef broth 6 (at least) hoagie rolls 6-12 Cheese slices (we used Swiss) I used fresh sliced onions, green and red bell peppers and sliced fresh mushrooms. I don't know quantity because we also cut them up for making stir fry at the same time. Put it all I. Your Crock-Pot on low for about 6 hours. The left over broth would be amazing made into vegetable beef soup.  I have not done this but I just might next time I make this. Hubby and I just dipped bread in it.  We have always called that "sop". I buttered and toasted our rolls in the oven then added the beef/veggie mixture and covered it with cheese. I stuck it back in the oven to melt the cheese. These are amazing!  Every time I make them there never seems to be enough. Linked with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Cooking Thursday

Too Tired.....

Between the summer heat and more painting I was super tired yesterday.  Hope you didn't miss me too much.  Yesterday I had an "oops" moment.  I realized I didn't pay the water bills.  Cost me an about an extra $30, but I got them paid.  I think this is the second time in 21 years I have done this.  Guess I have a pretty good track record. ;-)

I also had [what I think is] a brilliant idea.  Most nomads use reflectix as window covering to help keep the sun and heat out.  I don't have the money right now to buy any, I don't want blind the people across the street, and it's getting really hot upstairs.  SO, we stopped by the old house (that we are trying to clean out to sell) and got some of the [drop] ceiling tiles.  I figured since it's insulation on one side and white, well a dirty white, on the other it should work pretty good.  I got 2 windows covered.  and today it was hot but still between 2 and 4 degrees cooler than outside.  I have 3 more windows I would like to cover with them.  These three and one of the ones already done we don't open.  I almost wonder if we could get it really cooled down up there is the window coverings would make more of a difference.  Time will tell.

Today was a busy day at the lock shop.  PTL!  Wish every day could be like today.  It was hot and we did turn the AC on a few times to help take the burn off the air.  No way am I leaving it going.  It ran non stop for 2 hours and didn't get down to temperature.

At the castle I did a little more painting, but mostly tonight it was pick things up and clean up since we are open tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.

We went to the grocery store to pick up some bottled water and bottled tea.  While we were there we noticed they had a sale on eggs,  2/$1.  We picked up a couple dozen and I hard boiled one dozen.  Guess that's lunch tomorrow.  For supper I'm putting some canned beef stew in to crockpot to heat.
the crockpot doesn't heat up the Castle too much and I can also use it and have the AC running as well.

Menu for the Week of March 13, 2015

Sunday -- Out to eat
Monday -- Steak, crockpot baked potatoes, fried corn
Tuesday -- Frozen pizza
Wednesday -- Spaghetti
Thursday -- Oven Baked Chicken
Friday -- Crockpot Candy Chicken
Saturday -- Leftovers

Crockpot Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes -- Cooking Thursday

I found this recipe twice on Pinterest. One was a crockpot version the other an oven version. Being the busy person I am I opted to make the crockpot version first.  It was pretty good. Both Hubby and I agreed that it was better the next day as leftovers.  Next time I make these I want to make the oven version.  The potatoes should be more crispy. (I'll share that when I DO try them in the oven.) Also I only used about half the ranch seasoning mix.  Next time I think I will use the entire package.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

(Link to original recipe)

Here's what you need:

A crockpot

Aluminum foil

Non stick cooking spray

Potatoes (I think I used 12)

Ranch dressing mix

Cheddar cheese or cheese if your choice

Bacon (I used 6 strips but more would be good too)

Line your crockpot with foil leaving enough extra to fold down over the potatoes, making a package.  Spray with non stick cooking spray.

Cook your bacon and set aside to cool so you can crumble it.

Peal and cut your potatoes.

Put potatoes in a single layer in the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkling with ranch mix, cheese and bacon. Repeat two more times. 

Save some cheese to add later. 

Fold foil down over the taters, put lid on and cook on low about 8 hours or on high about 4 hours.  

When done cooking,  turn off crockpot and sprinkle the remainder of the cheese on top, cover and let melt.  Takes a couple minutes.

I served these potatoes with Dorito Crusted Chicken Strips, which in Hybby's, Youngest Son's and My opinion, needs work.  It was good, but not worthy to make again, without some changes.

If you make either of these recipes I shared today, stop back by and let me know what you thought and/or any changes you made.

Linking up with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Cooking Thursday

Need to make menu changes.......and Tonights YUMMY meal

Ok, now I remember WHY I don't buy meat at Country Mart, the "expensive" grocery store.  It should be more of a no brainer when it's cheap on sale.  This package of pork smelled ok, and looked ok.....until I was to the last 3 pieces on the tray.  It smelled funny and when i turned it over this is what I found

yes....it's GREEN!  I had had it a few days so I know the store wouldn't be willing to refund my money, especially after I called them on trying to over charge me on my rain-check chicken (maybe a blog for another day, LOL!).  Hubby, who used to work in a meat dept right after we were married, said this was obviously done on purpose. the meat was most likely bad when it was packaged up.

I don't care HOW cheap their meat is, I will not buy meat there again.  This isn't the first time I've had problems.  I can't count all the times I've had problems with meat at this store.  The other store, which is Save-A-Lot, I can only remember one time that I have gotten bad meat.  ONE TIME compared to too many to count.

I will be working on the menu the next couple days, since I will most likely shop on Sunday, at Save-A-Lot.  I will share what I come up with on Monday.  What currently is in the freezer is listed on the column to the right.  The Kielbasa will be made from scratch, or maybe tossed in the freezer for a future cooler evening.

Ok, now for the YUMMINESS!

this was absolutely AMAZING!  It is the Crockpot Beef and Gravy.  Other than maybe serving over noodles instead of potatoes, this is perfect, and I think I have 2 of these in the freezer.  Why?  Well because I didn't buy everything from the store that I needed for the recipes I wanted to make.  *sigh*

Tomorrow I think I will put the Cilantro Lime Chicken in the cooker.

The next 2 nights are going to be busy, in fact my living room is half cleaned for tomorrow because there are people here playing games (MTG  magic the gathering).  I am happy to say that my dishes are done, and I think I still have time to go bread the rest of the cube steaks so I can put some chicken fried steaks in the freezer, before THAT meat goes bad.  It was bought at country mart as well.

TTFN  I probably won't be back until Sunday or Monday.  Both Friday and Saturday are busy nights.

Cincinnati Chili and Hamburgers

Ok I'm a bit behind, but I did fix Cincinnati chili on Monday.  It was pretty good, but unless I do some major tweaking to the recipe I won't be making it again anytime soon.  Hubby thought it was good but it gave him indigestion, which he never gets indigestion.  Son and I thought it was too spicy, and the cinnamon taste and the cocoa taste just didn't go with the dish.  It also gave me indigestion, which isn't unusual. SO.....once the leftovers are gone I'll be looking for another spaghetti red chili recipe.

Tuesday night I made the hamburgers because it was cooler and we didn't really need to run the AC.  The special thing about the hamburgers was the seasoning.  I've made it once before and didn't put enough on and the burgers didn't taste any different.  This time I cooked the burgers from frozen and waited until they were slightly unfrozen on top and then I put a layer on.  Too much this time.  On some of the burgers anyway.  Way too spicy for me, and gave me indigestion.  Son said it was too spicy, and hubby liked it.

I didn't get around to prepping meals last night, so will have to make  a point to do it tonight because it's getting ready to heat back up.  *sigh*

Tonight We will either have the Beef & Gravy or the Chicken Tacos, I haven't decided yet.

Then.....it's prep time again.  :-)

Yes and NO!

So for Saturday evening I decided to put the Balsamic Glazed Chicken in the cooker.  I opted not to eat any because #1 it's pretty acidic and #2 I'm not a big chicken fan.  Hubby ate it but said he didn't really care for it.  To me it doesn't even look appetizing.  So this is a NO FIX again.

Sunday lunch was AMAZING!  Roast, taters, gravy and homegrown corn on the cob.

For supper I fixed the Pizza with homemade sauce.  I wasn't too sure about the sauce,  but the crust smelled and looked good.  Even tasting the sauce before I made the pizzas I was saying how I didn't have good feelings about it.  It turned out really good.  There is actually none left.  Next time I DO need to pre-cook the crusts a little longer though.

SO, 2 were good, 1 was bad.  Tomorrow I think I will fix Cincinnati Chili. 

Crockpot Ravioli

Friday was a whirlwind of events.  It usually is.  Since we were out late and busy Thursday night and I wasn't able to fix what I had planned, therefore we didn't have any leftovers, so we had to eat McDonalds $1 burgers for lunch.  Not my favorite, they just don't taste good anymore.  SO, I made one of my quick crockpot meals that doesn't need a lot of prep, Crockpot Ravioli 

It went in to crock at about 3:00 and was ready by 5:30/6:00

I've made this several times, in fact it used to be a weekly thing when the boys were little.  I haven't made it in probably 5 or so years, so I've forgotten all my tricks.  Time to remember them though.

This was pretty good.  I used cheese ravioli's and a meat based spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese. Next time I make it I'm using 2 jars of sauce and 2 bags of cheese.  Hubby likes it saucier and I cheesier.

It didn't last long, this is my portion. 

I had a house full of people again last night.  We shall see what happens for today's supper (Saturday).  I need to look over what I have made up and get something in the slow cooker here before too long or we will be starving.  Another night for a full house.

Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak

So Day #2 of my menu (Day #1 needs work in my opinion, I have another made up and in the freezer, so when I'm satisfied with it I will share) we had   Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak.  OH MY this was GOOD!  Simple and easy too.

My picture doesn't do it justice.....

You can find the recipe and instructions HERE on the Budget 101 web page.

Here's what I did different than the posted recipe:

• I used beef that was on sale
• I bought a bag of frozen fajita vegetables which had onion, and red, yellow and green peppers. (it was cheaper than buying the fresh vegetables)
• I only had to cook on LOW for 4 hours.  (Maybe my cooker is hotter than theirs, I'm finding cook time is less than suggested time on the recipes I've tried so far)
• I toasted the buns, and melted the cheese under the broiler in my oven
• We added Mayo to the bun

Next time I will try:

• a little more seasoning, maybe salt & pepper?  It needs a bit more
• more cheese, 2 slices instead of one maybe
• "specialty mayo" something tastier than just plain mayo.  

This one didn't get frozen, it looked and smelled so good I knew I had to make it soon.  I will be making this again.  It will probably freeze just fine.

Tomorrow is Root Beer Chicken......if it's good I'll share the recipe.  Of course you can always go look yourself on my menu if you can't wait on me.