How to cook dinner while sitting on your ass

Here's a Christmas idea that's so easy and common sense that you wish you'd thought of it first. While it may seem goofy - hear me out.

I have a friend that just went back to work after staying home with the kids for six years. The economy stinks here in Michigan and now that the kids are in school, she wants some extra cash to help keep gas in the car. She landed a part time job working in the afternoon ending about five. The thing is - when she gets home from work, everyone's ready for dinner and face it, home cooked goodness takes time. I plan on getting her a crock pot so that she can get everything set up in the morning before she takes off - and then dinner will be ready when she gets home. It's sometime a good idea with cooking appliances in general to get a recipe or two, do it up in your most decorative manner and include it with the gift. I will be including one of my favorites further down. In the meantime, here are some handy tips.

1. Don't get this for your wife or girlfriend in lieu of something more personal or romantic. Make sure something cool and sparkly is included along with. This is great however for a sister just getting out on her own or even a busy single guy with an interest in eating well.


2. I suggest looking for one that has a removable crock. My mom had one that was all one piece - what a pain in the ass! Most you find these days are dishwasher friendly and a snap to clean up. I understand that oven bags can be used to facilitate clean-up, but why bother. Pop it in the washer.


3. Roasts. Some people think that roasts come out flavorless. that's cause they do 'em wrong. Sear it first. That means just brown it in a pan before you put it in. Also - if it has any fat content at all, you don't need a lot of liquid. Lean meats like venison may need some, but for a roast - just throw it in with some seasoning and veggies and the flavor won't wash out.


4. Pork - some people think that pork doesn't cook to the proper temperature. I find that to be false. I have a meat thermometer which consistently finds my pork to reach over 160 - which is considered safe. For large pork roasts I like to cut them in pieces. A good trick is to cut a pork roast in small pieces and slow cook all day with wing sauce. Pig Wings! Good over rice.

Rival - who makes the best crock-pots I've found is offering your choice of free shipping or 10% off any order. Scroll all the way down for the link. They have a good selection on their site. I am a little disappointed in the limited selection of recipe books - most seem out of stock, but there are enough recipes on the internet that one can always find something to make for dinner. It always is nice to include a cookbook though, Borders always seems to have an excellent selection. That being said - here is my recipe for a great side dish with broccoli and rice.

Crock Pot Broccoli Rice Cassarole

1 small onion chopped
1/4 C margarine
2 C uncooked quick-cooking rice
2 C water
1 can mushroom soup
1/2 tsp salt
1 5 oz jar sharp cheese spread
2 (10 oz pkgs frozen chopped broccoli
Dried onions

Combine onion, margarine, rice, water, soup. salt, cheese and broccoli to the Crock Pot. Cook on Low for 6 hours. Sprinkle dried onions when served. Serves 8.

Enjoy!

Enabler

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