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Post by Dictionary on Jul 23, 2014 18:47:31 GMT
Ok peas I am hoping you can help me. I am one who doesn't really use my crockpot much and this request isn't for me but rather for my FIL.
To give you a brief background. My FIL is pushing 80 but to look at him you would think 65 he's very outgoing and energetic. My MIL is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and is severely crippled. To see her you would think she is almost 100. It's sad really. Any how my FIL is now the caretaker and he cooks for them but is very limited on his skills and is very very much a simple person (i.e. the less the better). Last year I bought a cookbook for dummies and after visiting him this summer he said it's too complicated (i.e. too many steps). After speaking to him it sounds like a crockpot might be in order. He just wants to throw ingredients together and be done with it.
So am looking for recipes that are easy but not too loaded with sodium and fat for obvious reasons and not too many steps. And I want to combine these and present them in a book or binder so looking on any ideas for that as well. I told him I was getting him a crockpot for Christmas..he laughed. I really think he might like this idea..at least I am hoping it's more of what he is looking for.
I feel bad and wished we lived closer but they are in another state and unfortunately both of my dh's sister have passed away. They have grandkids who live nearby but they don't seem to want to be involved and of course my FIL is a very proud man who doesn't like help. So if I can show him how easy cooking can be perhaps he would enjoy it more. I made quesadillas one night and he was so intrigued on how to make them, he is interested in learning but just likes it simple.
Anything you can offer me would help a lot. TIA
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Post by AN on Jul 23, 2014 19:00:29 GMT
That is awesome! Here are some of my favorite recipes that are really easy, not lots of steps. And if he can buy the meat pre-trimmed/pre-cut (even though it is more expensive, worth it to pay for convenience if he can), it will be super easy.
Italian Beef sandwiches: 3 lb (or whatever size, it doesn't really matter) rump roast, take 2 packets of Italian Dressing Seasoning and rub it on the roast (you can do it in the crockpot). Pour 3 cups of water in the bottom of the crockpot and cook for 4 hours on high or 8+ hours on low. It will just fall apart, you can shred with two forks. Serve on buns
Turkey breast: Turkey breast does SO WELL in the crock pot! Buy a bonless turkey breast and cut it free of the packaging. Rub a packet of Lipton Soup mix on the turkey breast, put a pat of butter on top of the turkey breast. Put it in the crockpot, no other liquids needed - it will make its own liquids. Cook for anywhere between 2 hours on high and 8 hours on low. You can use any type of seasoning, if the soup mix is too high sodium, but that is really tasty.
Taco soup:
1 can each of:
Chili Beans
Black Beans
Corn (drain off the liquid in the corn)
Tomato Sauce
Chicken Broth
Large Can of Diced Tomato
Dice half an onion and throw it in. Add some taco seasoning, maybe 1 packet worth or a few tablespoons. Put in 2 - 3 chicken breasts and cook on low for 6+ hours. Shred the chicken breasts with forks and it is ready to serve. Maybe he can find pre-diced onion? Or I like to dice a bunch of onions at once and then freeze them to make them easy to use in the future. You can put frozen chicken breasts directly in, just give it a little extra time or a couple of hours on high first. This recipe is EXTREMELY forgiving. You can add or remove anything you want.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches: Cut of Pork Shoulder, put it in along with some beef broth to cover the bottom of the crockpot and spices. I use one of those "pork rub" spices, it seems like he might like some preset mixes instead of having to measure out a bunch of different spices. Shred up the pork after 6+ hours on low and then add BBQ Sauce in. Let it sit for another hour to soak in the flavor.
Pretty much ANYTHING - meat + spices + liquid will come out yummy and tender.
I like that my crockpot switches to warm after the cook time is done. It also has an "auto" setting where it does 2 hours on high to get the meat up to temperature and then the remainder of the time on low. Our crockpot is pretty big because I cook extra and DH eats leftovers. Something to consider when deciding what size to get him. I used to have a standard size crockpot and it seemed like a lot of soup recipes filled it right up to the brim, which was always messy and annoying.
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Post by cahwoo on Jul 23, 2014 19:00:48 GMT
I'm just like your FIL. The simpler the better. I'm making dinner right now in the crockpot. A pork roast just sprinkle with garlic powder and dump in a package of onion soup mix.then 1 cup of water. Cook for 8 hours on low It's delicious
I know onion soup mix has probably too much salt but if you just eat 1 slice it couldn't be that much salt. Anyway it's what we like hope that helped.
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Post by Penellopy on Jul 23, 2014 19:02:01 GMT
Here is our go to one pot meal...Pot Roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and dry brown gravy mixed with a cup of water. Pour it all in and cook for 6 hours on slow. (I have put in a frozen pot roast and there is not change.
Another one, is whole chicken. Ball up 3 or 4 pieces of foil and put in the bottom of the crock pot. Season a whole chicken with whatever spices you are int he mood for and place the chicken on top of the foil. Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Chicken will be super moist and tender.
Sometimes, I have 1 crock pot cooking a chicken and another with baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Season the potatoes and corn, wrap in foil and cook on low for 4 hours.
Anything you can cook in the over on on the stove, you can cook in a crock pot.
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Post by AN on Jul 23, 2014 19:03:51 GMT
Oh, Penellopy brought up a good point about sides!
We do a lot of the steamfresh vegetable sides. They're a good size for 2 people and there is a lot of variety to choose from. No chopping/seasoning/dishes/etc.
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Post by alyssam on Jul 23, 2014 19:11:25 GMT
We rub a whole chicken with 1 T seasoned salt (or sub paprika), 1 t. sage, 1 t, thyme, 1 t. rosemary. Throw it in for 5-6 hours with about 1/4 cup water. Yummy!
I also like to do Marinara in mine. A few cans of crushed tomatoes, a can of tomato paste, some oregano, some basil, some pepper, and any veggies you like (mushrooms etc). Simmer for 8 hours on low... so much more flavor then the jarred sauce.
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Post by kristi on Jul 23, 2014 19:54:02 GMT
My go to easy dinner:
Chicken Tacos
Dump 1 envelope of taco seasoning, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts a jar of salsa in the crockpot, stir and cook on high(4-6 hrs.) or low(6-8 hrs.) Should be able to shred with a fork. Place meat mixture in tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.
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Post by Dictionary on Jul 23, 2014 21:55:17 GMT
Thanks ladies. I am sure these will all work for him. He does use the microwave for potatoes so he is microwave friendly  |
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BarbaraUK
Drama Llama
Surrounded by my yarn stash on the NE coast of England...............!! Refupea 1702
Posts: 5,961
Location: England UK
Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
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Post by BarbaraUK on Jul 23, 2014 21:57:26 GMT
I've also made note of the recipes,they sound really good, thank you everyone!
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Post by Kymberlee on Jul 23, 2014 22:38:51 GMT
I was just about to start a crockpot thread. My DH will be on his own all of next year, and he keeps asking if I will cook meals for him next year while he is in school. Um, no but I will give you some easy crockpot recipes so you can cook for yourself. He is so helpless in the kitchen so the fewer ingredients and steps the better.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 22:44:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 22:41:42 GMT
Remind him that when a crock pot makes too much food it nearly always freezes really well. That way he isn't stuck eating a roast for a whole week unless he wants to.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 23, 2014 22:44:12 GMT
Here is our go to one pot meal...Pot Roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and dry brown gravy mixed with a cup of water. Pour it all in and cook for 6 hours on slow. (I have put in a frozen pot roast and there is not change. Anything you can cook in the over on on the stove, you can cook in a crock pot. Dh does not cook but loves to make a roast with carrots, onions and potatoes in the crock pot and he also uses a packet of brown gravy mix  |
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Post by Penellopy on Jul 24, 2014 1:37:19 GMT
Here is our go to one pot meal...Pot Roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and dry brown gravy mixed with a cup of water. Pour it all in and cook for 6 hours on slow. (I have put in a frozen pot roast and there is not change. Anything you can cook in the over on on the stove, you can cook in a crock pot. Dh does not cook but loves to make a roast with carrots, onions and potatoes in the crock pot and he also uses a packet of brown gravy mix Another way I make pot roast... 1/4 Cup Water Roast Package Ranch Dressing Mix Package Brown Gravy Mix (Both of the mixes are sprinkled on the roast) 6 to 8 Peperoncini's 1 Stick Unsalted Butter on top of the roast Cook 6 to 8 hours on slow. Yummo! And it is better the 2nd day... |
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,716 
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Post by anniebeth24 on Jul 24, 2014 2:18:52 GMT
I put a whole bag of the individually frozen boneless chicken breasts (3 lb.?) and a jar of mild pepperoncini (and juice) in the crockpot. Low for 8 hours. It's flavorful but not spicy hot. Can shred the chicken for sandwiches. Obviously can be reduced to make a smaller portion or frozen for later.
I also enjoy the Steamfresh frozen side dishes that a PP mentioned. Just put the bag in the microwave and done.
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msbee1
Shy Member
Posts: 16
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Post by msbee1 on Jul 24, 2014 2:28:51 GMT
here are some ideas to make things easier. I don't know if you could/would do this but when you are there you could cook 10 lbs of hamberger, package up in sizes needed for recipes. if they have freexer space you could buy a huge package of chicken breast, season and freeze in zip baggies. You could also make bean soup mixes. Dried onions might be easier for him for the crockpot. You can buy a huge container of them for under 5.00 at sams club. they don't go bad unless you leave them open. You could get him some of the frozen little cubes of garlic, ginger etc. they are so easy to use. you just pop out a cube and call it done. Some of these could be much lower sodium by subbing in no salt added beef stock for the buillion cube. slow cooker storganoffchicken caccitorethis would be a good recipe for precooked ground beef beef and cabbage soupLentils and sausage |
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Post by bebe on Jul 24, 2014 2:42:15 GMT
Wow, some of these sound great ladies. I love my crockpot and now have some new things to try.
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Post by anniefb on Jul 24, 2014 3:02:37 GMT
Great recipes thanks for sharing. I also use my crock pot a lot and am always looking for new ideas.
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kay2rn
Junior Member
Posts: 67
Location: Wisconsin
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Post by kay2rn on Jul 24, 2014 3:18:52 GMT
I gave my college bound son a crock pot one year for Christmas and he looked at me as if I was nuts! Every day of Christmas break, I planned a crock pot meal for him to make before he left for work. His favorite was beef roast with onion, carrots and potato chunks and just salt and pepper. Chicken breasts with onion and a can of cream of chicken soup is good too. Same thing with pork chops and they just melt in you mouth. So tender they just fall apart. He turned out to be a very good cook. Better than eating Ramen noodles everyday!
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Post by heartland on Jul 24, 2014 3:41:14 GMT
My new favorite quick and easy meal is one I found one morning on Pinterest when I was planning to cook chicken in the crockpot and didn't have all the ingredients to make the dish I had planned on. Put several chicken breasts in the crock with some carrots and potatoe chunks. Cover with 2cans of the dreaded cream of chicken soup. I use frozen chicken, because it can cook all dy while I'm at work. The soup kind of makes a gravy, and this is just delish! It will make a good winter comfort food. I think it would be good with biscuits in it too, I've seen recipes that add those at the end to cook for a while.
Anyone have any ideas to sub out for the canned soup?
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aacey
Junior Member
Posts: 72
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Post by aacey on Jul 24, 2014 5:00:01 GMT
Love all these ideas. Thank you too.
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Post by kristalina on Jul 24, 2014 5:29:06 GMT
Do they like beans? you can make all kinds of beans in the cp. This week I made a big batch of pinto beans, froze most of them in pint containers and made chili with the rest.
2C pintos
1 can black beans
2 cans kindey beans
a chopped white onion
2 T. cumin
2 T. chili powder
1 T. Garlic powder or 4 cloves crushed fresh garlic
1 T. celery salt
I make my chili without meat because of my vegetarian daughter, but we add ground beef to our individual bowls like a condiment.
Split pea soup is super simple - dried beans, water, couple carrots, diced, an onion and salt and pepper.
My neighbor would cook a roast in her cp. Just garlic salt and pepper, put a rump roast in the cp all day and the beef gets really tender. They would make French Dips.
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Post by scraphappy57 on Jul 31, 2014 21:21:23 GMT
I've done a few from this article. All are 5 ingredients or less. They're not gourmet, but if quesadillas impressed that sweet man this might be up his ally. homemakinghacks.com/2013/07/slow-cooker-recipes-with-4-ingredients-or-less.htmlAlso, when I got my mom one I bought her those crockpot liners so just line one in the pot and toss it when done. Sometimes you've got to scrub the pot if food gets burnt etc. I think those made her more inclined to use it since cleanup was so easy. My sis and sil (one anyways) also lived far from mom and dad. They would each fill her freezer with freezer meals when they'd visit. That gave her some yummy meals she just had to thaw and cook. Some crockpot ones even. Helped during those busy days of dr appointments or errands etc. I'm thinking of getting my kids to help me do that for her too even though we live close. Aging parents are so hard. They're lucky to have such a kind dil! |
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