Easy Crock Pot Sausage & Egg Casserole

1 doz eggs, beaten
14 slices of bread
2 1/4 c milk
2 1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated (could use some pepper jack for some kick too)
1 lb. sausage, cooked & drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Directions: Grease slow cooker with butter. Cut bread into quarters. Layer bread, sausage, then cheese in the slow cooker to make three or so layers. Beat eggs, milk, salt & pepper. Pour into Crock Pot mixture. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

You could add tomatoes and peppers for a fritata. Hold back 1/4 of milk if you do.

Iron Chef America's Secret Ingredient

SlashFood looks at the inner workings and behind the scenes secrets to the FoodTV hit, Iron Chef America. While I agree that the original was better, the vocal stylings of Alton Brown make the American version worth watching every time.

Crock Pot Beef & Potato Soup

This is an easy recipe and low in fat if you trim the stew meat first.

Beef & Potato Soup

4 cups water
1 lb. stew meat
16 oz. frozen hashbrown potatoes (I suggest the little cubes, not the shreds, but I think you can use either)
1 8 oz. cans of mushrooms, undrained
1 cup chopped onions
1 packet dry onion soup mix
16 oz. salsa (try different flavors for a twist)

Directions
1. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients, mix well.
3. Cook on low for 8-9 hours.

Ditch your Teflon

Scared of what you're hearing in the news about Teflon (most slow cookers don't use Teflon, but go ahead and check with your manufacturer) then read this blog post from Carl Tashian about alternatives to using Teflon pans in your kitchen.

Myself, I still use Teflon. But I'll be phasing in a cast iron skillet for most of my frying and a new copper bottomed saucier for.. well... sauces.

Crock Pot Steak Teriyaki

I've seen a lot of recipes for slow cooked Steak Teriyaki. But this one was so easy, I'll definitely have to try it.

Steak Teriyaki

2 1/2 pounds boneless chuck steak
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed

Cut steak into slices and place in slow cooker. Combine ginger, sugar, oil,
soy sauce and garlic and pour over meat. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

Recommended sides: Rice and fresh vegetables.

(via)

Crock Pot Sausage and Bean Soup

It's cold out here in Orlando, downright chilly at 36 degrees this morning. So I have soup on my mind. Here's a quick and easy recipe (in slow cooker terms) for Bean and Sausage soup that looks delicious.

2 (12 ounce) cans of different beans
1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage links (Turkey links are good too)
2 (12 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup white wine
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 cups frozen green peas, thawed

Directions:
Drain and rinse beans. Add beans to slow cooker with canned tomatoes, broth, white wine, and vegetables. Cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.

About one and a half hours before the meal cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until done. Slice links into 1/2 inch pieces. Add meat to slow cooker, and cook soup another 30 to 60 minutes.

How to Throw a Super Bowl Party

I've got a bunch of people coming over to my house today for a Super Bowl party. We'll break out both the slow cookers and make Mac & Cheese and Meatballs for Sub Sandwiches in them. Also on the menu are Tortellini Skewers (Tortillini marinated in Paul Newman Italian Dressing skewered with cubed mozzerella, cherry tomatoes, and garlic stuffed olives). Plus we'll have the usual assortment of chips and dips.

We'll also have a game that plays like bingo, only instead of numbers we have football plays. It's a lot of fun and keeps everyone involved in the game for at least the first few quarters.

For more ideas on how to throw a Super Bowl Party you might want to visit this eHow document.

Slow Cooked Desserts: Baked Apples

Looking for that perfect dessert for a cold winter day? Then try this amazingly easy recipe for Baked Apples in your Crock Pot.

6 Apples washed/cored. (But leave about 1 inch of apple at bottom)
2 Tbsp Raisins
1/4 C Sugar
1 Tsp Cinnamon
2 Tbsp Butter

Mix raisins and sugar; fill center of apples. Sprinkle cinnamon and dot with butter. Put in Crock-Pot; add 1/2 c water. Cover; cook on Low 7 to 9 hours [High: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours]