Success with a slow cooker

story by Brittany Moseley :: photos by Sam Twarek

Wondering how you’re going to make three dishes with one slow cooker?

All of these dishes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. Make the cider the night before. When ready to serve, either heat individual mugs of cider in the microwave or pour the entire batch into a small pot and simmer on the stove for a few minutes until warm. You can also make the dip the night before and reheat it the next day.

7 reasons you should own a slow cooker:

  • There are always leftovers.
  • It’s the easiest way to cook. Just put ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and enjoy.
  • Easy cleanup. No one likes washing pots and pans. Luckily, slow cookers aren’t difficult to clean.
  • You can make anything in a slow cooker. Clam chowder? Done. Beef bourguignon? Easy. Poached pears in red wine? Umm … sure.
  • It travels well. Take it on your next road trip. All you need is an electrical outlet.
  • It’s a healthy alternative to the fast food joints you frequent.
  • It’s a great investment. You can buy one for as little as $20 or as much as $130, depending on how much you’re willing to spend.

Instead of ordering the usual pizza and wings at your next game-day party, impress your friends with your cooking skills by trying these recipes. Even if your team loses the game, this meal will definitely win over your guests.

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Creamy spinach dip

This tasty dip doesn’t take long to prepare, and it goes great with everything.

ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • ¼ cup whipping cream
  • 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons pimento, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 teaspoons onion, grated or finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme

directions

Combine cream cheese and cream in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for
1 hour or until cheese is melted. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low 30–45 minutes. Serve with raw vegetables, crackers or pita.

3-bean turkey chili

IMG_6245-copyThis crowd-pleaser is the perfect hearty dish for a cool day.

ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans,
    rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans,
    rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 or 2 jalapeños, chopped
  • 1½ tablespoons chili powder

directions

Cook turkey and onion in skillet over medium-high heat. Stir to break up meat until turkey is no longer pink. Drain. Transfer turkey mixture to slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients to slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on high 6–8 hours.

Mulled apple cider

This drink keeps for at least a month. Just reheat and enjoy.

ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 quarts cider
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1½ teaspoons whole cloves
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • ½ orange, sliced
  • *Add 1 cup of rum for a more spirited drink.

directions

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. If desired, tie whole spices in cheesecloth or put in tea strainer. (If spices are added loose, strain before serving.) Cover and set on low 2–8 hours.

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