Thursday, September 4, 2014

Chicken and Pepper Quinoa

This meal was a two day process. Don't let that discourage you!!

The night before meal prep was EASY.

So get in the kitchen turn on the good tunes and lets start.

This should make about three small servings or two large.

Ingredients:

2 onions
1 large pepper (Any color)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Water
Salt
Pepper
Red Pepper
Oregano Leaves
Marjoram
Quinoa
Artichokes
Cheese (Goat Cheese)






 Start by chopping the onions into slices.  If the onions are making you cry try putting a toothpick in your mouth while chopping.  I heard this was supposed to help. I do it and it works but it could be my brain playing tricks on me.

After onions are sliced move on to the pepper. Clean the seeds out and chop the pepper into long slices. I like mine to be thick but how ever you prefer your pepper.




Place onions in the bottom of the crockpot. No Crying =)

 
Now cover those onions with the sliced pepper.


I have been buying the big bags of frozen chicken. I love this because I can pull out the portions I want to thaw out. With them individual I think they thaw faster too!

If you are doubling this recipe to make four large portions I would use three large chicken breasts.
Since it is just me eating it I went with one large and a tiny one.

Place the chicken on top of the onions and peppers. I dumped in the chicken juice from the packages too.
Now is time to add some seasonings. I did not measure the spices =(
I was getting into it and spices were going everywhere.
I started by adding  ground black pepper, salt, oregano leaves, marjoram and red pepper (if you do not like a little kick leave this out)


Once I added enough to were I thought it looked good I stopped.

 Next I added a little water so nothing would stick to the crockpot.


Next turn the crockpot on low for about 7 to 8 hours. This is about the time I hopped into bed.
Depending on your time and schedule you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours.



NEXT MORNING

I woke up and shredded the chicken and broke it into chunks for later that night.


Now here is what stove directions.


Start cooking the quinoa...follow the directions on the bag of quinoa.

Directions are usually close to this:
Bring 1 1/2 cups to a boil and then add 1 cup of quinoa.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes covered or until water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.  Fluff with fork.

I cooked 1 1/2 cups quinoa for this. I made a little mess while stirring it ; )


While this is simmering. Get a skillet out and heat up the chicken, pepper and onions.

This picture is super blurry!! I blame it on the awesome aromas and heat.
While this was heating up I decided I wanted artichokes too. I have a jar of them. I drained them and cute them into slices. This step I didn't take pictures off. Got a little carried away when I got excited about the artichokes.


Once quinoa is done and you have fluffed it you can either combine the two or layer the it.

I layered it.....
I place a good portion on quinoa in the middle of my plate.


Next place the chicken mix on top of the bed of quinoa. Now this is looking so good, but wait we need CHEESE!!!!


I am in love with GOAT CHEESE!! So everything need goat cheese. If you are not a fan you can use whatever cheese you like.  If you haven't had goat cheese before don't be scared. Give it a try.

I didn't add and salt or pepper at the end. Taste and add more salt if needed.



Now it is time to enjoy!!! I gave it a little mix to melt the goat cheese a little. 


Give this a try and let me know what you think. What would you add or change??

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Chicken and Pepper Quinoa

Serves: 4 small servings or 2 large

Ingredients:
  • 2 onions
  • 1 large pepper (Any color)
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Red Pepper
  • Oregano Leaves
  • Marjoram
  • 1 1/2 cups Quinoa
  • Artichokes
  • Cheese (Goat Cheese)
Instructions
  1. Place sliced onions and peppers in crock pot. Place chicken on top and season. Then add water.
  2. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Shred chicken. Place in refrigerator until ready to cook quinoa. Then reheat it in skillet.
  3. Cook Quinoa. Follow package instructions.
  4. Combine quinoa and chicken or layer it ( quinoa, chicken mix on top, top with cheese)


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Crockpot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese with Uncooked Macaroni

I thought I would start off with an easier Crockpot recipe. Plus, everyone loves a little comfort food like Mac and Cheese!

I decided I wanted to make my mac and cheese with a little spice to it. I love spicy food and it seems I can never get enough of it.

If you do not like spicy it's ok you can still make this and change the cheese selection.

Let the mac and cheese begin!







Some of these things you may already have. However, I do not really have a good spice collection yet. As you can tell from the picture I had to go out and buy them =)

This recipe is for about 4 small servings or two large. My pictures may look different than yours because I doubled it so I could have more than the four servings.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Standard Macaroni ( I went with Cavatappi noodles)
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ t salt
  • ½ t dry mustard
  • ¼ t black pepper
  • ¼ t garlic powder
  • ¼ t paprika
  • 1 T butter
  • 1 cup Cheese of your choice. ( I went with Pepper Jack)
Next you will want to add 1 cup noddles, 2 cups milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and dry mustard, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.  Mix this well and then add 1 tablespoon butter.
 

If you have made it this far congrats. You have done most of the work. Turn the Crockpot on low for about a hour. Stir it again really well and cook for an additional hour on low.


                                                    First hour down...one more to go.

While I was waiting I decided to turn on a great playlist and drink a glass of wine.  Nothing better than cooking, great music and wine!!!
Make sure you do not have the music to loud so you can hear if you have a timer set.


Once the last hour of cooking is complete check to make sure noodles are cooked to your liking. Each Crockpot might vary on how fast they will cook. If your noodles are done it is time to drain any free liquid. After I drained the extra liquid I had to sample one of the noodles. The noodles alone taste wonderful.


 Last step and your Mac and Cheese is almost complete. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix really well. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes on low.


And then there you have it Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese!!!!




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Uncooked Macaroni Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Prep time          Cook time              Total time
2 hours 20 mins    2 hours 25 mins     

Serves: 4 small servings or 2 large
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Standard Macaroni
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ t salt
  • ½ t dry mustard
  • ¼ t black pepper
  • ¼ t garlic powder
  • ¼ t paprika
  • 1 T butter
  • 1 cup Cheese of your choice. I used sharp cheddar
Instructions
  1. Pour 2 cups milk, 1 cup standard macaroni (or noodle of choice), ½ t dry mustard, ½ t salt, ¼ t each of pepper, garlic powder and paprika, and l T butter into a smallish slow cooker. . Mix well.
  2. Cook on low. Stir well at 1 hour into the cooking. Cook another hour or so until pasta is al dente. Crockpots vary, so some of your times may vary.
  3. When the pasta is al dente, drain any free liquid, add 1 cup of shredded cheese. I used pepper jack this time. Mix very well.
  4. Continue on low until cooked to your taste. About 5-10 minutes.



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Welcome to Crockpot Cookin'

Welcome Everyone to My Pot of Crock!

This is my story...
I was never one to want to help in the kitchen when I was younger. I actually truly hated it and hate is a powerful word. I think it was because I was afraid I would hurt myself or ruin what I was helping cook.

However, you do not stay young forever. I moved out and realized it was time I start cooking.
I started out with easy crockpot meals and from there worked my way into more challenging things.
I found myself enjoying it! After a long day at work it was nice to come home and cook.

I found myself focused on recipes and letting the stress from the day disappear.

Put on your apron and take a journey with me as we explore new recipes.