Now, the old groundhog said 6 more weeks of winter and I have not heard real positive reviews on him.  Ha ha!  He best hide for a while.  But, today as I experience this lovely sun on my skin and see how much more energetic I feel on a day when it is sunny and beautiful versus overcast and gloomy, I know that Spring is on it’s way.  It is inevitable.  Like so many things God promises us, hope, joy, renewal…the change of season will come.  The ground will melt and the flowers will bloom.  I will be sneezing and have an awesome allergy headache…oh wait, that is already happening.  The promise of longer days and the smell of fresh cut grass on the horizon has me feeling rejuvenated.  All of the fun Spring activities and the awesome mild weather has most of us wanting to be outside.  Working in the garden, throwing or kicking that ball around with the kiddos, taking awalk…anywhere but being cooped up in the kitchen.  How nice to have dinner ready when you get home so that as it stays light longer, you can enjoy that last hour or so of daylight outside.  So, in anticipation of the joys of Spring, I have decided to compile all of my recipes together in one spot and add in a few more too.  This will be a big ole hodge podge of slow cooker/ Crockpot recipes that can all be made in the crock pot and ready when you are!!  Enjoy the ride my friends and make sure you have supper going before you take that ride.  Life is so much better when supper is cooking while you are out enjoying your life!!~AMB

Mr. Sun Sun Mr. Golden sun please shine down on me!

Some of my favorite crockpot recipes:  

https://cajunmamacookinblog.com/2013/08/28/crockpot-beef-burritos/

https://cajunmamacookinblog.com/2013/10/14/crockpot-itali…eef-sandwiches/

https://cajunmamacookinblog.com/2013/11/20/slow-cooker-french-onion-soup/

https://cajunmamacookinblog.com/2013/10/08/crock-pot-crea…sy-potato-soup/

https://cajunmamacookinblog.com/2013/10/09/crock-pot-beef-stroganoff/

https://cajunmamacookinblog.com/2013/10/10/crockpot-chicken-burritos/ ‎

I call her big Red and she is mama’s little helper.  

Now, those are some of my faves that I have posted before.  The next two are some of my favorites as well that I have never posted.  These crockpot chicken Caesar sandwiches are little savory bites of delight.  They are a perfect meal to have to after a late spring soccer or baseball game, after a long day of work, or to make for a group of friends at a Mardi Gras party or for a pre-parade meal.  If you are low carbing it right now or serving friends who are, this would be acceptable to most if served over a bed of romaine lettuce.  I had some that way and it was pretty terrific.  Just a suggestion for those who might have family or friends on a different diet.

Crockpot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches (adapted from http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/3312044-CrockPot-Chicken-Caesar-Sandwiches)

Stuff you need~

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed away

1 cup of your favorite Caesar dressing (I used the Marzetti’s brand made with olive oil and it is so tasty)

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Romaine lettuce

12 slider buns or 6 regular hamburger buns

What to do with the stuff~

Place chicken in a 4.5 quart slow cooker with 1 1/2 cups of water.  Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.  When it is done, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain water out of the slow cooker.  Now shred the chicken using 2 forks and place back in slow cooker. In a medium size bowl, whisk together dressing, cheese, parsley and pepper until combined.  Pour this mixture over the chicken.  Cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes or until heated all the way through.  Spoon some of the mixture onto bun.  Top with freshly washed Romaine lettuce and voila!  Chicken Caesar salad on a bun.  Oh yes!

Now, this following recipe is for Creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini soup and it is AWESOME.  Or as the kids (and me…despite swearing I would not) are saying…awesome sauce!!  Also, because I tend to cook for different groups of peeps and some of them are vegan, vegetarian, etc…I am always glad to have some meatless yet satisfying dishes on hand.  This one is meatless and full of super food veggies (spinach and mushrooms…jackpot!).   Yes, spring is on the horizon and I am thrilled, but there are a few cold nights left and this will hit the spot.  But to be honest, a nice soup that I don’t have to stand over the stove to cook is just fine in the summer time too!  Serve with a big side salad and supper is served.

Creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup (adapted from http://myfavoritethings-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/03/creamy-slow-cooker-tortellini-soup.html?m=1)

Stuff you need~

1 envelope white sauce mix (I used white gravy mix from the package…same thing)

4 cups water

1014 ounce can vegetable broth

1 8 oz. container or 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 teaspoons of the jarred stuff)

1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt or sea salt

1/4 teaspoon, dried oregano, crushed (I did not crush mine.  It was fine)

1/8 teaspoons or a nice dash of cayenne pepper

1 -8 ounce package or 2 cups of dried cheese tortellini

1-12 ounce can PET milk (evaporated milk)

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

dash of ground pepper

shredded Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

The cast of characters in this scrumptious dish

What to do with the stuff~

Sprinkle dry white sauce/gravy mix in the bottom of your 3.5-4 quart slow cooker.  Gradually whisk in the water to combine with the gravy mix, until smooth.  Stir in broth, mushrooms, onion, garlic and spices.  Cover and cook on low for 5 1/2 hours, depending on your slow cooker or on high for 2 1/2 hours.  Stir in dried tortellini.  Cover and cook on low for another hour or so.  Stir in evaporated milk and spinach leaves.  That’s it.  Now ladle some into individual bowls.  If you are so inclined, sprinkle each bowl with some black pepper and shredded Parm.  Makes about 4 nice size servings.

Mouth watering…oh I love you!

Dear God…thank you for beautiful days like this.  And for soup.

 And my crockpot.  Amen

photo courtesy of Cammie Engle