How To Make Your Own Paraffin Therapy Spa Using A Slow Cooker - Guest Post

How To Make Your Own Paraffin Therapy Spa Using A Slow Cooker

Paraffin therapy is one of the most effective natural treatments for muscle soreness and joint pain.  Ever heard of it?  It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: you coat yourself (or at least, your hands or feet, depending on where the pain is) with paraffin wax.  The moist heat helps to relieve pain and increase range of motion--much like a piping hot bath, but with more lasting effects.

              

Although paraffin therapy is a well-loved holistic remedy, it can take quite a hit on your wallet.  If you want to save some cash, you can actually create your own paraffin therapy.

There are a couple of options: you can buy your own paraffin bath from a medical supply store--

Or...

...You can make your own spa using a slow cooker.  Yes, you heard that right: you already know your favorite kitchen appliance can be so much more than you thought possible; let’s take it one step further. Read on to learn how your slow cooker can double as an arthritis-soothing spa.

Materials

You’ll only need a few things:

●     A slow cooker (small for hands, large if you also want to use it for your feet)

●     4 lbs paraffin wax

●     1 ⅓ c Mineral oil

●     A candy thermometer

●     Essential oils (optional)

●     Plastic wrap

To make things even easier, all of these items are easy to locate at your neighborhood supermarket!

Using the paraffin therapy spa:

First, you’ll add the paraffin wax to your slow cooker.  When it’s fully melted, stir in the mineral oil. At this point, you can also add a couple drops of the essential oil of your choice.  The essential oils are by no means “essential” (har-har) to the process, but they can certainly make the experience more relaxing and luxurious. 

After combining the ingredients, continue to heat to your preferred temperature. This is where the candy thermometer comes in. To avoid burns, you must keep the temperature under 125 degrees. Most paraffin therapy spas keep their temperatures between 115 and 125 degrees, as that’s the most effective range of temperatures.

Once the bath is ready, go ahead and dip your hands or feet into the bath. Make sure and wash with soap and water beforehand; if you keep the paraffin clean, it can actually be stored and used again! 

Once you’ve fully submerged your limb (hand to the wrist or foot to the ankle), continue dipping to build up layers. After you’ve dipped several times, wrap wax-covered parts of your body in plastic wrap. Then, cover the plastic wrap with a towel (this will help keep the warmth in).  Once you’re all wrapped up, let the therapy do its work for the next 20 minutes as you kick your feet back and relax.

When the paraffin has done its work, go ahead and peel it off-- you can either discard or save for future use. Finish with a luxurious moisturizer to nourish the skin and keep it from drying out.

So there you have it--having your own paraffin therapy spa can be just as relaxing as a professional day at a real spa or natural hot spring in Japan, but this treatment can be done right in the comfort of your home.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer, business owner and mother who doesn’t always have the time to visit a professional spa for a paraffin therapy treatment, so she makes her own right at home. Follow her on Pinterest and Twitter for more beauty tips and tricks.

5 Excellent Grilling Tips Used By Professionals - Guest Post

5 Excellent Grilling Tips Used by the Professionals

                Grilling is a lot of fun. The taste of the food mixed with all of the juices and marinates coming right off of a grill is an exhilarating sensation. Grilling is also a great way to cook healthy and stay say well. The experience in and of itself can be refreshing and bring about some sense of nostalgia to the excellent summer days with family or friends. Luckily summer is on the way and we can once again enjoy those great warm refreshing days. If you’re looking to better your skills on the grill here are five excellent tips for you.

1.       Use a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills are renowned for providing a rich smoky flavor to your food. They may require a little bit more effort to use but you will certainly notice the benefits. If you decide to use a charcoal grill make sure that you use additive-free charcoal and a chimney starter. Don’t even think about using lighter fluid.

2.       Clean Your Grill

Keeping your grill clean provides better taste and texture to your food and keeps your food from sticking. It also lengthens the life of your grill, especially if you use a gas grill. Make sure you give you grill a good brush before and after each use while the grill is heating up and cooling down. Every once and a while it is a good idea to give your grill a real good thorough scrub down, but make sure your grill is cool and unplugged from an fuel source.

3.       Use a No-Stick Grilling Spray

Use a no-stick grilling spray that keeps your food from sticking to the grill and tasting great. Use this spray on your food or spray on a paper towel and wipe your grill down.

4.       Determine Temperature by Touch

If you want to know how well done your protein is the best method is to use your finger to touch and feel the meat itself. Rare will feel squishy, medium will feel firm but will still give way, and well done will feel very firm.  Don’t cut into the meat as this will dry out your food. If you must puncture your meat use a kitchen thermometer to determine the internal temperature.

5.       Let Your Meat Sit

Once you have finished cooking let your meat sit for five minutes. This keeps the juices in the meat when you cut into it there for preserving much of the flavor. Wrap the meat in foil if you are afraid of it cooling down too much. Fish is best served immediately off the grill.

Now you will be able to grill like a pro!!!  Let us know how you’re grilling experience went.

This post was brought to you on behalf of PAM Cooking Spray. For cooking tips or more grilling tips visit the PAM website. 
 

10 Easy Foods to Grill Out This Summer that Kids will Love - Guest Post

I LOVE to use my grill during the summer, but often don't know what to make besides hot dogs and hamburgers.  It's awesome to use the grill when you don't want to heat up the kitchen on a hot day, and you don't have time to wait for your slow cooker.  Check out this great article on 10 Easy Foods to Grill Out This Summer that Kids will Love!  It will give you some great ideas!  I know my kids would gobble this stuff right up!

Food For Gifts: Tips for Handmade Gifts - Guest Post

Food For Gifts: Tips For Handmade Gifts

When we were younger (when we had no income and no means by which to buy our parents something that wouldn’t have come out of their own pockets), we used to make them gifts ourselves. In many ways, those might have been the most thoughtful and relational gifts we could have ever given.

Why? Because we put in the effort of making it with our own hands.

We live in a society that is getting increasingly “gift weary” because of the high amount of focus on birthday and holiday shopping. Gift cards, in particular, have made it easy to view gift giving as an obligation with little or no thought (or effort) required.

While you can give a gift card with thought and sincerity, you can still (even as an adult) make something yourself that will be considered far more thoughtful.

It’ll probably also cost you a lot less, so everybody wins.

Since food lends itself easily to this style of gift giving, let’s look at a few ideas for homemade gifts in that category.

1. Fruit Infused Vodkas

Finding a cute and attractive glass bottle to keep it in is easy and fairly inexpensive. The process to actually make the fruit flavored vodka is even easier. Essentially, just buy the vodka and add the fruit. You can find plenty of recipes and instructions online.

2. Jams and Preserves

Since these are so easy to make, it’s odd that you see people buying them as gifts so often. Making them yourself is a pretty simple process and you can get creative with flavors and the jars you use to present them. Pinterest is a great place to go for flavor and presentation ideas.

Your out of pocket expense will be pretty low for this one.

3. Spice and Dry Rub Mixes

It might sound a bit redundant for someone who probably already has an adequate spice rack, but having a spice or rub mix already made for you is great when you’re ready to cook a meal that calls for it.

The person you gift this to will appreciate the fact that you took the time to mix it all up. Like the vodka and preserves, you can present it in a variety of different “gifty” ways.

Try making a few different kinds, labeling each container and giving them in a gift basket. These are especially great if you know people who love to cook.

4. Flavored Sugars

Different flavored sugars are easy to make and, like the spice mixes, are best offered in different flavors or variety packs. These might be ideal for someone you know who drinks a lot of tea or coffee, or who likes to bake on a fairly regular basis.

5. Homemade Cookie Dough

 Presentation is everything with this one. The best way to wrap it up is to make it into a log, like you will often see at the store. To start, use some kind of baking paper, then wrap that paper up in something decorative and tie it off at the ends. Once it’s all wrapped, add a decorative label and you’re good to go.

You could also reuse a gift box (i.e. wine box) or gift bag that you have received in the past for any of these homemade gifts.

One of these gifts is sure to please and the recipient will definitely appreciate the fact that you took the time to make the gift yourself (and it won’t burn a hole in your wallet!).

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer from the Los Angeles area whose writing covers everything from healthy eating and cooking to technology and manufacturing. When it comes to budgeting, she enjoys saving money by making thoughtful handmade gifts for her friends and loved ones. 

Fiesta Chicken with Rice and Beans - Guest Post

Fiesta Chicken with Rice and Beans

Spring is here, meaning it’s time for fresh spring recipes that you can eat on the porch while you’re soaking up the sunshine. While many people pack up their slow cookers at the first sign of warm weather, there’s absolutely no reason to do so. Slow cookers are great kitchen tools all year round—in fact, you’ll actually be limiting your spring cooking options if you pack yours up until next winter!

While you will probably want to stay away from heavier winter staples like thick stews, pot roasts and creamy soups, there are dozens of ways to make lighter spring recipes in the slow cooker! They’re versatile enough to handle virtually any type of dish you’re craving; just use seasonal spring ingredients to keep your meals light so they won’t weigh you down.

This easy recipe for Fiesta Chicken with Rice and Bans is the perfect example of how warm-weather dinners are easy to make in cold-weather kitchen tools. It uses tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning mix and black beans for a burst of spicy spring flavor, and a chicken breast and rice combination that will fill you up. Eat it on its own, or put a fun spin on taco night and try spooning the fiesta chicken mixture into tortillas and taco shells.

Plus, tomato recipes like this one don’t require unhealthy cream or butter bases, making this a dish you can feel great about serving your family. Try it tonight and enjoy!

Fiesta Chicken with Rice and Beans

·         PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

·         2 10 oz. cans Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained

·         1 15 oz. Hunt’s® Tomato Sauce

·         1 15 oz. can Rosarita® Premium Whole Black Beans, drained and rinsed

·         1 cup frozen whole kernel corn

·         1 1.25 oz. package 30% less sodium taco seasoning mix

·         2 cups water

·         1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 24 pieces

·         1 ½ cups parboiled white long-grain rice, uncooked

Spray the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place all remaining ingredients except for rice in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 ½ hours or until chicken is tender.

Add rice, stir and cook for 30 more minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir again before serving.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Meredith K. on behalf of Hunt’s®. For more easy slow cooker recipes and dinner ideas from salads to easy meatloaf recipes, visit www.hunts.com. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - Guest Post by Being Cheap Is Easy!

I absolutely love Chicken Cacciatore!  When Ashleigh of www.beingcheapiseasy.com contacted me with this recipe, I was more than happy to post it!  I'm especially happy to see a recipe with FEW and HEALTHY ingredients!  This is one of those "go-to" type recipes when you're in a pinch.

Ashleigh is a Michigan mom of 3 little ladies and hubby Ricky.  Her blog shares tips on how to save money online and in stores, recipes for easy and inexpensive meals, gardening, music, decorating, etc. She's always finding new topics to talk about!

Chicken Cacciatore

For this awesome recipe, follow this link.

Comment below on what you think about this great recipe!

Teriyaki Chicken - Guest Post from Mamma Maria's La Cucina

No muss, no fuss!  That's what I love about his recipe by guest poster Maria of Mamma Maria's La Cucina. Any recipe where I can just throw chicken in a slow cooker with some spices, I'm in!!!!  I can't wait for you to try this, because everything from Mamma Maria is awesome!

A little bit about Mamma Maria......At the age of 10, Maria began cooking with her father and quickly developed a love for it!  She enjoys mix-matching different spices and ingredients in different combinations to make unique tastes. Maria is a work at home mommy who LOVES to cook!  Lucky for us, Mamma Maria has agreed to share several of her slow cooker recipes with us over the next few months!  I'm excited to share the first one with you!

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

1lb chicken (sliced, cubed or however)

1c chicken broth

1/2c terriyaki or soy sauce 

1/3c brown sugar

3minced garlic cloves

1/4 cup honey 

1 Tablespoon sesame seeds 

Directions:

Add ingredients to small crock stir, cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours 

Serve with rice and zucchini , they were perfect accompaniment to this dish !! 

Simple easy and delicious !!!

For Mamma's original post, with step by step pictures, click here.

Health Benefits of Grass Fed Beef - Guest Post

'Grass fed' means that the cattle that your beef comes from have eaten only grass and other foraged foods during their lifetime. It makes sense that what the cow eats makes a significant difference to the beef that it gives. The old adage 'you are what you eat' isn't just for children. Compared with traditional grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef has a much higher content of good fats, and much lower instances of bad fats. Understanding the difference between good and bad fats is a very important thing for your all-round health and well-being. It can be thought of as knowing the difference between what your body needs and what it doesn't. Omega-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid, antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E, are all found in high numbers in grass-fed beef, and are all indispensable elements to good health. For example, omega 3 fatty acids are essential for normal growth, and they play a big role in the prevention and treatment of nasty things like hypertension, coronary artery disease, arthritis, and cancer. Grass fed farming techniques are now practised and promoted by butchers like Cannings butchers, because there has recently been a big media discussion about the health elements of meat eating within the health industry.

Tests have shown us that when the ratio of omega 6 fats to omega 3 fats exceeds 4:1 in the food we eat habitually, health problems are likely to occur. To be healthy and have a strong healthy heart, this ration should be kept low. Grain-fed beef can have ratios that exceed 20:1 and grass-fed beef is  down around 3:1, it's a big difference! This ratio of omegas can be easily overlooked, even though it's a very important health indicator.  That means that lovely lean meat can actually lower your cholesterol levels!  What's more, grass fed is that it is less likely to give a nasty food sickness, because levels of e coli are dramatically lower in grass fed cattle stomachs. Basically, you're much better off spending those extra few dollars on your grass fed beef. The cost is nothing compared with the benefits. Grass fed is the future.

This article was written by Danielle McAnn.  You can find here in the following places

About.me/mcanndanielle

Connect with me on Google+

*Disclaimer: I have been compensated for posting this article.  All opinions expressed here are those of Danielle McAnn.

Three-Bean Turkey Chili - Hamilton Beach Recipe

It's still pretty darn cold here in Michigan, which means it's still time for Chili!  This Three-Bean Turkey Chili sounds delicious!  It's packed with lots of things that are healthy for you, and has a little bit of a "kick" too!  Did I mention, it just "looks" delicious too?!  I can almost smell it.......

For this hearty Three-Bean Turkey Chili recipe, click here.

For more great Hamilton Beach slow cooker recipes, click here.

How to Easily Make Any Recipe Gluten-Free - Guest Post by Bridgette Sandorford

How to Easily Make Any Recipe Gluten-Free

Eating a gluten-free diet can be difficult: There seems to be gluten in just about all your favorite foods! Yet you know you can't eat gluten, either because you have  a sensitivity or because you are trying to eat an overall healthier diet that is lower in carbs.

You don't have to resign yourself to eating broccoli and lettuce for every meal. You can enjoy many of your favorites by making some simple substitutions. Here are a few ideas for how you can make any recipe gluten-free:

Substitute the Flour

The primary ingredient in most recipes that contains gluten is the flour. You can easily fix this by substituting a gluten-free flour in the recipe. Some options may include:

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour

You will have to experiment with the ratios as you may not be able to substitute these flours one-for-one for typical all-purpose flour.

Opt for Flourless

You can get around the problem of the flour by omitting it from the recipe completely. Of course, this won't be an option for many dishes. However, you can easily find recipes online for flourless cake (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/flourless-chocolate-cake-ii/), flourless brownies (http://www.homemademommy.net/2013/01/flourless-brownies.html) and flourless cookies (http://babyparenting.about.com/od/snackrecipes/r/3ingpbcookies.htm). Search online to find flourless options of your favorite desserts.

Swap Out the Breadcrumbs

Sweet foods aren't the only ones harboring gluten. Savory fried treats often use breadcrumbs and batters that contain gluten. You can still enjoy crispy fried chicken and fish by making some simple swaps. You can use crushed nuts like almonds or make crumbs out of a gluten-free cereal. You can also bake instead of fry, which will make the dish healthier, as well.

Use Gluten-Free Condiments

Sauces and marinades like teriyaki, alfredo, or marsala can contain hidden gluten. There are ingredients that are added to thicken the sauces or to give them flavor, and these often contain gluten. You can easily swap these out for gluten-free varieties that you find in the grocery store. Just be sure to always read the labels! Yeast and "natural flavors" are found in a lot of these items.

Use Alternative Core Ingredients

You can enjoy "pasta" that's not really pasta and put a sandwich on a "bun" that's not really a bun. Try using spaghetti squash or spiralizing a zucchini for a healthy, gluten-free pasta dish, or wrap up your sandwich in a piece of lettuce instead of a bun. You'll have a naturally gluten-free dish that doesn't require any recipe substitutions or experiments.

Eating gluten-free doesn't have to be difficult. You can easily make any recipe gluten-free by simply following these basic tips.

How do you make recipes gluten-free? Share your tips in the comments!

About the Author:

Bridget Sandorford is a freelance food and culinary writer, where recently she’s been researching culinary arts schools in Michigan. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, painting and working on her first cookbook. 

Healthy Cooking With Your Slow Cooker - Guest Post

Healthy Cooking With Your Slow Cooker

Planning meals can be stressful enough.  Why add more pressure with hard-to-prepare meals when a recipe can be prepared in the morning - letting your slow cooker do the work for you all day long?  You can even place everything in the slow cooker the day before, cover and put in the refrigerator overnight, to begin the slow cooking first thing in the morning. 

You may only think of your slow cooker for stews and soups, but it can be a useful tool when it comes to preparing delicious, easy and healthy meals for your any gathering.  Slow cookers can be used for a number of different dishes, from roasts to seafood to yummy desserts.  Using your slow cooker allows you the opportunity to put a little twist on your old favorites - finding you like them even better!  Here are a few ideas and tips to get you thinking about how to incorporate the slow cooker this season:

Brunch: Try a Breakfast Bake with eggs, bacon (turkey for a healthier option, cheese (low-fat preferred) and your favorite veggies.  Baking in a slow cooker can be slightly tricky but doable.  Make sure to grease the pot before adding the ingredients.  You will also want to lift and rotate the insert halfway through the baking to ensure even cooking.

The Main Course: Although most meat does not need browning, doing so will add a more developed taste to your dish.  Ground beef and turkey should always be browned before adding to a slow cooker, as a dull gray color can make your meal look less appetizing.  Wait until cooking is nearly finished to season your dish.  Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking, as they can become blackened if cooked for very long.

Veggies cook slower than most meat, so they need to go on the bottom.  Place meat on top of root veggies, like carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery and onions.  Veggies that add flavor, such as peppers and tomatoes need to be added at the end – about half hour prior to serve.

To speed up the thicken of sauces with flour or cornstarch at the end of cooking, increase heat to high and cook for an additional 20 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can drain juices from the pot and stir in corn starch.  Boil the juices in a sauce pan on the stove top, stirring to keep smooth.  Return to pot when ready.

Sides and Sauces: Glazed carrots, roasted potatoes, sauteed brussel sprouts can all be made easily in the crock pot.  Using your slow cooker for side dishes can free up space in your oven if you have multiple dishes to prepare.  For sauces, think cranberry sauce or low-fat creamy sauces for meat or seafood.  If you do plan on using a recipe that contains milk, cheese or other dairy products, be sure to add them at the end of cooking.  Condensed soups can be substituted for milk and can cook for extended times.

Whatever is on your family meal menu, consider using your slow cooker to make things a little easier for any occasion!

Guest post by Jennifer Nordwall, freelancer for EverydayHealth.com and its recipe and calorie counter tools (http://www.everydayhealth.com/calorie-counter.aspx). 

Crock Pot Chicken Chow Mein ala Mamma Maria - Guest Post from Mamma Maria's La Cucina

One of my absolute downfalls is Chineese food!  I love a good Chineese take-out!  Chicken Chow Mein is one of my favorite dishes.  I made a healthy version of this a while back, but this looks sinful and delicious!  Personally, I can't wait to try it!  You can find Mamma Maria's recipes on her Facebook page, so go give her a "like!"

A little bit about Mamma Maria......At the age of 10, Maria began cooking with her father and quickly developed a love for it!  She enjoys mix-matching different spices and ingredients in different combinations to make unique tastes. Maria is a work at home mommy who LOVES to cook!  Lucky for us, Mamma Maria has agreed to share several of her slow cooker recipes with us over the next few months!  I'm excited to share the first one with you!

Crock Pot Chicken Chow Mein ala Mamma Maria

Ingredients :
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut thin 
1 bunch of celery, chopped and leaves reserved for use in dish
4 onions, peeled and sliced thin 
1 8ounce container mushrooms, sliced & chopped 
3 green onions , chopped 
3 garlic cloves, chopped fine 
1 can cream of chicken soup 
1 can chicken gravy 
1 can bean sprouts , drained 
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley flakes 
1/2 cup water 
1 Tablespoon soy sauce 
additional & optional ingredients 
steamed rice 
chow mein noodles 
green onion - optional topping
sesame seeds - optional 
1 carrot, using a peeler add carrot curls to the vegetable portion of the recipe


Directions:

Slice your chicken thin, add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, s&p to taste, pinch of garlic & onion powders and set aside allowing the chicken to marinate so to speak. 

Proceed to wash cut, chop all vegetables. Once finished turn the crock pot on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. Add the chicken , the scallions , mushrooms and the garlic, onions & celery. DONT forget the celery leaves !! They give such a wonderful added flavor ! 

Stir the mixture, then add the spices and the gravy & cream of chicken soup, the 1 Tablespoon soy sauce and 1/2 cup water, mix well. 

Cover & cook 6 hours on high. In the last 5 minutes add the drained bean sprouts and stir together ! 

Serves about 6 adults , maybe more.

Mamma Maria has step-by-step pictures on her Facebook Page, so be sure to check out the original post!

New York Pizza Dip - Hamilton Beach Recipe

This New York Pizza dip would make a great addition to any party, or just a fun family night appetizer!  Pizza.....as a dip.....made in the slow cooker?!!!!!!  YES PLEASE!!!!!!

 Doesn't that look delicious?!!!!

For this EASY, Kid-Friendly Recipe, please click here.

For more great Hamilton Beach slow cooker recipes, click here.

* Disclaimer: I am being compensated for this post.  All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may differ from others.

No Alarm Chili - Guest Post

If you’re in need of new Chili ideas try this interesting Chili Recipe. It’s a hearty chili dish with a sweet tangy taste.  This recipe doesn't call for the slow cooker, but I would follow the directions as is, then let it cook 6 hours or so on LOW in your slow cooker!

No Alarm Chili

INGREDIENTS

·         1 pound extra lean ground beef (95% lean)

·         1 can (15 oz each) Manwich® Original Sloppy Joe Sauce

·         1 can (8 oz each) Hunt's® Tomato Sauce-No Salt Added

·         1 can (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained, rinsed

·         2 teaspoons chili powder

·         1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

·         1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

DIRECTIONS

1.       Cook beef in large skillet over medium-high heat 7 minutes or until crumbled and no longer pink, stirring occasionally; drain.

2.       Add all remaining ingredients; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Author Bio: James writes on behalf of Manwich. For other Ground Beef Recipes or Sloppy Joe sauce visit manwich.com. 

Chicken Parmesan - Guest Post from The Country Cook

I'm so grateful that Brandi of TheCountryCook.net has agreed to do some guest blogging for me while I work on the cookbooks!!!!!!  She has so many awesome recipes on her blog!  Every time she posts something, my mouth waters! :)

Brandi from TheCountryCook.net publishes a website dedicated to classic American recipes and quick and easy family favorites.  Brandie is a working Momma who lives in the beautiful mountains of Virginia.  She understands the challenges of today's families and shares many recipes that are quick and easy to prepare so families have more time to enjoy each other (and a tasty meal) together at the supper table.

First up from Brandie, Chicken Parmesan!  One of my absolute favorite things to eat!  I can't wait for you all to try this and come back and tell me how good it is!!!!

*For the Chicken Parmesan Recipe and step-by-step pictures, please click here.
You can follow TheCountryCook.net on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Kicked Up Crock Pot Pepper Steak - Guest Post from Mamma Maria's La Cucina

Personally, I love anything with sauce served over rice!  How can it be bad?!  LOL  This Pepper Steak from Mamma Maria's La Cucina looks scrumptious!  When you give it a try, come back and tell me how great it tasted!!!! And go give her facebook page a "like" and let her know I sent you!!!! ;)

A little bit about Mamma Maria......At the age of 10, Maria began cooking with her father and quickly developed a love for it!  She enjoys mix-matching different spices and ingredients in different combinations to make unique tastes. Maria is a work at home mommy who LOVES to cook!  Lucky for us, Mamma Maria has agreed to share several of her slow cooker recipes with us over the next few months!  I'm excited to share the first one with you!

Kicked Up Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, sliced very thin 
1/2 each of red, yellow & green bell peppers, sliced into julienne type strips * see photo 
2 medium onions, sliced in half then made into smaller slices * see photo 
1 8oz package of mushrooms, sliced 
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
salt pepper & garlic powder to taste to season the beef, not alot as you will be adding more 
1 teaspoon oil to coat beef
1 can or jar turkey gravy ( yup i said turkey ) 
1 beef bouillon cube
1 heaping teaspoon szechuan chili paste 
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/2 cup tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce

Directions :

Turn your crock on for 8 hours on low ..... 
Slice your beef and set aside then chop the garlic, in a bowl mix the beef, oil, garlic powder s&p and set aside. 

Continue with cutting your vegetables. Once done with that, the crock will be slightly warm and add the beef into crock pot. Add the remaining vegetables, then seasonings and gravy & tomato sauce.

Mix well and cover and cook for 8 hours on low.

Serve with steamed rice * my suggestion for a side 

It has a very nice kick to it, so if you are feeding young children I suggest not adding the szechuan paste, unless they are accustomed to spicy foods. ** you can also add some to your own plate once you have served it up !!! 

For directions with step-by step pictures, click here.

Italian Chicken Vegetable Stew - Guest Post from Mamma Maria's La Cucina

I LOVE a good stew....especially one packed with lots of "good for you" things!  Mamma Maria's Italian Chicken Vegetable Stew looks incredibly delicious!  There is so much you can do with this to customize it for your family.  I think you'll find it will please everyone at your dinner table.

A little bit about Mamma Maria......At the age of 10, Maria began cooking with her father and quickly developed a love for it!  She enjoys mix-matching different spices and ingredients in different combinations to make unique tastes. Maria is a work at home mommy who LOVES to cook!  Lucky for us, Mamma Maria has agreed to share several of her slow cooker recipes with us over the next few months!  I'm excited to share the first one with you!

Once you make this, please come back and let me know how it was!  And go give her facebook page a "like" and let her know I sent you!!!! ;)

Italian Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes 
3 carrots peeled and cubed 
1 sweet potato peeled and cubed 
1 white potato peeled and cubed 
1/2 cup frozen corn 
1 cup fresh green beans cut into spoon size pieces ( if fresh isnt available use frozen cut green beans ) 
**optional 1/2 cup frozen green peas ** my daughter HATES them so I didnt add them , but its a great addition to put in this stew as well 
1 medium onion, chopped fine 
2-3 cloves garlic, minced 
salt pepper & garlic powder to taste ( for chicken ) 
1 can tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce * your favorite flavor 
2 bay leaves
1 chicken bouillon cube 
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
1 teaspoon basil flakes 
2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley 
1/2 teaspoon onion powder 

Directions :

Prep your chicken and toss into crock pot and season with salt, pepper & garlic powder. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and mix well.

Then add the corn, carrots, potatoes and green beans. Toss in your seasonings & sauce . Mix well, cover and cook for 8 hours on low.

Mamma suggests serving over Egg noodles. 

Enjoy!