Low Fat Cooking in the Crockpot

I love to cook in my crockpot (I think we’re supposed to call them “slow cookers” now). The hard part is that not a lot of crockpot meals fit my Weight Watchers points. One of my favorite cookbooks, however, is nothing but healthy and low fat recipes that you can make in your crockpot. It’s called Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly. They have a whole line of slow cooker cookbooks, but this is the one with the great low fat recipes.

What I do is go through and pick out a handful of recipes and run them through the Weight Watchers point counter. Then I write the point totals into the book so that the next time I cook, I don’t have to look them up again. I also write in any alterations that I have made.

Tonight we are having Taco Soup. It’s a lot like chili except a little more soup-like in consistency and includes a ranch dressing packet, which gives it an extra kick. It’s 5 points a serving and everyone in my family loves it. We also make the Chicken Soft Tacos regularly as well as the Chicken and Dumplings. The key is just testing things out and then leaving notes in your margins so you know what to go back to later. With hundreds of recipes, you will be cooking new healthy and light recipes in your crockpot for your family for months to come!

You can pick up Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly at Amazon or most book sellers.

Flirty Aprons a Hot New Option for Moms

While I have to admit that the thought of wearing an apron all the time makes me think about June Cleaver, I also have to admit that on occasion, an apron is a necessity. For example, when I am working with flour, I tend to get it everywhere. Given that I wear a lot of black and navy blue, I am a mess by the time I get done baking. There are also some things that I make that I need to wipe my hands a lot and it is easier to have a fresh apron on than to constantly keep reaching for a towel. When my girls are in the kitchen with me, I often give them aprons because they are bound to spill something on themselves. The dye from sugar cookie icing is the worst! I’m always worried that something will stain their clothes when they are helping me.

Flirty Aprons has some great alternatives to old-fashioned aprons. They have aprons for both adults and kids (including just a couple for dad). My personal favorite is the “Sassy Black.” Who wouldn’t wear something called “Sassy Black”??

They also have a nice variety of flowers and fruits…and cupcakes! Even better, they have some coupons available. You can get free shipping on a purchase of $60 or more with coupon “FREESHIP.” For a limited time (through 2/15), you can take 12% off a purchase of $60 or more with code VALENTINEAPRON. Flirty Aprons would make a cute gift for Mother’s Day or even Valentine’s Day. Pair it with a cookbook, a box of chocolates, or both!

Reynolds Wrap Free Foil

I just saw a commercial for Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil and did a double take. In a time when other companies are making boxes smaller and charging you the same price, Reynolds is actually including 5 extra feet of foil in marked packages. With the holidays coming and all of the foil that I use, it is perfect timing!

I also found some other interesting information when I visited the Reynolds website. They have developed a new space saving box that is more durable and houses the foil better. Did you know that all Reynolds foil is made in Louisville, Kentucky and Richmond, Virginia? The aluminum itself is made in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A true Made in the USA product!

I will be the first to admit that every now and again when I need a lot of foil I buy the generic version. But I think this year I want to give my business back to Reynolds and support a company that is doing its best to do right by its customers. You can see the Reynolds 5 Feet Free commercial on their website.

Low Country Boil Recipe

I’m reposting this recipe because summer is here and the Low Country Boil is one of our favorite things to do as a family. We originally had this at the Edmunds’ Family Low Country Boil at the Disney Vacation Club in Hilton Head a couple of years ago. These are not the exact recipes that we had at Disney, but they are really similar and delicious. We have started a new 4th of July tradition as a result of the Low Country Boil! We initially tried to cook it in a big outdoor pot, but it took too long. So we switched to a turkey fryer and it worked much better. (Click here to find Turkey Fryers at Amazon.com)

Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe from Chef Rick

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. Keilbasa per person
1/2 lb. Raw shrimp in shell per person
3 Red bliss potatoes per person
1 Ear of corn per person
2 Lemons
Cayenne pepper
Cloves
Garlic
Bay leaves
Old Bay Seasoning
Black pepper
TabascoOptional:
2 Small onions per person
1 Carrot cut into 4ths per person
1-2 crabs per person

 

Boil water in a large kettle on stove or outdoor cooker. Season water with salt and your choice of above flavorings along with the juice of two lemons or 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Add carrots, sausage and onions. Bring back to a boil. When potatoes and carrots are almost tender, add corn and crabs. Bring to a boil, then add shrimp. Cook a few minutes until shrimp are just done – they will be pink in color. Drain and pour into a basket or onto platters. Have cocktail sauce and Dijon mustard at hand. This is a crowd pleaser!

Low Country Boil Recipe from Group Recipes

Ingredients: 

Directions:

Get Cooking: Lasagna Recipe

We have been on vacation for the last week and that meant lots of fast food and processed foods. I’m ready to get back into the grind and start making family meals again. I set out to find some quick and easy recipes to add to my collection. I like to plan all of my meals at the beginning of the week and go grocery shopping one time for everything. This helps keep my grocery costs down plus lessens the chance that we will eat out because I can’t find anything to fix.

A big hit at our house is Lasagna. If you find the right Lasagna Recipe, you can even make some minor modifications to it like using low fat cheeses. Or make the pan the night before and put it in the fridge. Then pop it in the oven to bake about an hour before dinner time. We always serve our lasagna with salad and a loaf of multigrain bread. That ensures we get some extra fiber with the meal.

Although cooking for the family does take a little time, you will be so satisfied when you sit down to the meal. And with a dinner like lasagna, you are almost sure to have some leftovers–a perfect lunch the next day!