tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:15:17 +0000gluten freecrockpotslow cookercompany favoritesmain courseStephanie O'Deabudget friendlysummer cookingMake it Fast Cook it Slowlight and healthyvegetarianred meatRecipechickenfun stuffHoliday foodsoupsnacksside dishbeansstapleappetizerschallenge5 Ingredients or Lessdessertvegetablesmini crockpotMexican foodNinja Cooking Systempork. lots and lots of porkAsianautumn cookingbreakfastcasserole365 Slow Cooker SuppersTake Out Fake OutdipItalianfruitpotatoesturkeyTotally TogetherflopBlogHerstewbakingfishsea foodpastaCrocktoberbook clubdrinksmini slow cookerovernightapplesmotherlodefonduelow carbmeal plancandyRachael RaylambtofuribswebTVchowderInstant PotbreadduckeggsbrothcakeveganBarack ObamaBlogBob WardenFarmVilleGrokkerPowerAde PlayZyngaskillshareyummlyFamily friendly crockpot slow cooker recipes from NYT best-selling author Stephanie ODea of the Make it Fast, Cook it Slow cookbooks and the A Year of Slow Cooking website (crockpot 365).http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)Blogger685125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-3203560049883136341Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:15:00 +00002026-03-01T09:15:27.291-08:00budget friendlycasserolechallengecompany favoritescrockpotHoliday foodpotatoesred meatStephanie O'Dea It's almost St. Patrick's Day! Bring on the Shamrocks! Adam and I have been married for 100 million years 20 years this upcoming July. Before marrying into an Irish family, I ate corned beef a handful of times, and honestly wasn't all that impressed. That's because I was wrong. Corned beef is DELICIOUS. And (unless you like it that way), it doesn't need to be soggy and greasy. There arehttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2015/03/stpatricksdayslowcooker.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-2411545853820961026Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:47:00 +00002026-02-12T05:47:52.335-08:00365 Slow Cooker Suppers5 Ingredients or LessCrocktoberInstant PotMake it Fast Cook it SlowStephanie O'Dea I can not count the number of times a day I get an email asking what is better, the CrockPot vs. Instant Pot.(also, side note, maybe I should hire someone to answer emails for me?) The Instant Pot is the hot new craze. It is EVERYWHERE. Here is a fascinating article from NPR about the Viral Success of the Instant Pot... (side note #2 , I was on NPR once for my KFC chicken copycat http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2017/02/crockpot-vs-instant-pot-which-is-better.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-1002506419764110845Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:06:00 +00002026-01-20T06:06:10.099-08:00beansbudget friendlycompany favoritescrockpotfun stuffgluten freeMake it Fast Cook it Slowmotherlodered meatside dishslow cookerStephanie O'Dea Who is ready for some football? Here is a great round-up of recipes you can load into the crockpot before the game starts so you can stay out of the kitchen and in front of the TV! :-) The Super Bowl lends itself to slow cooker food.  No matter if you're cooking at home, or bringing a potluck item to share to a party --- this list has got you covered. Sandwiches. They http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2013/01/slow-cooker-super-bowl-food.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-6249921659567734564Sat, 13 Dec 2025 19:42:00 +00002025-12-13T11:42:14.669-08:00365 Slow Cooker Suppers5 Ingredients or Lessbudget friendlycompany favoritescrockpotgluten freeHoliday foodMake it Fast Cook it SlowStephanie O'Dea Here's a line-up of tried-and-true slow cooker dishes that are suitable for your Holiday--any Holiday-- dinner table. Unless otherwise stated, ALL recipes are completely gluten free, due to a family allergy. If you are not gluten free, simply ignore my notes. --steph Main Course: Bacon-Wrapped Cornish Game Hens Barbequed Hot and Spicy Shrimp Cajun Turkey Breast http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2007/11/crockpot-holiday-food.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-1102826500277822771Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:26:00 +00002025-11-05T06:26:50.426-08:00company favoritescrockpotfun stuffgluten freeHoliday foodMake it Fast Cook it SlowTotally Togetherturkey Be thankful for your crockpots this year.  It sounds peculiar, and maybe even a bit stupid, but if you stop to really think about it, your crockpots are providing a gift. The gift of time. Thanksgiving slow cooker ebook. Click for details. Thanks to this simple machine you have more time in your day to do the things you really want to do: garden, read, play, ticklehttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2011/11/slow-cooker-thanksgiving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-6608027807659307776Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:13:00 +00002025-10-10T05:13:36.788-07:00crockpotCrocktoberfun stuffgluten freeslow cookerStephanie O'Dea Alrighty, slow cookerers!Let's talk Halloween.I can not think of another evening where having a crockpot plugged in will SAVE YOUR SANITY.(well, I probably can think of a few other types of evenings but that's because that's what I do all day long...):-)I wish I could tell you that I come up with something new! and exciting! each year for Halloween, but I'd be lying.I make Pasta Fagioli.Because http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2011/10/halloween-slow-cooker-recipes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-3153171836709091680Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:18:00 +00002025-08-18T06:18:51.470-07:00autumn cookingcompany favoritesgluten freeMake it Fast Cook it Slow originally posted in 2010. I just got back from a pumpkin patch field trip with sixty kindergarteners. In the rain. I wish I could say that I planned ahead and plugged something in so I could happily (and maybe a bit smugly?) report that, "we came home to a hearty bowl full of wholesome goodness that warmed us right up." oh how I wish I could say that. But I can't. We came http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2009/10/slow-cooker-fall-favorites.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8173494189278483854Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:17:00 +00002025-07-01T13:17:34.813-07:00365 Slow Cooker Supperscrockpotfun stuffmain courseMake it Fast Cook it Slowmeal planNinja Cooking Systemslow cookerStephanie O'DeaI didn't always like camping. I much preferred hotels or motels with maid service and a restaurant and clean towels. And then I had kids.  Don't get me wrong, I still love maid service and clean towels, but I hate spending lots of money and I hate having to get kids to sit still and have "restaurant behavior" when we are on a long trip.  A few days here and there is absolutely finehttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2014/02/camping-with-your-slow-cooker.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-5331630777261633620Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:59:00 +00002025-04-10T13:59:28.210-07:00book clubStephanie O'Dea Today is a day that I’ve been waiting for — for almost 20 years!!I am so excited to finally announce the launch of my book “Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World.”This is something that has taken me some time to get all of my thoughts onto paper and I couldn’t be more happy to finally share it with you!It is my hope that this book will bring you some&http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2024/09/new-book-alert-slow-living-cultivating.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8039181507080090544Sat, 22 Mar 2025 12:01:00 +00002025-04-10T13:59:49.292-07:00budget friendlychallengecrockpotfun stuffgluten freeHoliday foodmain courseMake it Fast Cook it Slowslow cookerStephanie O'DeaTotally TogetherwebTVIf you're hosting, or bringing along something to share this year, I've got you covered. The crockpot slow cooker is your friend. Use it! And enjoy your family. Here are 25 plus ways to use your crockpot this Easter as you entertain your family and friends.There are ideas here for appetizers, side dishes, main course, and even dessert. ENJOY! Happy almost-Easter! We host Easter each year (http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2011/04/easter-recipes-for-slow-cooker.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-3905084766149218173Tue, 31 Dec 2024 22:07:00 +00002024-12-31T14:07:43.002-08:00beanscrockpotgluten freeslow cooker We are only a few days away from a brand new year.A clean slate.A new beginning.a new you!I have not opened the laptop in about 6 days -- which is a record for me!!and guess what?Nothing bad happened! :-)  You are all still here!!I hope you were able to chillax a bit during this past week. I've got 3 great recipes for you today which will not only soak up all the random chocolate http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2021/12/ring-in-new-year-with-black-eyed-peas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-4237106181231520200Sat, 10 Aug 2024 11:49:00 +00002024-08-10T04:49:56.971-07:00365 Slow Cooker Suppers5 Ingredients or Lesscrockpotgluten freeInstant PotMake it Fast Cook it SlowNinja Cooking SystemStephanie O'DeaTake Out Fake OutI get a lot of questions about using crockpots in "modern times." I think sometimes people have the misguided notion that slow cookers are passe or are only good for making pot roast or minestrone soup. Sure -- you can make an AWESOME pot roast -- but I promise that you can do so much more.  How Much Liquid Do I Need? I'd also like to take away the notion that you need to drown your meathttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2017/04/modern-crockpot-slow-cooking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-879391445509619058Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:33:00 +00002024-02-28T04:33:37.498-08:00budget friendlychallengecrockpotfun stuffgluten freemeal planslow cookerstapleStephanie O'DeaIf you are like me and at the end of a work week you have 10 to 12 little plastic and glass containers in your refrigerator and want to use them up, then you are going to love these recipes. There is no need to toss leftover food if your family isn't "into leftovers" --- simply repurpose them! Here are 10 ways to clean out your fridge and pantry by transforming leftovers into new food in the http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2014/07/10-slow-cooker-clean-out-pantry-meals.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-2447867031054292719Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:07:00 +00002024-01-22T05:07:37.249-08:00365 Slow Cooker Suppers5 Ingredients or Lessbudget friendlycompany favoritescrockpotgluten freeMake it Fast Cook it SlowstapleStephanie O'DeaI am pretty naturally frugal --- and I love a great bargain. One of the most wonderful things about embracing the slow cooker is how we have saved a TON on groceries and by not ordering take out.Here is a bunch of info on how you, too, can save your hard-earned moolah!! The economy is all whacked out right now and it's scary. I'm not watching the news. I get an email almost every day asking ifhttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2008/10/save-money-by-using-your-crockpot-slow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-9028804411504333818Fri, 19 May 2023 11:51:00 +00002023-05-19T04:51:29.419-07:00budget friendlychallengecompany favoritesfun stuffgluten freeRecipesnacksstapleStephanie O'Deasummer cookingit's kind of fun to call your neighbors and have them over for spur-of-the moment hot dog party and it's even cooler that when you call to squeal that 60 hotdogs can totally fit in a 6-quart slow cooker they know what you mean and highfive you through the phone. Adam says these crockpot dogs remind him of the hot dogs from 7-11 or the movies where they cook on the roller bars--they aren't boiledhttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2012/04/hot-dogs-for-crowd.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)76tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8839156390338826449Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:44:00 +00002023-04-26T05:44:34.501-07:00budget friendlygluten freemain coursepork. lots and lots of porkslow cooker Carnitas are a fun, Mexican dish that has a great tangy flavor. Traditionally it is slow roasted pork seasoned with citrus flavors and then topped with your favorite toppings.  Using the crockpot slow cooker to slow roast the meat provides a slow steady heat which causes the pork to nicely fall apart all on it's own without needing lots of liquid. [originally posted in 2010.] Hello http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2010/02/slow-cooker-carnitas-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8255268598856147756Fri, 14 Apr 2023 13:21:00 +00002023-04-14T06:21:57.387-07:00challengecrockpotCrocktobergluten freeMake it Fast Cook it Slowmotherlodeslow cookerStephanie O'Dea We have two new family members! Meet Sugar and Oliver (Ollie)--- who were in the house all of 45 minutes before I decided to throw them in a crockpot. [PETA disclosure; it wasn't plugged in, they weren't drugged---all just fun and games!] While cooking in the slow cooker is pretty easy, sometimes things don't go exactly quite as planned. Since I've used the crockpot eight http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2011/10/slow-cooker-troubleshooting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-5376240273556455326Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:27:00 +00002023-04-12T06:27:42.429-07:00beansbudget friendlycrockpotCrocktobergluten freelight and healthymain courseslow cooker   I love one-pot meals. This is a nutritiously sound meal that will hopefully keep your meat-loving husband, your carb-conscious mother-in-law, and veggie-hungry aunt all happy. And that there is a very steep order.  The Ingredients. serves 4-6 depending on the size of the people 1 cup lentils  2 cups beef broth 1 (12-ounce) package smoked chicken or turkey sausagehttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2011/10/sausage-and-lentil-stew-slow-cooker.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-6007726033830044570Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:04:00 +00002023-04-12T05:04:46.784-07:00beansbudget friendlycasserolecrockpotgluten freemain courseMexican foodvegetarian   If you didn't get enough of a Mexican food fix yesterday for Cinco de Mayo, here's an easy recipe that will make everyone in the house happy. and since today's Friday, it's probably more appropriate to have your celebratory margarita today, anyway.  Right? or another. it's okay. I don't judge. The Ingredients. serves 8 1 small onion, peeled and diced 1 green http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2011/05/bean-and-cheese-burrito-casserole-slow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8537068566400895782Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:51:00 +00002023-04-17T05:59:43.407-07:00brothgluten freeRecipeslow cookerstapleHow to Make Homemade Chicken broth, home, in your slow cooker. This is a super easy way to use bones from a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make bone broth or chicken broth with your crockpot slow cooker or Instant Pot. Day 17.(originally posted on January 17, 2008, during my Year Long Slow Cooking Challenge) How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth or Bone Broth in your CrockPot Slow Cooker http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2008/01/homemade-chicken-broth-crockpot-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-459050350646424856Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:39:00 +00002023-04-11T14:39:19.615-07:00company favoritescrockpotgluten freelight and healthyRecipeslow cookersoupThis is the World Famous Mulligatawny soup recipe that was featured in the famous "soup nazi" Seinfeld episode. You can make this totally awesome soup at home, in your pajamas, in your very own slow cooker. According to a CNN article , the real life "soup nazi" featured in the famous Seinfeld episode is reopening his soup stand.  I read that he had closed it because of possiblehttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2010/08/slow-cooker-mulligatawny-soup-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-1420654288139075152Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:01:00 +00002023-02-16T06:01:27.519-08:00chickenfun stuffStephanie O'Dea Happy Sunday, Slow Cookerers!!! It is the last day of September. Tomorrow is the beginning of Crocktober, and I wanted to address a few misnomers floating around the internet and my inbox surrounding chicken. Chicken is a staple protein in most households for dinner, and I get the most questions about chicken, so I thought I'd share some of my Frequently Asked CrockPot Chicken http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2018/09/frequently-asked-crockpot-chicken.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8366581701107485638Fri, 06 Jan 2023 18:27:00 +00002023-01-06T10:27:12.245-08:00365 Slow Cooker Suppers5 Ingredients or Lessgluten freeItalianlow carbMake it Fast Cook it SlowStephanie O'DeaHello there, Slow Cookerers!! It is FRIDAY and for many many many (many!) Americans (and probably other countries, too, but since I don't know for sure, I'm sticking with what I know. :-)  ) Friday = Pizza Night. Since we went gluten free back in 2006 due to a family allergy, getting our Friday Night Pizza Fix isn't quite as easy as it used to be, because I need to plan a bit better. http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2017/11/alternative-ways-to-get-your-pizza-fix.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-6628618036594758981Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:22:00 +00002022-11-30T06:22:52.197-08:00crockpotfun stuffgluten freeHoliday foodslow cookerStephanie O'Dea yes, you can totally and you most definitely SHOULD use your crockpot slow cooker to make totally awesome gifts for everyone on your holiday list this year!! I am in MAJOR DENIAL about this year's holiday season. I have not started shopping. I have not started meal planning. I have not figured out cards. I have not done ANYTHING except for unwrap the Elf and start moving it around. I'mhttp://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2016/12/hand-made-holiday-gifts-in-crockpot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-1473275222340743805Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:26:00 +00002022-11-21T06:26:57.624-08:00budget friendlychickengluten freelight and healthyRecipestapleStephanie O'Dea Originally posted in 2010 ---Making shredded chicken in bulk is one of the best ways to use your crockpot slow cooker. When you find a bunch of chicken on sale, bring it home, cook it up, and then you've got shredded chicken for salads, tacos, sandwiches, and pasta!  nice! Happy Monday!  Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and emails about the new baby. http://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2010/01/slow-cooker-shredded-chicken.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Stephanie ODea)52