Lori Ann's Food & Fam

How to Bake a Cake in your Slow Cooker

2026-08-06T11:14:55.433-04:00

Oh Slow Cooker,

How do I Love Thee?

Let me count the ways........

My Love List is long.

And it just got a little longer.

It bakes cakes!!!

Ok. This the point where you either keep scrolling to get the instructions on how to bake a cake in the slow cooker

You hurry up and click your way outta here and wish for me to get a life

(Or at the very least, GET A BETTER BLOG, WEIRD LADY)

For the rest of you still sticking around

Here we go!

Step 1 and Step 2:

Step 3 and 4:

HOW TO BAKE A CAKE IN YOUR SLOW COOOKER

Ingredients

1- 15.25 ounce Cake Mix (betty crocker, duncan hines)
Water, oil, eggs (as directed on cake mix box)
Favorite Frosting

Cooking Directions

Remove crock from heating element and pre-heat your 5 quart oval slow cooker on low setting. Spray crock with cooking spray and lightly coat crock with flour.
Prepare cake mix according to directions on box. Pour batter into prepared crock. Lay a piece of aluminum foil across the top of your crockpot and put the lid on top, folding foil around the lid. Cook for 1 Hour and 35 minutes, or until center tests done.
Turn slow cooker off. Remove the crock from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Invert onto plate.
After cake cools completely, frost with your favorite frosting.

This cake was baked in my favorite slower cooker (out of 6 total). It's a Hamilton Beach 5 Quart Oval Slow Cooker, exactly like this:

Have your cake & eat it too!

Slow Cooker Lemony Raspberry Lava Cake

2016-05-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

Sometimes my cravings stray a little north of the usual chocolate on top of chocolate, with a side of something chocolatey.

Enter Mr. (or Mrs.) Lemon….

Before I go any further, it should be pointed out that this recipe requires a mini story.

Do you mind?

o.k. Thanks.

Back in the day, my mother-in-law owned a bakery and my favorite donut to sneak out of the display case was lemon filled and lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. My second favorite filled donut was raspberry, topped with the perfect dab of homemade vanilla icing.

So, I guess my sweet tooth got a tad nostalgic the other day.

Which caused a slow cooker inspired concoction.

I found a box of lemon cake mix and lemon pudding in my pantry and the rest is history.

In my belly.

Slow Cooker Lemony Raspberry Lava Cake

Ingredients

1 Box Lemon Supreme Cake Mix
Water, Oil, Eggs (as directed on cake mix box)
1 Box Lemon Pudding (instant, 4 serving size)
2 Cups Milk
1 Cup Frozen Raspberries
1 Cup White Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Prepare cake batter according to instructions on box. Pour batter into 4 quart slow cooker. Next, mix pudding with 2 cups milk. Whisk until smooth. Pour pudding mixture on top of the cake batter. DO NOT MIX. Top with frozen raspberries, then sprinkle with white chocolate chips. Cook on low for approximately 4 hours, or until cake begins to bubble in center. Center will be soft (like lava!). Serve warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.

Stay Nostalgic, My Friends.

Slow Cooker Chunky Monkey Lava Cake

2016-04-20T15:38:00.000-04:00

Sometimes inspiration for my slow cooker recipes come in the form of very brown, unattractive things.

I’m talk in’ about bananas.

Very ripe and more than a few days past their prime, might I add.

I had a bunch sitting on the counter a little too long.

So, I decided to re purpose those nanners into a lovely heavenly dessert.

I started out by referring to my popular recipe for Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake, replaced the oil from the original recipe with the ripe bananas and increased the cooking time. The results were quite tasty, especially if you are banana lover or even a banana “liker” like me.

Slow Cooker Banana Chocolate Lava Cake to be exact….

So chocolatey

So Gooey

and Calorie Free

WELL, TWO OUTTA THREE AIN’T BAD.

Slow Cooker Chunky Monkey Lava Cake

Ingredients

1- Box Chocolate Cake mix
2 Eggs
4 Very Ripe Bananas, mashed
2 Cups Milk
1- Box Chocolate Instant Pudding (4 serving size)
1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Mix cake mix, eggs, and mashed bananas in mixing bowl.
Pour batter into a greased 2.5 quart slow cooker.
Next, whisk together pudding mix and milk. Pour over cake batter do not stir together.
Top with chocolate chips.
Cook on low 3-4 hours or until cake is cooked around edges. Center will be pudding like consistency. Top with ice cream. Serve warm.

Keep Monkeying Around!

Lori Ann

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Banana Cream Pie from Scratch

2016-02-16T09:49:00.001-05:00

Every now and then I get that itty bitty sinking feeling in my gut when my boy comes home from college.

As I look past his camo duffle bag full of dirty clothes and steal a glance at his face, I notice something. His eyes. It's his eyes. They look aged. Those are no longer the eyes of a high spirited young boy forever dreaming about home runs and touchdowns.

These are the eyes of an adult.

And with that observation, comes the long suppressed reality of mine.

He will be leaving home soon.

How do I make that feeling temporarily go away?

By giving him memories of home to take with him when he goes.

That's where this lovely Homemade Banana Cream Pie comes in......

This is not your typical grab -a box -of something and add some milk kinda dessert.

This pie is made with Lots of Love......and Bananas.

And just like with raising a child, this recipe for Banana Cream Pie takes a little love and patience.

Stir, stir, stir the filling while cooking for it to turn out nice & thick.

Homemade Banana Cream Pie

Print Recipe

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

1/4 cup sugar

5 tablespoons melted butter

(Or Use a pre-made 9" graham cracker crust)

Pie Filling:

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups 2% milk

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 Tablespoons butter

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 large, firm bananas

To make crust:

Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar and melted butter. Press into a 9" pie plate. Refrigerate 1 hour.

To make filling:

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt and milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. (Make sure it's nice and thick) Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.

In separate bowl, lightly beat eggs; Temper eggs by stirring a small amount of hot filling into eggs;( this keeps the eggs from turning into scrambled eggs when added to the saucepan) return all to pan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla.

Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard to keep the filling from forming a layer of "skin" on the top. Refrigerate, 30 Minutes.

Spread half of the custard into graham cracker shell.. Slice bananas; arrange over filling. Pour remaining custard over bananas. Spread with whipped cream. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.

Lotsa love,

Easy Slow Cooker Baked Sweet Potatoes

2016-02-04T07:37:00.001-05:00

You know that saying "You learn something new everyday" ?

Whelp,

I guess my daily dose of knowledge today came via Wikipedia.

It began with a curious google and ended with discovery that a sweet potato was a actually a vegetable.

Sweet Potatoes are vegetables!!

I know, I know.

I dont get out much, dont judge my exaggerated level of excitement.

Tee hee.

I've been making baked potatoes in the slow cooker for many years.

(Even got my recipe published in a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook)

Here is the link to see the recipe:

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Oh My.

I just had a thought.

Since sweet potatoes are considered a vegetable,

Does this mean I can serve them as a side dish to regular potatoes?

Yes ma'am.

Taters with a side of taters.

I like the sound of that.

SLOW COOKER SWEET POTATOES

4 Medium Size Sweet Potatoes

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Cinnamon

Print Recipe

Rinse the potatoes and pat dry. Place olive oil in bowl and roll the potatoes until coated

Place in slow cooker. Cook for approximately 3 hours on High, or 6 hours on low setting. Depending on the size of your potatoes, cooking time may vary.

My Gooseberry Patch Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe

2016-01-29T11:44:00.001-05:00

"Mom Knows Best"

I do believe I like the sound of that....

and this....

250+ Recipes Shared By Modern Moms

This is my kind of cookbook.

And it just so happens that I actually have a recipe published in said cookbook.

SLOW COOKER SWEET AND SAUCY MEATBALLS

I've had this homemade meatball recipe posted on my blog for a few years now. (And have made them numerous times since)

It's still my daughter's favorite dinner request.

They were a huge hit at the holidays this year too....

Here's the link to the recipe:

Lori Ann's Slow Cooker Homemade Meatballs

Thank you Gooseberry Patch for selecting my Slow Cooker Sweet and Saucy Meatballs for your cookbook!

Snow Day Milkshakes

2016-01-22T16:30:00.001-05:00

With all the talk about snowy weather in the forecast I was reminded of a snow day 4 years ago.

*****Blast from the past re-post*****

Nothing beats the early morning of a snow day....

I love being able to quietly sneak into my kid's bedrooms and whisper "no school today". I remember those days as a kid too. I couldn't wait to be able to sleep in but was always too excited about having the day off of school to really go back to sleep.

So what are we going to do with all of this extra time and snow?

MAKE SNOW MILKSHAKES!!!

We bundled up in our coats, hats, and gloves and headed to the front yard. It's 32 degrees outside, so the snow was nice and packy (is that a word?)...well, you know what I mean.

The ingredients are very basic:

8 Cups of fresh, clean snow
7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1/2 can) I used fat free.
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix together all 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir it together until it's the consistancy of a milkshake.

Mine was a plain vanilla shake, but mini chocolate chips, pureed fruit, or a little chocolate syrup could be added. I have to admit, this was pretty darn tasty and fun to make.

This recipe was happily shared at:

The Country Cook Weekend Potluck

Easy {No Bake} Strawberry Cheesecake

2016-01-20T13:10:00.001-05:00

Many of you gals out there have a guy (Dad, Brother, Hubby)

in your life that has a

Very constant.

Very Specific.

Food request.

Well, this is what my manly man asks for when he get a craving....

No Bake Cheesecake.

He will subtly ask for it like this;

Me: "What do you want for dinner?"

Him: "Cheesecake."

Me:"What do you want for lunch?"

Him:"Cheesecake"

Me:"What do you want for dessert?"

Him: "Cheesecake."......and a little somethin' somethin'

Men.

I've been making cheesecake for this man for over 20 years.

It never gets old watching his big 'ole grin when I tell him he gets the first slice.

It just never gets old.

I guess that's what happens when ya love someone.

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Print Recipe

11 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened (one 8 ounce pkg. plus 3 additional ounces)

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 Carton (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 Shortbread or Graham Cracker Crust (8 or 9 inches)

1 Can (21ounce) Pie filling. Strawberry, Cherry, etc

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into crust. Top with pie filling. Refrigerate until serving. Makes 6-8 servings.

This recipe has been happily shared at:
The Country Cook Weekend Potluck

Hug the One You Love!

Slow Cooker Shrimp Corn Chowder

2016-01-13T14:26:00.001-05:00

If you follow my blog at all, you might have noticed over time that there aren't any seafood recipes on here. That's because of one simple reason: I don't particularly care for seafood. (Fish, to be exact.). It may or may not have a little something to do with fishing with my Dad as a kid. Catching the buggers was fun- but cleaning them.....notsomuch.

These days, it seems like he spends way more time talking about fishing than actually fishing.

Dad sure does love his Zebco fishing pole though.

Mooving on....

So in order for my blog to be sharing a seafood recipe, it must be pretty darn good. Am I right?

Or am I right??

This is good stuff. My manly man is still raving about it.

And my daughter said to let everyone know that it tastes way better than it looks.

(For all those moms out there with children that can only eat beautiful food.)

I've been trying to watch the waistline a bit lately and turns out, shrimp is quite low in calories and packs a nice protein punch.

Does this make me a born-again seafood lover?

I'll get back to ya on that....

And once again, it's made in the slow cooker so it's super simple to put together. Just remember to add the cooked shrimp, cooked bacon and evaporated milk after the potatoes are thoroughly cooked through.

Slow Cooker Shrimp Corn Chowder

PRINT RECIPE

3 Cups Chicken Broth

3 Cups Red Skin Potatoes, Diced

1/2 Cup Celery, Diced

1/4 Cup Onion, Diced

1 -15 Ounce Can sweet Corn (frozen can be used)

1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 Teaspoon Paprika, Sweet

1 Bay Leaf

1- 12 Ounce Can Evaporated Milk (fat free can be used)

16 Ounces Shrimp (Cooked, Peeled and De Veined)

1- 14.75 Ounce Can Creamed Corn

4 Slices Cooked Bacon, Crumbled (or pre cooked real bacon pieces)

Place the first 8 ingredients in a medium sized slow cooker. (onion, potatoes, celery, broth, corn (not creamed), worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and paprika). Cook on low for 6-7 hours. After 6-7 hours, add shrimp, bacon and evaporated milk and creamed corn. Cook on low for an additional 30 Minutes. Serves 8.

This recipe has been happily share at:
The Country Cook Weekend Potluck

My Gooseberry Patch Slow Cooker Apple Pie

2016-01-12T14:55:00.001-05:00

Goals.

It has always been a goal of mine to have one of my recipes selected to be featured in a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook.

I've been a fan of Gooseberry Cookbooks for a very long time. I think the biggest reason I like them so much is that the recipes in their cookbooks are from regular people who want to share their tried and true family favorites with other people, like you and me.

Well, last fall it happened.

My recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Pie was chosen!

I had this recipe posted on my blog for quite some time.

To view the recipe:

Slow Cooker Apple Pie

Now, if only my next goal could be achieved!!

GOALS.......

Healthy Weight Loss Smoothies

2016-01-02T11:30:00.001-05:00

Well the Holidays have once again rolled through our home like Winter Storm Goliath.....leaving a trail of chaos and destruction behind in my laundry and living room!

(Not to mention it did some pretty iffy things to my waistline too)

I've got to get my poop in a group. (Figuratively speaking, of course)

So step one began this week with referring back to an old reliable weight loss souce. It's an app called Lose It.

I've lost an average of 10 pounds each time I follow the plan. My manly man started using the lose it app 3 years ago and lost 30 pounds! No way! Yes way.

(BTW. I am not affiliated with the lose it app in any way, shape, or form.. Just sharing my love for this free weight loss app.)

Tropical {Detox}Smoothie

I'm not a big fan of eating in the morning and my manly man has been encouraging me to get on the breakfast bandwagon all week. So I pulled out all my smoothie recipes on the blog and decided to get going.

Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Smoothie

After all, he is sort of a weight loss guru. Mr. Fancy baggy pants. With all the ladies swooning when he walks in the room. Tee Hee.....

{Skinny} Pineapple Cheesecake Smoothie

These smoothies run right around the 200 calorie mark (give or take a few), so they give you a good boost without loading up your calorie count for the day. I can also enter my ingredients into the recipe calculator on the Lose It app and it will tell me how many calories, also nutrition info. This one is for the Pineapple Cheesecake Smoothie recipe. (Which I am drinking right now!)

My Lose It App. Recipe calculator.

Blueberry Orange-y Smoothie

Check 'em out and let me know what you think!

You can also see some other great weight loss recipes here:

Holiday Detox Recipes

Stay light & be happy my friends!

Chocolate Mint Pretzel Treats

2015-12-05T15:49:00.001-05:00

Say Hello to my Minty little friend(s).......

I've made these easy and tasty pretzel treats before with regular hershey kisses. But this year I decided to change things up a 'lil bit by topping the pretzels off with a mint flavored kiss. The particular kind I used was a Mint Truffle filled kiss.

They turned out fabulous (insert sing-songy Liberace enunciation here):

Faaaa~buu~luss.

These pretzel treats also added a nice addition to my rotation of holiday goodies this year...

CHOCOLATE MINT PRETZEL TREATS

Print Recipe

Square or round snack sized pretzels
Mint Hershey's Kisses
Green M&M's
Green Chocolate Melts or White Chocolate Melts with tiny bit of green food coloring (for garnish)

Arrange pretzels on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Top each pretzel with an unwrapped kiss. Place in preheated 200 degree oven for approx. 4 minutes or until chocolate has softened. Do not overheat. Kiss should keep it's shape. Remove from oven and immediately lightly press a green M & M in each pretzel. Refrigerate until hardened. Drizzle with melted green chocolate for garnish. Store in air tight container.

10 Slow Cooker Christmas Party Recipes

2015-11-27T10:47:00.001-05:00

Ooooooohhhh. Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ,Jingle Bells.

You be jingling my bells all the way.....

to Easy Town.

Is that a place?

In MY mind, yes.

{Copycat} Girl Scout Thin Mints

You see, I prefer to be jingling my bells rather than Grinchin' away in the kitchen all night.....

Slow Cooker Butter Toffee "crack" Cookies

I can make the slow cooker candies a day or so before the shin-dig......

Slow Cooker White Chocolate Peppermint Candy

And toss together my appetizers.....

Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

Slow Cooker Bacon Double Cheese Dip

(This recipe come with a "sorry about your heart attack" warning)

It's worth the risk.

Slow Cooker Hot Pizza Dip

Along with these main attractions........( I serve these BBQ Sandwich recipes Slider Style)

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Bacon Sandwich

with a small dinner roll bun....

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

And a little meatball on the side ...

Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Happy Holidays!!

Holiday Side Dish Recipes

2015-11-24T14:40:00.001-05:00

Side dishes are the trusty side kick of every Holiday Main course ever served. I mean really, what would a Turkey be without the mashed potatoes?

Just. Turkey.

That's not right.

Homestyle Baked Mac & Cheese

Brown Sugar & Cranberry Glazed Carrots

Pineapple Medley Stuffed Squash

Mom's Best Marshmallow and Coconut Fruit Salad

Snickers Bar Apple Salad

Strawberry Creme Oreo Fluff

Gingerbread Oreo Fluff

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Recipes

2015-11-20T16:08:00.001-05:00

The majestic slow cooker is my year round kitchen companion. It's beyond convenient for me to just toss in a variety of ingredients and simply walk away. No looking back... Well, until dinnertime anyway.

My trusty slow cooker sidekick will by right by my side this Thanksgiving too.

I'm planning on hosting dinner with my Manly Man's parents. The total around the dinner table will 7. I think I handle it.

(I think I can. I think can. I think I can.)

I browsed through my list of slow cooker recipes and found a few potential candidates for our annual stuff your belly til you have to loosen the belt a notch -or -two (and you better be thankful for it) feeding extravaganza.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Lori Ann's Slow Cooker Meatballs

And these homestyle no fuss potatoes....

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Slow Cooker Caramel Pumpkin Pie

Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

Slow Cooker Apple Pie

Slow Cooker Peachy Blueberry Cobbler

This is hot cocoa is a kid favorite...could be served to the kiddos while waiting for the turkey to finish baking.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Cocoa

Happy Thanksgiving!

Slow Cooker Strawberry Supreme Poke Cake

2014-01-13T10:30:00.002-05:00

I was recently presented with a challenge from a great website called allfreeslowcookerrecipes.com.

Blair, the editor asked me if I could come up with a recipe for poke cake made in the slow cooker.

Challenge Accepted........

The first thing I had to do was figure out how to "bake" a cake in the slow cooker that didn't result in burned edges and an undercooked, gooey center. (not a fan)

OMG. It took a whole bunch of mind numbing research.

Next, I needed a guinea pig. My mom. It just so happened to be her birthday.

So my daughter & I whipped this cake up yesterday.
(BTW is was her idea to add the Hershey syrup to the whipped topping)

To be honest, I was nervous. I really didn't have high hopes of this recipe turning out "blog worthy". Maybe Mediocre at best.

Well, let's just say this Slow Cooker Strawberry Supreme Poke Cake totally blew me (and my whole family) away!

So moist and full of strawberry yumminess with a hint of chocolate. Sooo Good. I had to hide the leftovers so I wouldn't gobble the whole thing down.

Best of all, it baked perfectly in my 5 oval slow cooker. No freaky brown edges or gobby raw cake center to deal with.

I will be making waaayy more cake recipes in my slow cooker, that's for sure.

It's phenomenal!

Slow Cooker Strawberry Supreme Poke Cake

1- 16.5 Ounce Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix
1- 3.4 Ounce Strawberry Crème Instant Pudding mix
8 Ounce Whipped Topping
2 Tablespoons Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

1. Remove crock from heating element and pre-heat your 5 quart oval slow cooker on low setting. Spray crock with cooking spray and lightly coat crock with flour.

2. Prepare cake mix according to directions on box. Pour batter into prepared crock. Lay a piece of aluminum foil across the top of your crockpot and put the lid on top, folding foil around the lid. Cook for 1 Hour and 35 minutes, or until center tests done. ( you will be poking holes in the cake anyway, so poke a little hole in center of cake to check doneness)

3. Turn crockpot off. Remove the crock from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Invert onto plate. Poke holes with wooden spoon handle every inch or so on top of cake. Prepare pudding mix according to package directions. Immediately pour slightly runny pudding on top of your cake. Refrigerate cake for 1 hour.

4. Stir 2 Tablespoons Hershey's chocolate syrup in whipped topping. "Frost" cake and drizzle with additional chocolate syrup. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftover cake.

This Recipe has been happily shared at:

The Country Cook Weekend Potluck

Stay Challenged, My Friends....

Check this out:

Strawberry Creme' Oreo Fluff

Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

2013-12-30T12:41:00.002-05:00

This is a recipe that I have been making for a few years now. It's usually made upon request, mostly for special occasions. (Birthday Parties, New Years, Christmas..)

My manly man and my Mother in Law are real suckers for a great Reuben Sammie.

They have sort of have a tradition when it comes Reubens :

Around mother's day, hubs takes his mom out on a lunch date...But wait......not just any lunch date....Each year the two of them go to a different restaurant in search of the Ultimate Reuben Sandwich...

{a.k.a. The Holy Grail}

So my peeps know their Corned Beef & Kraut......

And this dip is good.

Really Guuuuud.

This past Christmas, I found myself hovering over this dip most of the night, just dipping, eating, and drinking....

My Reuben Dip after approx. 3 Hours on Low.

Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
1/2 Cup Thousand Island dressing
16 Ounces Sauerkraut, Rinsed and squeezed dry
8 Ounces Shredded Corned Beef
16 Ounces Shredded Swiss Cheese, Divided

In medium bowl, Mix Mayonnaise and Thousand Island Dressing. Add drained Sauerkraut, Corned Beef, and 8 Ounces of Shredded Swiss Cheese. Place in 4 quart slow cooker. Top with additional 8 ounces Swiss Cheese. Heat on low for approx. 4 hours. Serve with Rye or Pumpernickel cocktail Bread or variety of crackers.

Stay Hungry & Happy, My Friends!

Butter Toffee "Crack" Cookies {Slow Cooker}

2013-12-18T11:44:00.001-05:00

You are probably wondering by now why the word "crack" is used to describe these yummy little delights.....................

I'll give you a hint: It doesn't have anything to do with what you see when your big bellied neighbor bends over.

It's because they're made with Ritz Crackers! Get it? Cracker. Crack. Ha ha ha. I know.

Moving on.....

The awesome combination of sweet, salty and buttery make your mouth go mmm.... hmmm. ( I borrowed that from Luke Bryan).

And once again, they're super easy to make. You just melt the chocolate in your slow cooker, add some heath buttery toffee bits and dip away.

Butter Toffee "Crack" Cookies

2 Sleeves Ritz Crackers
12 Ounces Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
12 Ounces Chocolate Almond Bark
1/2 Cup Heath English Toffee Bits (plus additional bits for garnish)
Optional: Finely Chopped Nuts, White Chocolate Drizzle

Place Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Almond Bark in 4 Quart Slow Cooker. Melt on low for approx. 1 hour, or until chocolate is melted. Turn off slow cooker and stir in 1/2 cup toffee bits. Dip Crackers, one at a time in chocolate with fork, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place on wax paper. Immediately top with additional toffee bits and optional chopped nuts. Allow to cool, garnish with melted white chocolate drizzle.

Stay Merry & Bright, My Friends

{CopyCat} Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies

2013-12-17T09:42:00.001-05:00

I could start with a long-winded story about how these minty buggers were a childhood favorite. And with every last bite, I'm forever transported back to the days when cookies took me to la-la land on a vividly minty green cloud fluffed with happiness.

Well, it's sorta like that.

Now days, I get the same euphoria not only from good recipes, but from the ease of preparation. So simple. Just toss the chocolate in the slow cooker (if you're a good shot, you could literally practice your nothin' but net maneuver from across the kitchen). Melt on low for an hour and dip your crackers in the chocolate. That's it. These thin mint cookies taste like the real thing. No kidding. Don't let the ritz cracker thing fool ya......

Made in slow cooker...pure heaven, on a cracker.

{Copycat} Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies
Made in Slow Cooker

Print Recipe

10 Ounce Bag Andes Crème de Menthe Baking Chips

12 Ounces (1/2 Bar) Chocolate Bark

2 Sleeves Ritz Crackers (snowflake or regular shape)

Green Chocolate Melts for Drizzle (optional) I use Wilton Brand

Melt Baking Chips and Chocolate Bark in 4 Quart Slow Cooker on Low for 1 Hour. Stir. Turn off slow cooker. Dip Ritz Crackers, one at a time in chocolate. Place on wax paper. Refrigerate until hardened. Drizzle with melted green chocolate for garnish.

Stay Merry, My Friends!

This recipe was happily shared at:

The Country Cook Weekend Potluck

Slow Cooker Peppermint Candy

2013-12-10T09:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays.....

I need to get something off my chest.

I've been secretly harboring a man-crush.

We've been sharing special together time in my bedroom, late at night, when no one else is around.

It started with the classic Christmas movie:

HOLIDAY INN.

Bing. Crosby. Man of all singing men.

I even asked hubby if I can start calling him Bing.

He said O.K.

Love me some Bing.

And these easy slow cooker peppermint candies are perfect for nibbling on while watching your favorite holiday classics!

Slow Cooker Peppermint Candy (2 Ingredients)

Print Recipe

24 Ounce White Chocolate Almond Bark
10 Ounce Bag Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes

Place almond bark in 4 quart slow cooker. Melt on low for 1 hour or until chocolate is melted. Turn off slow cooker and stir in peppermint candy. Scoop into small candy papers. Chill until hardened.

Enjoy!

{Cake Mix} Fudgey Bars

2013-11-17T08:12:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling a little frisky today.......

I think it might have to do with these shamelessly easy to make fudge bars (and maybe a little to do with the glass of wine I had a few minutes ago....)

Anywho-

This is another one of these life saving recipes you can whip up when life is over the top crazy and the last thing you need is to add "Martha Stewart Wannabe" to your list of things to impress other people with. (Isn't our list already long enough?)

When you pop these fudgey bars out of the oven, you'll be thinking:

Life is good......Now, where did my wine glass go?

{Cake Mix} Fudgey Bars

Print Recipe

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
2 Eggs
1/3 Cup Oil
1 (14 Ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 Cup Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs and oil. Press 2/3 of the mix into a greased 9x13 pan. Set aside. Place butter, milk and chocolate chips in microwave safe bowl. Microwave until melted & smooth. Approx. 2 1/2 minutes, stirring after each minute. Pour over cake mixture. Drop by tablespoons the remaining 1/3 cake mixture on top of chocolate layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Stay Hungry, My Friends

Fireball Whiskey Jello Shots

2013-11-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

First and foremost,

I need to let you all know that if you eat these jello shots;

YOU will NOT turn into that Fire Breathing scary thing that's on the fireball whiskey bottle.

Instead, you'll feel all happy & what not.

I promise.

One great thing about jello shots is that they are made to be shared.
Don't ever eat them alone.....

That would make me sad.

Go share these spooktacularly tasty orange/apple/cinnamon jello shots with your neighbor.

That would make me (and your neighbor) very happy.

FIREBALL WHISKEY JELLO SHOTS

2 Cups Apple Cider

1 Small box Orange Jello

1 Cup Fireball Whiskey

Bring Apple Cider to a boil in saucepan. Remove from heat. Add orange jello and dissolve. Cool 15 minutes. Add whiskey. Pour into jello shot containers and refrigerate until set. Note: For best flavor refrigerate for at least 2 days to get full apple/orange/cinnamon yumminess!

Baked Macaroni & Cheese {No Boil}

2013-11-04T13:52:00.002-05:00

Life can be overwhelmingly chaotic............

Some days you just need to- Have a seat, grab your fork

and

S L O W.

D O W N.

Just have a big ole' bite....

Of Mom's Homemade Mac & Cheese.

Warm your tummy and fill your thoughts

with goodness...

Because for a blissful moment,

You'll forget all of life's

schedules & deadlines....

So For now;

Let's Just Eat.

No Boil Homestyle Baked Macaroni & Cheese

1 1/2 Cups Low fat Cottage Cheese

2 Cups Uncooked Elbow Macaroni

2 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 3/4 Cups Water

1/4 Cup Italian Seasoned Dry Bread Crumbs

4 Tablespoons Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a deep 2 quart casserole dish.

Mix macaroni, cheese, and cottage cheese in a large bowl. Place in casserole dish and pour water over pasta mixture. Dot with butter. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over top.

Cover and Bake for 30 Minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 30 minutes or until macaroni is tender and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with additional cheese.

Slow Cooker Caramel Apples

2013-10-14T08:39:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I catch myself wondering why I like using my slow cookers so much. I mean, a person can cook everything possibly imaginable in their oven or on the stove top...Right?

Well, the first reason came to me while sitting on my keezster in my office. As I was blogging away...... my slow cooker was melting caramel.

Now....if I was heating caramel on the stove top instead of my slow cooker, I can GUARANTEE you that I'd in my kitchen stirring and watching that caramel like a hawk to make sure it's melting properly.

Hmmm....score one point for the happily ~~lazy~~ productive housewife.

AND

Slow Cookers Everywhere!

Slow Cooker Caramel Apples

Print Recipe
14 Ounce Bag Wrapped Caramels
5 Medium Apples
2 Tablespoons Water

Insert wooden stick into stem end of each apple. Unwrap Caramels and place in 4 quart slow cooker. Add Water. Cook on low approx. 1 to 2 hours, Stirring occasionally until caramel is melted. Dip apples and place on non-stick surface (wax paper, or sprayed foil cupcake liners). For added decoration, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with large or mini chocolate chips.

Stay Hungry, My Friends...

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes {Repost}

2013-10-11T08:37:00.002-04:00

I had one of those very rare weekday occasions when we all gathered around the dinner table....at the same time! I was feeling particularly giddy with myself over this new recipe. My family is used to seeing me this way because I tend to get a little over-excited when a new recipe turns out...it's like I had a permanent grin all through dinner from watching someone eating a baked potato. Ahhh...sometimes it's the simple things in life that give you the most pleasure.

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Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

These potatoes were moist & delicious....And they're Super Easy to make!

Here's what you'll need:

Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

6 Medium Potatoes (I used Russet)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Clean & rinse potatoes (my vegetable scrubber worked really well for this). Thoroughly pat dry. Poke holes around the potatoes with a fork. Next, Combine Oil, Salt and Pepper in medium sized bowl. Roll one potato at a time in oil mixture, until completely coated.

Place in slow cooker. Cook for approximately 3 hours on High, or 6 hours on low setting. Depending on the size of your potatoes, cooking time may vary. (The original recipe called for 4 hours on high, but my medium size potatoes were done in 3 hours)

Sweet potatoes can be "baked" in the slow cooker too!

Click here for the recipe.