Lots of recipes, including one of my own

There's been a whole lot of cooking but not a whole lot of picture-taking lately. First I'll share my own recipe from a few nights ago that was super easy and super delicious. To be filed under meals to make after the baby comes! Below that you'll find recipes from various sources with which I have found success. Check them out!

My very own recipe!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken
Ingredients:

• 1/2 jar spaghetti sauce (I used Neuman's Own sausage and peppers)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/3 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 chicken breasts

Method:
Put everything in the crock pot and set on low for 6-7 hours. Stir at some point to combine the ingredients into the sauce.

The spaghetti sauce and homemade chicken broth brought enough flavoring that I didn't need to add any spices, but make sure you taste it to see if you need any. I'd recommend basil, thyme, oregano, and anything else you think might taste good. Serve with rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce! I ate the leftovers with pasta and that was also good, so I don't think you can go wrong here.

Recipes from around the web...
Chicken Parmesan Bundles from allrecipes.com - delicious and versatile. Also surprisingly easy. I used half the cream cheese, way less cheese, bread crumbs instead of crackers, and added sun-dried tomatoes.

Cheesy Baked Pumpkin Pasta from skinnytaste.com - definitely does not taste like a lighter recipe. Again, I made some adjustments based on what we had: ham instead of bacon and regular pasta instead of whole wheat. I did take a picture of the final product:

Sweet Potato Basil Soup from paleomg.com - perfect way to use up the remaining leaves of my basil plant and yet another crock pot recipe. This is a simple recipe and it was delicious. No changes needed.

Creamy Lentil Soup from skinnytaste.com - hearty and very tasty. I made a few little changes to this recipe based on what we had in stock and my taste preferences: no scallions, cumin, or cilantro but instead, lots of thyme and oregano.

Keep in mind that you can always see the recipes I have tried along with my comments on Pinterest. For savory recipes, go to this board: http://www.pinterest.com/francocaro/food-savory-tried-and-tasted-recipes/. My comments are after the double slashes (//).

small kitchen appliances

Someone recently asked me if I was one of those people who gets really excited about small kitchen appliances or gadgets. First of all, I didn't realize that was a defined group of people. Second of all, it doesn't sound like a group I want to be associated with - sounds pretty silly. So my first impulse was to reply nooooo. But as I prepare to write this post, I realize that I might just be part of that group because I am truly excited to tell you about my new blender!! But first, let's talk about my new slow cooker.

I've been wanting to get a slow cooker for a long time, but I am not really sure what held me back. I finally got one. I christened the slow cooker with Corn Spoon Bread from allrecipes.com. I didn't actually know what it was, so I didn't know what to expect.




It turned out like corn pudding. I liked it when I first ate it, but as time goes on, I've gotten less thrilled with it. I froze several pieces of it, and haven't yet had the desire to defrost any. Maybe it will grow on me. Maybe not.




PS: I'm intrigued by this product. I may have to try it on its own one day. I do love corn bread!



The second use of the slow cooker was more successful.



I decided to try a Slow Cooker Stout Stew from allrecipes.com, even though that's really a winter dish not exactly appropriate for the heat we're in.




Nonetheless, I'm glad I tried it because it was delicious. Very meaty.



Slow cooker = success!

And now, ladies and gentlemen, for the piece de resistance.... my new blender!! It is the Ninja, recommended by my dear friend Alicia. It is fantastic.



Pros:
- It's very powerful. It did not hesitate to crush through frozen fruit and ice!
- Everything except the motor goes into the dishwasher. And since I have a new working dishwasher, this makes me very happy.
- The blades are at different levels in the pitcher so you don't get stuck with unblended items at the top that you have to push down.
- It's very easy to use: just push down to run it. You either push down continuously or pulse depending on what you're trying to do.
- First you put the blades in the pitcher and then you add the food. When you're ready to pour out, you take the blades out and then pour. This means that you can get everything out with minimal waste, unlike traditional blenders.

Cons:
- It's a bit more work than other blenders to add things in while blending, because you have to remove the motor and the top. Minor drawback as far as I am concerned.



The maiden voyage was Fresh Pineapple-Berry Fiasco from allrecipes.com. A delicious smoothie. Well, I think it's supposed to be a bit more like a frozen drink because you're supposed to juice the fruit, but I skipped that part and just blended all the fruits together. Delicious! It was frothy and fresh and perfect. I highly recommend it!




This blender might be a keeper! Let's hope it fares better than my last 3! ;-)

Please note: I am an Allrecipes Allstar Brand Ambassador (a voluntary position) and I’m not compensated for my work with Allrecipes.com. Products received from advertiser are only used for experienced-based reviews on "the hidden foodie in me". The reviews, content and opinions expressed in this blog are purely the sole opinions of Caroline C.