From our kitchen to yours: Five out-of-the-ordinary ways to use your Crock Pot

Crock Pots are one of the most underrated kitchen appliances.  One of the best parts about crock-pots is that you can count on it to cook your meal while you are working or running errands. They come in many sizes, so if you are heading out to a party, you can bring a small one for dips; or if you are hosting a dinner party, you can use a big one to make casserole.

What many people don’t know is that you can make so many things with your crock-pot.  Here are a few of our favorite recipes: 

Apple Butter: This is the perfect recipe for a sweet treat this spring! Enjoy all of those fresh apples!

What you will need for a recipe of four pints:

• 5 ½ lbs. of apples peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 tsp. of Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. of cloves

What you will do:

1. Combine cinnamon, sugar and cloves.  Pour over apples and mix.
2. Cook on high for one hour.
3. Decrease heat to low and cook for about 10 more hours (or until thick and dark brown).  
4. Remove the lid and cook for an additional hour on low. 

Bread:  Baking a casserole in the oven?  Make some bread in the crock-pot instead! This quick recipe is the perfect side to any meal.

What you will need for one loaf:

• 2 ½ cups of bread flour
• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast (usually about 1 packet)
• 2 tbsp. of honey
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• 2 tsp. of salt
• 1 tsp. of sugar
• OPTIONAL: 1 tbsp. of thyme, rosemary or any of your favorite herbs

What you will do:

1. In a mixer, combine water, sugar and yeast.  Mix for about 5 minutes or until it starts to bubble.
2. Add the remaining ingredients of bread flour, honey, olive oil, salt, sugar and herbs and mix for 5-6 minutes.
3. Shape the dough and place in a line crock-pot.
4. Cook on high for one hour to an hour and a half.
5. If the bottom of the bread is brown, it is completely cooked. 

Crock-pot cinnamon roll casserole: Hosting lots of family for the weekend? Wake them up with the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls!  Everyone is sure to love this sweet recipe.

What you will need:

• 2 tubes of cinnamon rolls (12 oz. each), cut into quarters
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup of whipping cream
• 3 tbsp. of maple syrup
• 2 tsp. of vanilla
• 1 tsp. of cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. of nutmeg

What you will do:

1. Spray your crock-pot with cooking spray and cover the bottom with about half of the cinnamon rolls.  Don’t open those icing packets yet!
2. Combine eggs, cream, maple syrup, vanilla and spices until well combined.
3. Pour evenly over the cinnamon rolls. 
4. Cover the mixture with the remaining cinnamon roll pieces and pour one packet of icing over it all. 
5. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours and drizzle the remaining icing over the top.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole: This is the perfect meal to start in the morning and eat after work.  Enjoy this 5-ingredient recipe anytime!

What you will need for seven servings (or leftovers):

• 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless raw chicken breasts
• 28 oz can of red enchilada sauce
• 10 corn tortillas cut into quarters
• 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 3.8 oz can of black olives

What you will do:

1. Put chicken breasts and enchilada sauce in your crock-pot,  and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 8 hours).
2. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker; we recommend using 2 forks to do this.
3. Add tortillas and stir.  Add cheese and olives and stir. 
4. Cook on low for another 40 minutes.

Having issues with your microwave, oven or cook top? Don’t leave your crock pot without it’s cooking partners! Call Mr. Appliance to give it a tune up today! For any other household needs, our team of Neighborly companies has you covered. Schedule your service today.