The holiday season is the most magical time of the year, filled with family gatherings, festive celebrations, and an endless items on your to-do list. Between shopping for gifts, decorating, attending events, and entertaining guests, life can get overwhelmingly hectic. During this time, meal preparation often takes a back seat—but it doesn’t have to. Here's where a glorious crock pot meal all ready to go at the end of the day comes into play!
Here are a few to try but there are endless recipes out there that will make everyone in your family happy and well fed!
A Few Meals:
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
- Ingredients: Pastene Hot Crushed Peppers, onions, chicken breasts or thighs, fajita seasoning, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Method: Layer peppers and onions in the crockpot. Top with chicken and sprinkle fajita seasoning over everything. Add lime juice and a splash of chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for salads.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Ingredients: Sliced beef (like flank or sirloin), Pastene Italian Style Pepper Salad, onions, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, beef broth, and cornstarch.
- Method: Add beef, peppers, onions, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Before serving, thicken the sauce with cornstarch mixed with water.
- Pairing: Serve over rice or noodles.
Crockpot Chili with Peppers
- Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, Gonalves Hot Chopped Peppers, jalapeños (optional for more heat), onions, chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
- Method: Brown the ground meat (optional) and add to the crockpot with peppers, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Toppings: Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Crockpot Portuguese Chicken Stew
- Ingredients: Gonsalves Hot Chopped Peppers, Chicken thighs or drumsticks, Diced potatoes, Onions, Gonsalves Portuguese Black Olives, Crushed tomatoes, Garlic, minced, Paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper
Method:
- Layer chicken, potatoes, onions, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Pour crushed tomatoes and Hot Chopped Peppers over the top and stir in seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in Gonsalves Portuguese Black Olives in the last 30 minutes.
Classic Pot Roast with Vegetables
- Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (Try using Ariston Infused Oils like Tuscan Herbs, Pesto, Rosemary or Garlic).
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Method:
- Sear the roast in a skillet for added flavor.
- Place the roast in the crockpot, layer with vegetables, and pour over beef broth and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is tender.
- Serve: Slice and serve with the vegetables and the rich, savory gravy.
A Few Appetizers:
Slow-Cooked Olive and Herb Bread Dip
- Ingredients: Gonsalves Portuguese Black Olives, Ariston Garlic infused Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Fresh rosemary and thyme, chopped, Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a small crockpot or slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours until flavors meld.
- Serve warm with crusty bread as a dip.
Crockpot Mediterranean Dip
- Ingredients: Gonsalves Portuguese Black Olives (diced), Cream cheese (softened), Feta cheese (crumbled), Sun-dried tomatoes (diced), Ariston Tuscan Herb infused Olive Oil
Method:
- Mix cream cheese, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes in a crockpot.
- Drizzle with Ariston Olive Oil and stir in chopped olives.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through. Serve with pita bread or crackers.
A Few Desserts:
Hot Chocolate Cozy Treat:
A slow-cooked hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and whipped cream is a festive treat that everyone will love. Add in the magic and gooey-ness of Fundelina for an extra special, extra delicious treat everyone will love!
Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
- Ingredients: Canned peaches or try Trappist Peach Preserve, yellow cake mix, butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Method: Layer peaches in the crockpot, sprinkle with cake mix, and top with melted butter and cinnamon. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: With a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Crockpot Chocolate Fondue
- Ingredients: Chocolate chips or try melting Fundelina, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Method: Combine chocolate and cream in the crockpot. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Serve: With strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, or cookies for dipping.
Conclusion
During the busy and sometimes chaotic holiday season, crockpot meals are a beacon of simplicity, comfort, and practicality. They free up your time, save money, and provide warm, delicious meals that bring people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply trying to keep things stress-free, your crockpot is a kitchen ally you can count on.
This holiday season, embrace the magic of slow cooking and let the crockpot take care of dinner while you focus on creating joyful memories. After all, the holidays are meant to be savored and so is the food!