Slow Cooker Chili #StubbsCookingSauce

The holidays are here and time is precious. We have shopping to do, parties to attend and families to feed. This is the best time of year to break out the trusty ole slow cook (aka crock pot if you wanna get all old school on me).

This is where Stubb's BBQ can be your best friend. I know you're familiar with their bbq sauces, but did you know they also have Cooking Sauces?!

This is just 3 of the varieties that they offer. Look how cute the packaging is!!

The chili pack came with everything I needed, but the meat. Of course you can add extras, such as peppers, onions, whatever your favorite add-ins might be. I chose to keep it simple, although I did brown my stew meat before hand, and then added some onions.

After that, it was all up to Stubb! Pour in the spice pack (it's really spicy, just so you know) and the sauce

Can you see how rich those spices are?! And for those who need to know, it's gluten-free. 

With only a minimal amount of prep time, and 2 additional ingredients, I had a nice pot of chili waiting for me when I got home. Threw together some cornbread (I can't have chili without cornbread) and bam! Dinner is served. 

Let me just say.....wow. Rich, flavorful, and satisfying! It was better than any pot of chili I've ever made (for reals). 

Want some more ideas and information? Visit Stubb's BBQ . Also check out these wonderful holiday meal suggestions:

·         Sweet Black Pepper Pork Tenderloin

·         Stubb’s Smoked Turkey or Deep Fried Turkey

·         Green Beans And Pecan Vinaigrette

·         Black-Eyes ‘n’ Bacon

·         Stubb’s Holiday Fruit Bruschetta

I was not compensated for this post, however Stubb's BBQ supplied me with coupons. All opinions are my own.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili #SundaySupper

The holidays are approaching fast and if you're budget is anything like mine, things get tight. Or should I say....tighter. Sales, coupons, making meals stretch, all become more focused for the next couple of months. If a meal can be made by only spending a few bucks....and makes enough for lots of leftovers...I'm one happy camper. When said meal tastes wonderfully delicious and is comforting and filling....I'm doing the happy dance. (probably something you don't really want to witness)

A while back I won Erin Chase's cookbook, The $5 Dinner Mom. It's a great cookbook in many ways. The recipes are good, quick and easy to prepare. I don't know if this meal is actually a $5 dinner as prices have gone up since it was published back in 2009. But the key is to purchase on sale, use your coupons and make things from scratch whenever possible. Foods that have been prepared and processed for convenience are pricey, but they lure us in because we all know how busy our lives are. And saving time appeals to us all. Funny thing is....a lot of those processed foods don't really take that much time to make. Especially if you plan accordingly and make it ahead of time.

Making this chili is easy, inexpensive, and doesn't use any processed foods. You're going to have some minor prep work, but trust me...it's simple and worth the few minutes it takes. Not only will you be saving money, but you'll be avoiding a lot of unnecessary ingredients that come with packaged foods.

I did most of the prep work the night before (my time is very limited in the morning and I didn't want to get up any earlier that I had to...5:30am just isn't an option). All I had to do before going to work was toss it all in the slow cooker, turn it on...and bam! Dinner was in the making.

I'm going to be giving you 2 recipes here. One for the chili and one for the homemade basic white sauce. The basic white sauce is one of the major things I made the night before in order to save time in the morning (and it's a big money saver).

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Inspired by The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook by Erin Chase

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cup into bite sized pieces
1/2 onion, chopped
1 recipe for Homemade Basic White Sauce (recipe below)
6 oz green chilies (either canned or fresh) chopped
4 oz jalapenos (either canned or fresh) chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dried Great Northern beans
2 ears of corn, kernels cut from the cob
1 zucchini, chopped
4 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado and cilantro to garnish (optional)

Note: I used about a pound of veggies. Keep this in mind when swapping with other preferred or less expensive veggies.

Combine all of the ingredients into your slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hrs. Garnish if desired and serve.

Homemade Basic White Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the butter until a paste is formed and it bubbles.

Whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the butter and flour have dissolved. Cook and stir for about 5 or 6 minutes, being sure that nothing sticks to the bottom or sides. The sauce will thicken a bit as it cools.

Tips: If chicken thighs are less expensive than breast...use them. If you find other veggies that you prefer, or are on sale....use them.

For more wonderful budget friendly meals, check out what the rest of the Sunday Supper team has in store for you!

Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)

• Curry Baked Chicken Wings from Chocolate Moosey
• Shrimp Fried Rice from The Redhead Baker
• Spicy Marinated Steak Tacos from Nik Snacks
• Vegan Black Bean Soup from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Slow Cooker Swiss Steak from Nosh My Way
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from Peaceful Cooking
• Curry Veg Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef from Noshing With The Nolands
• Tortelini and Cannelini Minestrone with Spinach from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Addictive Korean Beef Bowl from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Grilled Lemon Chicken with Corn Salad from Brunch with Joy
• Five Bean Chili from The Foodie Army Wife
• Vaca Frita from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Spaghetti Squash Nests with Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Cauliflower Chowder from Flavor Mosaic
• Individual Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cups from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole from Yours And Mine Are Ours
• Mac, Veggie and Cheese Casserole from Cooking Chat
• Loaded Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes from Having Fun Saving
• Vegetable Fried Rice from Basic N Delicious
• Comforting White Bean-Pancetta Soup from The Weekend Gourmet
• Mujadara with Lebanase Salata from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Hunters Stew from Simply Healthy Family
• Brats and Kraut from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Beef Taco Soup from Fit Foodie Runs
• Slow Cooker "Hash Brown" Breakfast Casserole {#lowcarb #glutenfree} from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• French Toast Pigs in a Blanket from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Orecchiette Pasta with Brie, Broccoli and Tomatoes from Family Foodie
• Gluten Free Spinach and Feta Frittata from Gluten Free Crumbley

Satisfying Sides

• Tender Whole Wheat Bread from What Smells So Good?
• Austin-Style Black Beans from The Texan New Yorker
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls w/Creamy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes

Sweet Treats

• Apple Blackberry Crisp from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Brown Sugar Shortbread from Shockingly Delicious
• Rock Cakes from Happy Baking Days
• Incredible White Chocolate Brownies from The Perfect Brownie
• Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl
• Autumn Spice Truffles from Desserts Required
• Profiteroles with Caramel Drizzle from Food Lust People Love
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake Donuts from NinjaBaking.com
• Carrot Cake Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots
• Risalamande (Danish Christmas Eve Rice Pudding) from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Sips, Spreads, and Snacks

• Pumpkin Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Tex Mex Chicken Salad Spread from Momma's Meals
• Budget Friendly Wines for Budget Friendly #SundaySupper from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Slow Cooker Lime Garlic Chicken #SundaySupper

Welcome to Sunday Supper's Slow Cooker edition.

The days are getting shorter but our schedules sure aren't, which is the perfect reason to use your slow cooker and why I'm going to keep this short and sweet!

We have a fantastic line up ranging from breakfast to dessert and everything in between, all made in that fantastic little counter top cooker that we all love and know as a slow cooker (or crock pot if you're old school like me).

If your days are as busy as mine (and maybe even more so) there's no reason you still can't enjoy a good home cooked meal with your family. So let's get started.

Slow Cooker Lime Garlic Chicken

Printable Version

1 1/2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon summer savory or thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked brown rice

Place the chicken in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients except for the rice. Cover and cook on low for about 8-10 hrs. During the last hour of cooking, stir in the rice. Turn the heat to high and continue cooking for another hour or until rice is done.

Remove the chicken. Place the rice on a serving platter and top with the chicken, pouring any remaining juices over the chicken. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables.

Simple, and delish! Of course the chicken falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The broth and juices make for an amazing rice. The prep is minimal but the results are major!

Satiating Soups

• Crockpot Kielbasa Split Pea Soup from The Foodie Army Wife
• Amazing Slow Cooker French Onion Soup from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Soup from Flour On My Face
• Kale & Kielbasa Soup Slow Cooker Lime Garlic Chicken from The Messy Baker
• Slow Cooker Chicken, Spinach and White Bean Soup from Amee's Savory Dish
• Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup from Noshing With The Nolands
• Spicy Ham and 10-Bean Soup from Food Lust People Love
• Crockpot Caramelized Pork Noodle Soup from Brunch with Joy
• Slow Cooker Acorn Squash and Apple Soup from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
• Three Bean, Butternut, and Quinoa Vegetarian Chili from Ruffles & Truffles
• Potato, Kielbasa and Spinach Soup With Gouda from Meal Planning Magic
• Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Tortilla Soup #GlutenFree from Sue' s Nutrition Buzz

Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)

• Slow Cooked Apple Pie Oatmeal from Life Tastes Good
• Pork and Cabbage Stew from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Slow Cooker Lime Garlic Chicken from Peaceful Cooking
• Slow-Cooked Country Pork and Veggies from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders from Eat, Drink and be Tracy
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef from Marlene Baird
• Madras Beef Curry with Vegetables from Curious Cuisiniere
• Crock Pot Pork Chops with Apples and Figs from Cooking On The Ranch
• Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Crockpot Sesame Chicken from Casa de Crews
• Pork Chops in Gravy with Potatoes from Cookin' Mimi
• Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Pulled Chicken from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Slow Cooker Spicy Peach Pulled Pork from Family Foodie
• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken with Artichokes from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

Satisfying Sides

• Scalloped Potatoes from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions from The Dinner-Mom

Scintillating Sweets

• Slow Cooker Brownie Dessert from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Triple Chocolate Cake from MealDIva
• Slow Cooker Rice Pudding from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Slow-Cooker Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) from Magnolia Days
• Slow Cooker Lemon Poppy Seed Cake from NinjaBaking

Savory Baking

• Slow Cooker Sourdough from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Slowcooker Seedy Bread from Jane's Adventures in Dinner

Sips and Spreads

• Spiced Caramel Cider from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Lengua Entomatada (Beef Tongue with Tomato) and Giveaway!

Yes, you heard right. Beef Tongue. It's in there. It's good. I swear.

And you're talking to someone who went waaaaaaaaaay beyond hercomfort zone on this one.

Before we go there, let me say a few things here. And I think you'll wanna hear them.

First off, for the past 3 weeks, I've been participating in the Muy Bueno Cookbook Spotlight & Cook-Off sponsored by Hippocrene and hosted at girlichef  

This cookbook is truly Muy Bueno. Here's a list of the recipes I've cooked during these wonderful three weeks:

Mushroom, Jalapeno, and Cilantro Salsa

Prickly Pear Margarita

Capirotada - Mexican Bread Pudding

You can go to girlichef's site and see what everyone else made. After all, I'm not the only one reviewing it.

When the Muy Bueno Cookbook arrived, of course I instantly started browsing through the recipes. The first thing I thought was....wow, I've either made or eaten a lot of these recipes! Do you know why that is? No, not because I have a lot of Mexican friends. No, not because I live in Southern California where every other corner has a little Mexican joint or restaurant. (although those reasons do have a lot to do with it) but....the recipes in Muy Bueno are for authentic, Mexican home cooked meals.Ones we all know and love and wish we could make. They have been passed down from generation to generation to generation. The 3 women that make up Muy Bueno the cookbook and blog are a family team...a mother (Vangie) and her 2 daughters (Veronica and Yvette). All of whom have been greatly inspired by the grandmother, Jesusita. When you open this cookbook, you feel a sort of reverence. You can sense how important heritage is and how food really brings this family together.

Muy Bueno Cookbook has just about every Mexican dish you can think of (and more) and provides easy to follow directions, beautiful photographs and a touching story or memory that makes it all the more special. With all the cooking I do, and a lot of it is Mexican (because this white girl and her family loves Mexican food), this is the first true Mexican cookbook I've owned. And I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with it.

You have a chance to be thrilled to own your own copy of Muy Bueno Cookbook as well.

I'm giving a copy of Muy Bueno Cookbook away! 

I'll give you the details after we talk about beef tongue.

Beef tongue. I've seen it. I've ignored it with a shiver.
I never ever thought that my kitchen would see one of these on its counter.

Silly me asked one of my daughters to pick out a recipe from Muy Bueno for me to cook. A special recipe  just for this giveway.

Jacquie decides on beef tongue. "Mom, [with a grin on her face] this is really out of your comfort zone, isn't it?!"

"Um, ya. really?"

Jacquie: "Beef tongue is really good! I swear! I've had it before. You'll like it".

"Ya? [long pause] Ok. I guess."

So...I took the challenge. Off to the market I go. The butcher offered a 3 plus lb tongue. I opted for the much smaller 2.5 lb thing. And started my adventure the following morning. Way before anyone else in the house was awake.

I knew this baby needed to be in the crockpot before it was seen by the local population (ie: family, especially Sir Sportsalot).

Funny thing. I posted the above photo on Facebook and you should read the reactions! "WTH?!"
"OMG!! No Way!!!", "Gross that looks like a large finger", "I hope it looks better cooked", "I'll be there for dinner. So good!"

When I asked if anyone had eaten cow tongue, I received extreme responses from both ends of the spectrum: "Yes, very good sliced very thin...", "Makes yummy tacos!", "....it was like it was tasting me - while I was tasting it. ::shudder::", "Eating that will be like French kissing a cow! No thanks!!"

Well....I guess I had to just find out for myself.

Lengua Entomatada (Beef Tongue with Tomato)
Printable Version

2.5 - 3 lbs of beef tongue
3 cups water
1 small onion, quartered
5 cloves garlic
2 tsp sea salt
1 - 14.5 can peeled or diced tomatoes
1 TB olive oil
1/3 cup chopped white onion
1 TB all purpose flour
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Place the beef tongue, water, small quartered onion, and sea salt in a crock pot. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, until tender.

Once it's done, remove the tongue from the crockpot. Strain the stock and set it aside or refrigerate it if you have time so you can easily skim the fat.

While the tongue is still warm but not too hot to touch, peel off the outer layer of skin.

Under that skin, there was another layer....that was......nubbly. It kinda bugged me in a way that food shouldn't bug you....so I trimmed that off too.

Dice the tongue into 1/2" cubes and set aside.

In a food processor or blender, puree the tomatoes. Set aside

In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat up the oil. Add the diced onion and saute until translucent (about 2 minutes). Add the flour and stir for another 2 minutes. Add in the pureed tomatoes and let come to a boil.

Add the cubed tongue, 1/2 cup of the beef tongue stock, black pepper and garlic powder. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes or so. You want the sauce to be thick, not runny.

Especially if you're going to do something fun with it....like....fill gorditas.

Well, let me tell you something.

YUM! Really. Honestly....beef tongue is good. As I diced it up, I picked up a cube and slowly brought it to my mouth. Paused....contemplated my action....nostrils were flared in anticipation of...I dunno...thinking it would taste like liver? (I'm not a liver fan). I then popped the cube into my mouth...tentatively chewed in slow motion...stopped. Waited for the negative, involuntary reflex. Nothing. Thought about it. Realized that it is indeed, very tasty. Tender. Not liver or organ like at all. Good beef flavor. Not stringy like roasts. Not fatty like ground beef. And best of all...it no longer resembled a tongue!!

I did it! I made it! I ate it! I loved it!

Now, if you want the recipe for the gorditas that I spooned the lenqua into, you'll either have to wait until I post it, search the various websites....

OR

Win yourself a copy of Muy Bueno Cookbook.  

Rules:

• Entries must be made by Monday October 8th (Happy Columbus Day) 12:00 PM, pacific standard time.
• Must be 18 or older to win
• Must reside in the continental U.S. to win 
• Must post comment on this blog (no facebook, twitter or email entries will be accepted)

Lots of ways to enter:

• Post a comment. (If you are posting anonymously, please include your email address.) If you do not wish to enter the contest, but would like to post a comment, just say you're opting out. 
• Follow me on Twitter (post a comment saying you are)
• Tweet about the giveaway (post a comment saying you did)
• Follow me on Facebook (post a comment saying you are)
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page (post a comment saying you did)
• Follow me on Pinterest (post a comment saying you are)
• Pin this page (post a comment saying you did)
• StumbleUpon this age (post a comment saying you did)

That's 8 ways to enter. Good luck!!

Tuscan-Style Chicken Panini on HBin5 Whole Wheat Bread

It's been a while since the HBin5 group has made a simple, plain sandwich bread. And I hear this echoed by the other groups members....it's nice to get back to basics. Even if it's only for a minute.

This loaf of bread is the master whole wheat recipe found in the Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day cookbook. I do adjust the wheat flour content for flavor reasons. I halve the whole wheat and replace it with all purpose flour. So my loaves aren't as healthy as they're suppose to be....but they're still  much healthier than most.

Last month I had read a tip about using an electric knife to cut your loaf of bread. Such a simple thing, really. But in my head that electric knife had 2 jobs. One was to carve our Thanksgiving turkey. The other job was to slice the prime for Christmas and Easter. The rest of the year, it would sit in its old (very old because this knife use to belong to my mother in-law before I met my husband)...original box, in my cupboard above the fridge.

How silly!!!! It's wonderful for slicing bread and makes it so much easier...I mean, look what I was able to do....

They're not all perfect, and the exact same width...but so much better than what I can do on my own. Hey, I'm just excited that I don't have any slices that are 1/2" wide on one side and paper thin on the other side.

So...that's what I started off with for my panini's.

But I don't have a panini maker.

But that's ok...cuz I do have an old indoor grill and a heavy cast iron skillet.

Let's get to the chicken first. This recipe comes from one my Pillsbury Slow Cooker booklets. It's originally for a sandwich on a focaccia. (The first time I made this, back in 2004, was the first time I had ever heard of focaccia). The Printable version is for the sandwich version...not the panini, but that's easy enough to adjust, right?

Tuscan-Style Chicken
Printable Version

1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper (from a jar), cut into bit sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt

Pesto Spread
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons pesto

12 slices of bread
Olive Oil
6 slices of tomato
12 slices of cheese (I used mozzarella, but wanted to use provolone. What ever you use, make them on the thick side so they don't melt off the sandwich before the bread is done grilling)
6 lettuce leaves

Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Add the garlic, roasted bell pepper and slat. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 - 7 hours. Or if you want this for lunch and don't feel like getting up at 4am....cook it on high for about 4 hours.

Now, the directions said to remove the chicken and shred it with 2 forks. I didn't have to shred it. The chicken fell apart on contact. I applied a little pressure and poof...it was "shredded".

In a small bowl, combine the mayo and pesto

This is one of my most favorite sandwich condiments

Heat up your grill or skillet (which over you're going to use) over medium-high heat and lets start stacking this sandwich.

Brush one side of a slice of bread with some olive oil. put it down, olive oil side down, and spread the other side with the pesto-mayo. Add a slice of cheese...then scoop about 1/3 cup of chicken onto the cheese, top with tomato, lettuce and more cheese. Spread some pesto-mayo on another slice. Finally, brush the top of your sandwich with olive oil. 

Remove the grill / skillet from the flame and spray with cooking spray or treat with oil. Carefully place your sandwich on the grill / skillet. Balance a skillet (one that is smaller than the one you're cooking in, if using a skillet) on top of your sandwich.

Keep an eye on it cuz....the skillet just might slide right off your sandwich, taking the top half with it. 

Makes a mess. 

Trust me

After a couple of minutes, carefully check the bottom slice of bread to see if it's toasted. If so, flip it. (ya, have fun with that. Don't burn your fingers and don't let it fall apart....hahahahaha. No seriously...you want to do it carefully but not too slowly....thus giving it time to fall apart (again)).

After a few more minutes, your panini should be done and cheese should be all nice and melty and oooh man....

One of the yummiest sandwiches I've had in a long time. And filling and satisfying. 

You should all check out what the other HBin5'ers have done with their assignment. Head on over to Michelle's at BigBlackDogs.net and you'll see links to everyone's versions of this wonderful, easy loaf of bread.

Coming up in the near future....Garlic Knots and Pita. 

Rosemary-Orange Chicken, a Cookbook and a Discovery

This is all Foodieblogroll's fault! 

This whole post.....blame it on them.

If they hadn't sent me that email.....

If I hadn't opened it and read it......

If I hadn't entered their contest......

And if they hadn't announced that I had won....

Well, then

I would never have read The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook by Erin Chase

This book is full of savings tips and strategies for grocery shopping and meal planning. The recipes are simple. I do have to remind myself of the focus of this book when looking through the recipes. The focus is to save a lot of money while providing healthy meals for your family. Which it does a fantastic job of. I wouldn't hold her to the $5 part necessarily. With inflation these days, well...lets just say that it's a bit of a challenge. I failed miserably in this area. I mean....the bone-in split chicken breasts that she listed as $1.79 (total) were $2.99 a pound. which came out to be close to $5.00 on their own. If I had waited until they were on sale, like Erin instructs, then I'm sure I would've been a lot closer to the $5.00 goal. The sweet potatoes alone cost just over $2.00....which bummed me out. I guess when they're on sale they may have cost me under a dollar. 

Anyways....the recipes aren't complicated by any means. I don't want to say they lack in flavor.....but sometimes the flavors are very basic. If you're in the mood for something more complex...and like to stretch your creative wings....well, you certainly could start with any of these recipes. 

Oh, and this cookbook is loaded with a fun little "Frugal Fact" under most of the recipes. The Frugal Fact for this meal? "The breast meat portion on a bone-in, split chicken breast is often larger than the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Buy bone-in split breasts for more meat, for less money."

Now for the meal:

Rosemary-Orange Chicken (a Slow Cooker Meal)

2 bone-in split chicken breasts

1/2 cup water

Juice from 2 oranges

1 orange, cut into 8 wedges

2 tablespoons chopped rosemary (dried or fresh)

salt and pepper

2 large sweet potatoes

2 cups frozen peas (I used mixed veggies)

Remove the skin from the chicken breast and place the chicken into the close cooker along with 1/2 cup water. Pour the orange juice over the chicken and then sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Arrange the orange slices over the chicken. 

Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours.

During the last hour or so of the cooking time, preheat your oven to 350'. Cut slits into your sweet potatoes and place in a baking dish with 1/4 water. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Let the potatoes cool until they can be handled without burning your hands, yet are still nice and warm.....about 10 minutes. Peal the skin off and mash the potatoes. 

When the chicken is done, pull the meat off the bone (actually, it'll just fall off) and serve.

Cook the veggies according to instructions on the bag.

Hmmm....I'm not known for being a sweet potato fan. And I knew that mash sweet potatoes that plain...wouldn't do it.  

Then I figured that I'm soooo far off the $5 budget mark that I might as well just screw it and keep going. I added some plain yogurt, butter and salt and pepper....oh, and a little brown sugar to the sweet potatoes. 

You know what I discovered? 

YUM! I like mashed sweet potatoes. 

Who would've thunk it?

They were good! The tanginess of the yogurt really tastes great with the sweetness of the potato. And along with the Rosemary-Orange Chicken? They really did compliment each other very nicely!

I totally enjoyed this dinner. Hassle free, simple.....no fuss, no muss....who could complain? Sir Sportsalot even liked it (I kept catching him picking at the chicken).

Printable Version: Rosemary-Orange Chicken