Slow cooking

My next survival tip - use the crockpot.  Often, I have more time around 9 AM than I do at 5 .  This suits crockpot meals perfectly.

Here are a few recipes that we love -

Taco Soup

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 onion chopped and cooked with the ground beef
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 can corn, undrained
2 cans kidney beans, undrained
1 envelope dry Ranch dressing mix
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can tomato sauce

Combine in slow cooker and cook on low 4-6 hours.
Serve with corn chips or tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream



Red beans and rice

2-3 slices bacon
1 small bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 small onion, chopped
Cook the bacon and then add the pepper and onion, sauté 4-5 minutes
Add 1 TBS minced garlic
5 cups chicken broth or 5 cups water and 6-8 chicken bullion cubes
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 small can green chiles, chopped
1 pound red or pinto beans (already soaked)

Combine in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.  Serve over rice.



Mac Dogs

8 oz pkg macaroni, cooked
2 TBS oil
1 small can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups regular milk
3 cups cheese, any combination (velveeta, cheddar, American, whatever)
small onion, chopped (optional)
4 TBS butter
4 hot dogs, sliced

Toss the cooked macaroni in the oil.  Place in greased slow cooker and add all other ingredients.  Cover.  Cook on low 3-4  hours.

Chicken for fajitas, chicken salad, chicken casserole

4-6 chicken breasts - sprinkle liberally with Columbia House seasoning,
Bake all day.  Shred and use for all kinds of chicken dishes.  I keep several containers of cooked chicken in the freezer for quick meals such as chicken alfredo, chicken tacos, etc.