Ovrenight Crockpot Oatmeal

I found this recipe on my favorite crockpot site. We had this for breakfast this morning. It looked a little runny. However, I gave it a good stir in the crockpot. Then once I dished it up in individual dishes, and let it sit for a few minutes to cool off, I think it sat up quite nicely. This would be super easy to make on those mornings where everyone is going a million different directions and you want something a little more filling than cold cereal.

1 Cup Regular Oats
4 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Half and Half or Milk
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Combine in a crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve with cinnamon sugar. I doubled this recipe for our family of six.

Additional Ideas
You could add a fresh chopped apple before cooking.
You could add 1 cup raisins or dry fruit before cooking.

Crockpot Bacon Ranch Chicken

I found this recipe online. I made it the other night for my family for dinner. It was a HUGE hit.

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 Tablespoons Real Bacon Bits
2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
2 Packages Ranch Dressing Mix
2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Cups Sour Cream
Egg Noodles, Cooked

Combine bacon, garlic, Ranch dressing mix, soup, and sour cream; mix well. Place chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour mixture over the chicken. Cook on high for 3-4 hours. Take out the chicken and shred. Place the chicken back in the crockpot. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Baked Beans

Tonight I am going to a dinner and was asked to bring baked beans. This is a recipe I received from my mom. This recipe is probably my favorite for baked beans.

1 Large Can of Pork and Beans
1 Can Red Kidney Beans
1 Can Butter Beans
1 Onion, Chopped
1 Pound Hamburger
4 Slices Bacon
1/2 Cup Catsup
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Green Pepper

Brown the hamburger with the onion. Drain off the fat. In a crockpot combine all of the ingredients, including the cooked and drained hamburger. If you like a thicker bean, drain the kidney beans and butter beans. If you like a thinner bean, do not drain them before placing them in the corckpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Berry Lemonade Iced Tea

I am not a tea drinker. I have tried several decaffeinated teas and just am not into it. My mom made this Delicious drink when I was home this summer. I fell in love with it. It is great on those hot summer days when you are wanting something other than water to quench your thirst.

3 Quarts of Water
8 Bags Celestial Decaffeinated Wild Berry Zinger Tea
3/4 Cup Sugar
12 Oz. Can Frozen Lemonade Concentrate, Thawed

In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags.

Stir in sugar and lemonade concentrate. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice. You can garnish with lemon slices and berries if desired.

Chow Mein Dinner

1 1/2 Pounds Hamburger
2 Medium Onions, Chopped
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
1/2 Cup Uncooked Non-Instant Rice
Chow Mein Noodles

Brown hamburger with onions. Drain off fat. Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, soy sauce, water, and rice. Put in a large casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook another 30 minutes. Take from oven and sprinkle with Chow Mein noodles. Return and bake uncovered another 15 minutes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

We had this recipe for dinner one night at our dinner group. It was delicious!

2/3 Cup Salsa
2 Cans Black Beans (Do not drain or rinse)
2 Cans Corn
2 Cans Red Beans
1 Can Diced Tomatoes with Chilies
1 8 oz. Can Tomato Sauce
1 Small Can Diced Chilies
2 Cans Cooked Chicken Breast (Break Up With a Fork)
1 Package of Dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
3 Cans Chicken Broth
Dash of Lime Juice
Cook in slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Serve with tortillas that are crumbled, sour cream, and grated cheese.

Creamy Salisbury Steak

I think I have been missing out on life. Salisbury steak isn't something I make hardly ever. I think I have only made it one other time during our married life. I wasn't a big fan. The other day, when planning my menus I came across this recipe. It was a huge hit at our house! YUM! It is definitely a comfort food and great for those cold winter nights.

2 Pounds Ground Beef
1 Package Onion Soup Mix
1/2 Cup Cracker Crumbs (I used Saltines. I think you could use bread crumbs.)
1 Egg
2 Packages Brown Gravy Mix
1 Cup Sour Cream
1 Small Can Sliced Mushrooms, Drained
Egg Noodles, Rice, or Mashed Potatoes (We did mashed potatoes!)

Make hamburger patties using ground beef, onion soup mix, cracker crumbs, and egg. Fry or grill patties until they are browned on both sides.

While the hamburgers are cooking, in a bowl combine the brown gravy mix, the amount of water called for on the packet, and the sour cream. Whisk together.

Grease a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the patties in the bottom. Pour gravy mixture over the top of the patties.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Serve the patties and gravy over mashed potatoes.