Slow Cooker Recipes

slow cookers are a great resource and appliance to have if you are busy a lot but want delicious meals here I have come up with 10 easy slow cooker recipes for you to try.

 1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 packet of taco seasoning

- 1 cup salsa

- Tortillas

- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.

3. Pour salsa over the chicken.

4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve in tortillas with your favourite toppings.

 2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

 Ingredients:

- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat

- 4 carrots, sliced

- 4 potatoes, diced

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 cups beef broth

- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

2. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.

 3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

 Ingredients:

- 3 lbs pork shoulder

- 1 onion, sliced

- 1 cup BBQ sauce

- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

- 1/2 cup chicken broth

- 1 tbsp brown sugar

- 1 tbsp yellow mustard

- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tsp onion powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions.

3. In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the mixture over the pork.

5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on buns or as desired.

4. Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef or turkey

- 1 onion, chopped

- 1 bell pepper, chopped

- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes

- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

- 2 tbsp chili powder

- 1 tsp cumin

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion and bell pepper. Drain any excess fat.

2. Transfer to the slow cooker.

3. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir to combine.

5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 4 carrots, sliced

- 4 celery stalks, sliced

- 1 onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 8 cups chicken broth

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp dried parsley

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 6 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.

4. Add egg noodles and cook on high for another 30 minutes, until noodles are tender.

6. Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Ingredients:

- 2 cups diced potatoes

- 2 cups diced carrots

- 1 cup diced bell peppers

- 1 cup diced zucchini

- 1 onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

- 2 tbsp curry powder

- 1 tsp cumin

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

2. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.

4. Serve with rice or naan bread.

7. Slow Cooker Meatballs

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 egg

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Form into meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.

3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.

4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5. Serve with pasta or on sub rolls.

8. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat

- 1 onion, chopped

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

- 1 cup beef broth

- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tsp paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup sour cream

- Egg noodles, cooked

Instructions:

1. Add beef, onion, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

2. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender.

4. Stir in sour cream just before serving.

5. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

9. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

- 2 cups lentils, rinsed

- 4 carrots, sliced

- 4 celery stalks, sliced

- 1 onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 8 cups vegetable broth

- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp cumin

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

2. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.

10. Slow Cooker Applesauce

Ingredients:

- 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)

- 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place apples, water, sugar (if using), and cinnamon in the slow cooker.

2. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until apples are very soft.

4. Mash with a fork or blend for a smoother consistency.

These recipes are simple to prepare and can help you make delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. 

Don't forget to enjoy! and let me know in the comments which of these recipes is your favourite.

Dealing with Picky Eaters: Meal Ideas and Tips

Getting children to try and enjoy different foods can be a challenge I know this from personal experience not only with my daughter but with also having my own issues around food textures; but with patience and creativity, you can encourage healthier eating habits. 

Below I have compiled a list of 11 tips to help you with this difficult challenge and later in the blog post, I have put together 10 meal ideas for picky eaters.

Tips

1. Lead by Example

Eat Together: Have family meals where everyone eats the same food. Children are more likely to try new foods if they see their parents enjoying them; sometimes this means even letting young children eat off your plate so they know they are getting the exact same thing.

Positive Attitude: Show enthusiasm for trying new foods yourself. Your positive attitude can influence your child’s willingness to try new things.

2. Make Food Fun

Creative Presentation: Arrange food in fun shapes, colours, or patterns to make it more appealing. Consider using cookie cutters for fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches.

Food Art: Create food art on the plate, such as making a face with different foods. This can make eating more engaging and enjoyable.

3. Involve Children in the Process

Cook Together: Let children help with meal preparation. They are more likely to try foods they have helped cook.

Shop Together: Take your children grocery shopping and let them pick out new fruits, vegetables, or other healthy foods they would like to try.

4. Introduce Foods Gradually

One at a Time: Introduce new foods one at a time and in small portions. This prevents overwhelming your child with too many new flavours at once.

Pair with Favorites: Serve new foods alongside familiar favourites. This can make the new food seem less intimidating.

5. Create a Positive Mealtime Environment

No Pressure: Avoid pressuring or forcing children to eat certain foods. Encourage them gently and make mealtime a stress-free experience; don't get upset if they refuse to touch the new food.

Family Discussions: Talk about the food’s taste, texture, and appearance during meals. Engage children in conversations about where food comes from and its benefits on the body.

6. Use Dips and Sauces

Flavour Enhancers: Provide healthy dips and sauces like hummus, yogurt, or guacamole. These can make vegetables and other foods more palatable.

Experiment with Spices: Mildly season foods to enhance flavour without making them too strong. This can help children develop a taste for different seasonings.

7. Offer a Variety of Foods

Different Forms: Serve foods in different forms. For example, if your child doesn’t like raw carrots, try steamed, roasted, or in a smoothie.

Frequent Exposure: Repeatedly offer new foods without making a big deal about it. It can take several exposures before a child accepts a new food.

8. Encourage Exploration

Food Adventures: Make trying new foods an adventure. Create a “taste test” game where children rate new foods on a scale or create a food passport for trying dishes from different cultures.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise children when they try something new, even if they don’t like it. Rewarding the effort can encourage them to keep trying.

 9. Be Patient and Persistent

Consistency: Keep offering new foods even if they are initially rejected. Children’s tastes can change over time.

Stay Calm: Remain calm and patient if your child refuses a new food. Avoid turning it into a battle.

10. Incorporate Learning

Educational Resources: Use books, videos, and activities that teach about different foods, nutrition, and the importance of a balanced diet.

Gardening: Start a small garden where children can grow their own vegetables. They may be more willing to try foods they have grown themselves.

11. Model Healthy Eating Habits

Balanced Diet: Ensure your own diet is balanced and varied. Children often mimic the eating habits of their parents.

Avoid Negative Comments: Avoid making negative comments about foods in front of children. Focus on the positives and encourage an open-minded approach to trying new foods.

Meal ideas

1. Pasta with Hidden Veggies: Make a tomato sauce packed with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers.

   

2. Chicken Tenders: Baked or lightly fried with a side of dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Customize with different cheeses or add slices of ham or turkey for variety.

4. Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas or add chicken or beans for extra protein.

5. Pizza: Homemade or store-bought with customizable toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or extra cheese.

6. Smoothies: Sneak in fruits and vegetables like bananas, spinach, or berries blended with yogurt or milk.

7. Baked Potato Bar: Offer toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for them to choose from.

8. Tacos: Build your own tacos with options like ground beef, chicken, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

9. Macaroni and Cheese: Classic comfort food that can be customized with different cheeses or mixed with veggies or bacon.

10. Chicken Fried Rice: Make it with simple ingredients like chicken, rice, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs.

These options often cater to different tastes and allow for some flexibility in ingredients to accommodate for picky eaters or children with issues around food in general. By implementing some of the strategies I talked about earlier you can help your children develop a more adventurous palate and a healthier relationship with food. Patience, creativity, and consistency is key to success and remember it can take a while and sometimes fed is best when it comes to giving in to safe foods if you can't get them to eat at all.

Earning Money Through Social Media

 

Leveraging social media platforms to create income streams can be a lucrative venture with the right strategies in place to help you monetize your presence on many of the popular social media platforms. 

1. Content Creation and Monetization

YouTube: Create engaging videos on topics you're passionate about. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, Super Chats, memberships, and merchandise.

TikTok: Build a following by creating short, entertaining videos. Earn money through brand partnerships, the TikTok Creator Fund, and live gifts.

Instagram: Post high-quality photos and videos. Monetize through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, Instagram Shopping, and IGTV ads.

 2. Affiliate Marketing

Share affiliate links to products you use and love you can earn a commission for each sale made through your links. Use affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or specific brand partnerships to find products to promote.

3. Sponsored Posts and Brand Collaborations

Partner with brands to promote their products or services in your posts. Negotiate payment based on your reach and engagement rates. You can also work with other influencers or brands to create joint content, increasing your exposure and potential earnings.

4. Selling Products or Services

Use platforms like Instagram Shopping, Facebook Marketplace, and Pinterest to sell your own products. Sell digital products like e-books, online courses, or printables through your social media platforms. Offer services such as consulting, coaching, or freelance work. Promote your services through posts and stories.

5. Membership and Subscription Models

Patreon: Offer exclusive content to subscribers who pay a monthly fee. This can include behind-the-scenes content, personalized videos, or early access to new releases.

YouTube Memberships: Provide exclusive perks to your YouTube channel members in exchange for a monthly fee.

OnlyFans: Share exclusive content with subscribers who pay a fee. This platform is often used for adult content but can also be leveraged for other niches.

6. Crowdfunding and Donations

Use platforms like Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, or GoFundMe to receive donations from your followers. Host live streams on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitch and enable viewers to donate through Super Chats, stars, or other tipping features available on the platforms.

7. Utilize Platform-Specific Monetization Tools

Use Facebook's in-stream ads, fan subscriptions, and branded content tools to earn money.  Explore X's (previously Twitter) monetization features like Super Follows and Tip Jar to receive support from your followers.

8. Create a Blog or Website

Use your social media platforms to drive traffic to your blog or website. Monetize your site/sites through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

9. Offer Exclusive Access and Experiences

Create private groups on Facebook or other platforms where members pay for exclusive access to content, advice, or community interaction. Host paid webinars or online workshops on topics relevant to your audience.

10.  Analytics and Trends

Use social media analytics tools to understand what content resonates most with your audience. Keep up to date with current trends and adapt your content strategy to remain relevant and engaging.

11. Cross-Promote Across Platforms

Promote your content and products across multiple social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Maintain a consistent brand voice and posting schedule to build up a loyal following who knows what to expect from you.

12. Engage with Your Audience

Respond to comments, messages, and engage with your followers regularly to build a strong community. Listen to your audience’s feedback and tailor your content to their interests and needs.

By strategically leveraging social media platforms, you can create multiple income streams and build a sustainable online business. Consistency, creativity, and genuine engagement with your audience are key to long-term success but remember to have fun and that this is not a quick way to make money by any means.