Everything Can Be Made in a Crockpot

If you haven't busted out your crockpot yet this winter what are you waiting for? I've got the super mini for sauces, the mini for dips, a 4 quart for soups or smaller meals, and a 6 quart for larger roasts. Obviously not all sizes are required but they definitely are useful.

I made several hot dips and appetizers in my mini crock for holiday gatherings, two of my favorite being spinach dip and hot artichoke dip. The artichoke dip in this crockpot cookbook is dead on. Eating hot or cold leftovers this dip is great with veggies or chips.

I tend to be a person who generally does not follow a recipe to the letter, and especially when it comes to crockpots I just throw a bunch of stuff in, but if you're more of a cook who needs instructions and guidelines I really like what this cookbook has to offer. The variety is there and it's not all the typical things you would necessarily put in a crockpot.

I also tried her vegetarian chili recipe and her tortilla soup recipe, although for the soup I did take aspects of another soup recipe I love and combined the two with a great end result. The vegetarian chili I did follow almost exactly minus the corn that is listed and it was delicious.

Please check out Carrie's website: Ginger Lemon Girl  and all she has to offer. I can't wait to try more tasty options that she's written about.

Thrifting for Food

Foodies and chefs alike can never have too many cookbooks and the thrift store is one of the best spots to pick up new recipes. In fact sometimes the thrift store is better than garage sales for cookbooks because some garage seller still want $5+ for hardcover cookbooks.  Who cares if they aren't specific to gluten free- most recipes made from scratch are or can be gluten free with one or two minor substitutions unless you're trying to make bread- that is a whole entirely different beast.

I picked up several great cookbooks a few weekends ago including Rachel Ray's 30 minutes or less addition 2, microwave cooking from the 60's ( a classic, I mean shouldn't we all know how to make meatloaf in the microwave) and a cookbook put out by Costco. Basically they're just featuring brands they carry but all the recipes look really good- doesn't mean you have to use Kirkland chicken or it won't turn out.

Last but not least my beat find was a cocktail cookbook that has inspired a themed party this fall for the low, low price of $0.99. I can't wait to get cooking. 

Gluten Free Vegan Cookbooks

Fruits and vegetables seem to be the theme for the week.  I have been experimenting with some new entrees thanks to these two awesome Vegan cookbooks written by Susan O'Brien. The Gluten Free Vegan has been out for a while, and covers all your basic meal options, while The Gluten Free Vegan Comfort Food Cookbook was just released and dives more into those dishes everyone wants when they're cold or had a rough day: mac & cheese, vegetable potpie, mock chicken soup, and so much more. If I were a vegetarian or vegan I would surely say these books are worthy purchasing for yourself or as a gift. 

I made the portabello mushroom steaks with smothered onions. Portabello mushrooms are one of my favorite summer meals on the grill, and her version of this was delicious. The broccoli cheese soup was excellent, and then just a few morning ago I made her recipe for strawberry applesauce. I cut back the amount of maple syrup the recipe called for, but otherwise this recipe was simple and so tasty. The recipe made about 4 servings, so I think I might double it next time.  I plan on treating this as my dessert this week; a much more healthy option in comparison to cookies.  At this point there are not enough meals in the day for me to make and try all the recipes I want from these and other cookbooks.