Cook Something Easy, Then Get Outside!

This morning, before leaving the house for church, I decided to try out my new Tru 3-crock slow cooker. I bought it, on sale, for $15 after Christmas from Kohls.com but hadn't used it yet, other than to make sure it functioned. I put the left-over potato soup from a couple days ago in one section and the leftover ham and beans (heavy on the black-eyed peas) from New Year's day in another section. I put water in the third section, because I just wasn't sure... Anyway, it was so great to come home and have warm soup, and now I am really excited about the possibilities of this. Anyone have experience? Ideas for using all three crocks at once?

I want to share a couple very easy recipes. One is for a main dish, and the other a snack/dessert. Both are so easy, I have never needed to pull out the recipe, I just make them from memory. Let me know if you try either of them, and how you like them!

Easy Kahlua Pig

This recipe came from the off-topic area on an Aquarium Fish forum several years ago. I can't even remember which forum any longer, but I have never forgotten the recipe. 

1 pork roast

kosher salt 

liquid smoke

Yep, that is all. Make sure the fat is trimmed off the pork roast. While holding the roast over the slow cooker, press kosher salt into all surfaces, then rub a splash or two of liquid smoke over it. Remember, liquid smoke is strong. You don't need a lot, just enough to rub around the entire roast. Put the lid on the slow cooker, turn it to high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Do not open lid. Turn the temp to low and leave it for at least six hours or overnight. As long as you don't open the lid, it won't burn.  

I like to start this before bed on a Friday or Saturday night and have it for lunch or an early dinner the following day. I have cooked this dish before for more than 15 hours with no burning. 

Serve with white rice or pasta and fresh fruit or a fruit salad. It is VERY GOOD.

No-bake Peanut Butter Treats

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup white corn syrup (I use Karo)

1 cup peanut butter

2 cups cereal such as Cheerios or Corn Flakes

In a large sauce pan, mix the sugar and corn syrup and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in peanut butter, remove from heat, and stir in the cereal. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Cool and enjoy! Don't forget to scrape the yummy stuff out of the pan, but don't burn yourself... I usually do. 

And finally, a little bit of "Get outside" encouragement. If you have a child of any age, or a dog, or both, find a nice piece of land where you can let them explore. I have a few places I like to use, such as Department of Conservation land (Not during hunting season!!) and some long-abandoned railroad tracks in the area. It doesn't matter how cold it is, we always have fun. For kids, it can be a real learning experience, as you take a close look at the way things change with the seasons, animal tracks in the mud or snow, and even the different smells and sounds. My kids are all grown up now, but the dogs seem to be stuck in perpetual toddler gear. Everything is fun for them, and I have noticed a lot I would have missed otherwise by watching them. It also gives me a great chance to work on their off-leash skills. 

Hope your weekend was great, and may you have a fantastically random week!

~Kenna