What's For Dinner: Lazy Edition

I wasn't going to use the word lazy considering we aren't very lazy around here these days.  However, I felt lazy was a good word to use when it comes to cooking in this house right now.  There can't be too much in depth prep going on and ingredients need to be simple.  Thinking about that this is one of those times of year lazy cooking is a good idea.  Our calendars are filling up quickly with meetings, fundraisers, bazaars, Christmas program practice, etc so we need easy fast meals.

Ya'll know the crock pot is involved too right?

I don't have really any links this week but I do have ideas for what I'll be throwing together so read on!

1.  Fall = Chicken Stew

Its pretty popular around these parts to have a good ole chicken stew in the fall.  Traditionally, all your friends and family gather around a big black pot that is outside over a fire.  You all sit in yard chairs, gabbing, with your bowl and spoon in hand.  You wash it all down with sweet tea or beer.

We have two chicken stew invitations just this weekend.  Unfortunately, due to a little sickness in the house we won't be able to attend either.  

So we don't all feel left out here's a quick and easy recipe for chicken stew at home.

You can make this in the crock pot:

One package of boneless, skinless chicken breast, thawed and cut.  Traditional chicken stew is shredded chicken.  However, I choose to cut it into really small pieces for this recipe.

2 cups of milk (don't do skim for this go up to 2%)

1 large container Chicken Broth (go ahead and go healthy here and get low sodium)

One stick of butter

Salt and pepper to your liking

1/4c all purpose flour

Place everything except the flour in the pot.  Turn on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4.

When you get home from work or thirty minutes before eating time pour in your flour and stir for about five minutes (not stopping or you'll have chicken and dumplings).

Pretty dang easy.  I like mine with Texas Pete.

2.  Beef Roast

Ok this translates to a great multitude of t depending on where you live. 

I generally get a chuck roast and plop it in the crock pot, cover it in carrots/potatoes/celery/onions (all chopped) and then pour in some A1 (because life is better with A1) and black pepper.  

Crock pot low 8-9 hours crock pot high 4-5 hours.

It is a one pot meal ya'll.

3.  Mac n Cheese with Vegetables on the side.

I'm not a connoisseur of mac n cheese.  I actually don't like it.  However, I will have a spoonful of homemade mac n cheese to be nice.  My husband and children love it and it happens to be a main course so why not?  Since mac and cheese is filled with fat and carbs its best to serve it up with an action packed veggie side like roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, etc) or some good ole cooked cabbage!

Oh and I'm not talking boxed mac n cheese.....real stuff.  Find a recipe on Pinterest or Yummly.com

4.  Go ahead and buy a pre-made lasagna.  Back in the day when I worked in public health and met with people who had weight issues (generally due to 17 trips to fast food a day, not kidding) we would discuss cooking at home.  That Stouffer's lasagna is way better for you than the mystery meat in between the buns.  Just don't eat it every night.

And my last little addition is this:

It is fall and fall means great donut and muffin selections at Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts.  Why don't you surprise the family with some for Sunday morning munchies.  Try the pumpkin spice donuts at both places - they are divine!

So there's some lazy ideas for you.  Have a fun, fall weekend!