dollars and cents

 After spending too many DOLLARS eating out the past few days,
I pulled out the crock pot - my current favorite cooking instrument.
(Actually, I didn't "pull it out".  It sits ready-for-use on our countertop.)
I washed and sliced the 3 potatoes from the bottom of the bag,
chopped some onions,
and cut the 1-pound tube of frozen ground turkey meat into 2 sections.
While 1/2 of it was defrosting in the microwave, I popped the other half back in the freezer,
boiled some water and dissolved a cube of beef bouillon in it.
It all went into my $1 garage sale crock pot 
where the flavors are ALREADY blending and scenting the air!
Noticing a couple of apples I'd purchased from the bargain rack at the back of the supermarket,
I decided to chop up one of them and add it to the mix.  
Their flavor had been a bit disappointing, but I think it will be a good addition to the "stew".
Closer to eating time, I'll add some frozen mixed veggies since I don't have any fresh on hand.
Today we will dine for CENTS.

When using the crock pot, I generally don't follow a recipe.
Going out and purchasing items for a recipe defeats the purpose of it for me.
As a result, I seldom can duplicate a crock pot meal since I never have quite
the same combination of ingredients on hand from one time to the next.
To me, that's what crock pot cooking is all about!

7 comments:

  1. Sounds so good this morning! I use crock often...but sometimes I think the recipes all taste the same so your idea of not using one at all is great. My best recipe is YOUR potato casserole one. Have a good weekend ahead, Rebecca.

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    1. Ahhhh. You, too, Claudia (a good weekend). Food in the crock pot DOES tended to blend flavors. And I've seen MANY recipes that sound really good. I just find it more economical to use up what I have.....

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  2. I'm so with you on that Rebecca. My soups are always different! I don't often use a crock pot but cooking for pennies is fun and always delicious! I'm making stew tonight as well, it's rainy today and stew is always perfect for a rainy day!

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  3. Hi Rebecca. I like the crock pot, too, every so often, not daily. I have a couple of standby dishes like chicken with salsa and beans. Take care and buen provecho! Susan

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    1. "Buen provencho" (?) Would that be "good luck"?

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  4. I remember having a crockpot exactly like the one you photographed. Brings back memories.
    Your recipe sounds delish. Love the fact that you make up your recipe as you go. Talented lady you are!
    Love,
    Jackie

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  5. Wish I would have thought of this earlier in the day. It sounds good Rebecca!
    Love Di ♥

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