Crock Pot Hero–My Best Crock Pot Recipes

I have MANY kitchen do-dads, gadgets and tools.  In fact, if you’re like me, you probably have TOO many of them.  When I pass a kitchen store (OK, I don’t ever PASS one), I have to go in.  My husband knows that’s his cue to find a bench and play poker on his phone for awhile.  I can’t resist checking out the newest and coolest things that will make me into Martha Stewart (without the legal issues, of course).  But hands down, my absolute favorite kitchen tool or appliance is my Crock Pot.

Whoever invented this thing is my hero.  So I decided I had to know who it was I needed to thank for my trusty kitchen sidekick.  And with just a click of my keyboard and mouse, I found this informative little article from the inventor’s daughter that identifies this savior of slow cooking.  So apparently I need a poster of Irving Naxon hanging in my kitchen.  I mean, that’s what you do with your heroes, don’t you?  While he’s no Rick Springfield (who I had MANY posters of back in the day), he’s cute in his own awesome way, right?

I admit that I have fallen prey to the mistake in calling all of my recipes “crock pot” recipes.  However, I knew all along that it’s actually not quite an accurate name.  All crock pots are slow cookers, but not the other way around.  Crock Pot is a brand name (you’re welcome, Rival, for all the free press from me!), but I grew up knowing it as a crock pot so that’s the way it stays.

I have had many of theses magical kitchen appliances over the years, but I admit that because 1) we move every couple years, and 2) I am a klutz, the inserts and lids to many a crock pot have paid the price.  And while there are many very good and inexpensive versions out there, it sucks to have to keep replacing just one piece of an otherwise working appliance.  However you can never find exactly the right sized insert or lid–they change them ever so slightly each year and as a result you can’t just replace a part that easily.  Sigh.

** All Clad had not reimbursed me for my review.  I just really like the thing! **

I finally broke down a couple years ago and invested in what has now become my workhorse of a crock pot–the All-Clad 7 quart Aluminum Insert Slow Cooker.  I know that some people claim to have a bad experience with the electrical element, but we found out with a little investigation that it was the eventual build up on the bottom of the aluminum insert that was the problem.  A little elbow grease and this thing continues to be my go-to slow cooker.

When I say “go-to”, how often does that mean, you wonder?  Well, given the many recipes I make in this thing it’s safe to say that it’s weekly.  In fact, I have a whole week’s worth of recipes for you to try!  See?  I’m lookin’ out for you.  I’m a giver.

And thus here are my Top Crock Pot (or Slow Cooker, if you prefer) recipes for your cooking–and eating–pleasure!  One for each day of the week, plus a little sweet something as a bonus.  ‘Cause I like you.

1. Greek Souvlaki
   
2. Mashed Potatoes
   
3. Shredded Pork
   
4. Fajitas
   
5. Gumbo
   
6. Baby Back Ribs
   
7. Red Wine Chicken
   
8. Sweet & Spicy Texas Pecans
   

Are there any dishes that you just can’t wait to make when you see yours sitting in a cabinet or in a closet?  How often do you use yours? What are YOUR favorite things that make with your Crock Pot Hero?

** There are affiliate links in this post.  Any purchases made through these links mean I will earn a commission on those sales; no additional cost will be incurred by you, the customer.**

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