Welcome to Fix-It and Forget-It Christmas Slow Cooker Feasts
It seemed like a good idea …
If you’ve invited your family or your special friends or neighbors to your home for a holiday meal, you might be caught somewhere between anticipation and dread right now.
Who doesn’t like to have loved ones around the table, murmuring with delight about the food they’ve been eating? But which of us hasn’t had panic nearly paralyze us on the way to that lovely moment?
Running out …
Or maybe your energy and your cooking ideas left you before your holiday guests did? How do you prepare without running out of time—or graciousness?
Never fear. You absolutely can make holiday meals with ease and with pleasure!
Beat the panic
Most of us prepare dozens of meals during the 60 days between early November and early January. Well, here are 600 manageable slow-cooker recipes (plus 50 Go-Alongs)—all from cooks who want to feast with their loved ones without being exhausted and frazzled.
Phyllis Good
Don't miss the “Ideas for Meaningful Holidays” and “Happy Hosting Tips,” spread among the recipes. One more reason that this cookbook can quickly become your kitchen companion.
Thank you, all you wonderful cooks and hosts who so generously shared your holiday recipes and tips for happiness at this special time of year. And thank you, too, testers, for your care and comments. Each of you has demonstrated the wonder of hospitality.
Make this cookbook your own
Most of the recipes in this collection are flexible and forgiving. You’ll notice that most of them offer a range of cooking times; many of the recipes suggest optional ingredients.
Make this book your own. Write in it. Note the cooking time that worked for you. Star the recipe you liked. If you added or subtracted ingredients, write them in the neighboring column. Flip to the Index and put a big dot next to a recipe you especially liked. Then you can spot it at a glance when you’re looking for cooking inspiration.
One more thing
These recipes work at any time of the year! Don’t restrict them to your holiday table.
Christmas Smells
Mary Kathryn Yoder
Harrisonville, MO
Prep. Time: 10 minutes
Ideal slow cooker size: 2-quart
4 cups water
rind of 1 lemon
rind of 1 orange
1-oz. box whole cloves
1-oz. box cinnamon sticks
2 bay leaves
1. Pour water into 2-qt. slow cooker so it’s half to ⅔ full.
2. Add all other ingredients. Stir well.
3. Cover. Turn cooker to High until mixture boils.
4. Remove lid. Reduce heat to Low. Let mixture simmer and fill your home with good smells. Add water as needed.
Note:
Do not leave your house with Christmas Smells cooking. This needs continual checking so it doesn’t boil dry.