Simple Slow Cooker Ham
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 (8 lb) cured, bone-in picnic ham

Spread about 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker crock. Place the ham flat side down into the slow cooker – you might have to trim it a little to make it fit.  Use your hands to rub the remaining brown sugar onto the ham.  Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours.

Click here for more Easter Feaster recipes!

This recipe is from Holly’s Kitchen 101 cookbook.

Click here to listen to Holly talk about her slow cooker Taco Soup.

Here’s my version of a simple and speedy favorite that stands the test of time. If you can open cans, this soup is for you.

Makes 10 (1 cup) servings

1 pound ground sirloin
2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 (11-ounce) cans Mexican style corn, drained
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package original ranch salad dressing mix
2 cups water

1. In large nonstick skillet, over medium heat, cook meat until done, 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

2. In 3 1/2 -6-quart slow cooker, insert plastic liner if desired, and add cooked meat and all ingredients to pot. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 317 Calories from Fat 12% Fat 3g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 1406mg Carbohydrates 37g Dietary Fiber 8g Total Sugars 4g Protein 19g, Dietary Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 2 lean meat

Terrific Tidbit: To reduce the sodium, use reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix and then the recipe will be diabetic friendly! I added sweet potatoes for a colorful nutritional boost.

Sesame Beef
1 pound round steak
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons white sugar
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Mix soy sauce, sugar, oil, garlic, and onions in a large bowl. Set aside. Cut steak into strips and add to bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 30 minutes. Cook in wok or frying pan until brown, about 5 minutes. Add sesame seeds and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Enjoy!

Slow Cooked Chicken Tacos
In the slow cooker – put:

frozen chicken breasts (3-4)
I jar of salsa
1 block of cream cheese
1 can of black beans

slow cook on low for 6-8 hours
right before you are ready to eat, shred the chicken mixture, and spoon into soft taco shells (or crispy!)

Yum. Don’t open the lid while this all cooks during tha day. That’s 1 secret to slow cookers. When you lift the lid, you take off about 30 minutes cooking time. Yikes!

Slow Cooked Pork Tenderloin
1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper

Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet. Pour water, wine and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat. Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible. Sprinkle with pepper and cover. Cook on low setting for 4 hours. Serve with cooking liquid on the side as au jus.

Warm Potato Soup
2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, partially thawed
1 can chicken broth
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/3 cup milk

In medium non stick pot, heat hash browns, broth & onion to a boil, reduce heat and cook, covered, about 8-10 minutes. In small bowl, wisk together flour with milk. Add to potato mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until thickened. For thinner soup, add more milk. Serve with shredded cheese on top! Also sliced green onions go well to top it off. Bacon bits make it even more hearty. YUM!

Greek fish with hummus
Get 4 (or so) filets of your favorite white/mild fish
olive oil
greek seasoning
lemon

Sprinkle the seasoning on fish and cook it in a little olive oil. Either pan fry, bake or broil it. The fish is done with it flakes easily in the middle with a fork. Squeeze a little lemon juice on it before serving.

Hummus with pita bread on the side
Buy a container of your favorite already prepared hummus. Put a layer of it on the bottom of a pie place. Then sprinkle with sliced tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped cucumber and crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve with pita bread on the side of the fish. Yummy and Healthy!