try it tuesday

Finally! I'm back. I swear. For real this time.

This Christmas, I received my very first slow cooker. It's surprising that someone like me, who has always loved to cook and collected kitchen gadgets, has never owned a slow cooker. And while I wouldn't categorize it as life-changing, like the Magic Bullet, it is pretty convenient.

My first attempt: Baked beans. I used Mum and Grammie's trusted recipe, and while they weren't quite the same as the beans I grew up with, they were pretty tasty. What I loved most was how easy it was. I tossed in a few ingredients, set it and forgot about it. They simmered all day while I did other things, and voila, dinner is served. I know, this isn't revolutionary information, but it's new to me!

Tonight, I decided to tackle a family favourite — squash casserole.

Here's what I used:

2 lbs. yellow summer squash, sliced (about 6 cups)

half a medium onion, chopped

1 cup grated carrot

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup flour

8 oz. package seasoned stuffing crumbs (I used turkey Stovetop)

1/2 cup butter

Combine squash, onion, carrots and soup.

Mix together sour cream and flour. Add to vegetables.

Toss stuffing mix and butter. Spread half in bottom of slow cooker. Add vegetable mixture. Top with remaining stuffing.

Cover. Cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.

And the jury's still out, because it's still cooking! But I'll report back tomorrow and let you know how it tastes!

A big congratulations to Karen who completed her mission of 365 days of slow cooking and living to blog about it! She posted her final recipe today. Click here to enjoy her many unique Crock Pot ideas.

What are your favourite slow cooker recipes or websites?