Not so sloppy turkey joe

Walking into the house and knowing that dinner made is a joy, especially on a dreary Monday.   And just spending a little less then ten minutes in the early hours is not bad either. 

      Not so sloppy turkey joe

Start off by spraying your crock with cooking spray, this will help with the cleanup later on.   I have tried the crockpot bags, but I feel a little uncomfortable cooking anything in plastic.  With that said, I used a 2 lb. turkey ham, a can of Sloppy Joe sauce, a can of stewed tomatoes, and 2 onions. 

I roughly cut up the onion and placed them in the bottom.  

Then I place the turkey ham on top, flat side down.   Please use a regular ham instead of turkey if that is what is in the fridge.  Just make sure it fits in the crock. 

I poured the whole can of the sloppy joe sauce over the turkey ham making sure he's completely covered.  

Then I poured the stewed tomatoes around the meat and covered the onions.  

To make sure the lid is a tight fit I put a sheet of tin foil in between.  

I set it on low for 8 hours.  My husband had shredded the meat with two forks and mixed in the sauce and onions real good. 

He put his on a seame seed bun with a slice of Swiss cheese. 

I had mine with a wrap and some crunchy vinegar slaw. 

 Swedish Pizzera Slaw

1/4 to a full head of cabbage thinly shredded.  I use a mandin.  Red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper  or favorite herb salt.  

Put shredded cabbage in bowl.   Liberally sprinkle with red wine vinegar.   2 - 3 circles of olive oil.   More salt then you think you should and as much black pepper.     Toss.   Cover and refrigerate.   All day is good.  Overnight is better.   The salt will draw liquid out of the cabbage and give it a nice al dente.  

Enjoy

Veronica

Ginger and Pear Oatmeal

I usually make my batches of oatmeal on the fly and add whatever I have on hand. So there has been a lot of cinnamon and raisin, and vanilla and cranberry.   But this time I thought ahead.  I swoon for spice cake and anything gingerbread or pumpkin so a little ginger in the morning is just makes me happy.  

Crystallized Ginger and Pear Oatmeal

I used 1/4 cup stealcut oatmeal, 1 tablespoon wheat germ, 1/4 of a Bartlett pear cut into about 1/4" pieces. Use a cube of the crystallized ginger (I get it in the bulk section at Whole Foods) and dice it up. 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, and 1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla. And 1/2 cup water.  

Use mason jars and put into a water bath in slow cooker.   Cook on low for 7-8 hours.  Refrigerate extra portions.  Reheat carefully for 1:45 min.   I used the microwave at work and it bubbled over heating up, but that has never happend at home.  

I make four at the time hence the 1/4 pear.   This recipie adds up to 248 calories as written.    Add sweetener as needed. 

Maybe orange and dried cranberry next time. 

Veronica

Perfect Crock Oatmeal

A healthy breakfast for the whole family that is quick, nutritious and portable. 

The trick for a hot breakfast is using the crock with a water bath.    When setting up the night before make sure all liquids are cold.   This slows the cooking time down.  Use 2 cup mason jars and if the jars are hitting the lid put a ring of tinfoil around the lid to keep a tight seal.  Set the crock on low for 8 hours.

    For oatmeal use steel cut oats, 1/4 cup.  Then 1 cup of liquid.    This can be milk, almond milk, water (I like to use half almond, half water).   Then add anything like: 1/2 banana;  apple slices and cinnamon;  any berries; dried fruit; spices; or even a teaspoon of butter.   I also like to add a tablespoon of peanut butter in the morning, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. 

     For grits use old fashion, 1/4 cup.  Then add 1 1/4 cup liquid.  Water, broth, milk or a little of each works well. Some bits of country ham and handful of cheese cubes is always a hit. So are sausage left over from dinner. 

For best portability use a beer cozy around the mason jar.   This will keep the breakfast warm in the car or at the office.  

Veronica