by Allie Boudreau

If you know me well enough, you know that the best purchase I have made to date is my Crock-Pot. This thing has been with me since before I left for college, and it has never failed to create a scrumptious, filling meal. It never dawned on me the power of this (what I believe to be essential) kitchen device. It was after I created a delicious vat of pulled, Barbacoa beef that I realized its true potential to become the core of my meal preparation.

Each Saturday at the grocery store, I peruse around the meat counter to see what is on sale. Based on my available options, I take my protein and head to the produce to see what vegetables and starches combine to make the perfect meal. This is one of the easiest techniques to tackle lunch/dinner without exerting a lot of brain effort (which can be lacking at the end of the work week). I encourage you all to try this method and to encourage your kids to join you. Maybe mom or dad picks the protein and the kiddos select some colorful vegetables to add to the pot. This not only ensures a healthy meal for the family but it is also a way to educate your kids on proper nutrition. Grocery shopping is most certainly a chore but it can be enjoyable. Get crazy and make up a recipe one week. Trial and error is definitely a part of the process and when you find those amazing concoctions, they will be the “Go-To” forever.

The Crock-Pot is just one tool that can help you tackle meal preparation. Dump those ingredients in, season appropriately, and voila, you have a stellar meal. Here is one of my favorite recipes…enjoy and get Crock-Pottin!

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken 

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup mild salsa verde (I use Herdez)
  • 1/3-1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Shred and enjoy!