The slow cooker is a great way to free up oven space, or to be able to put a dish in to cook with very little fussing about while you get on with other things. Using it to cook potatoes while you work on a beautiful roast and a lovely dessert, set the table, toss the salad and plate the hors d’oeuvres, can be a true boon. But here’s the thing – that’s why I originally tried … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker French Potatoes
Sides
Smoky Bacon Corn Casserole
I love, love, love a creamy summer corn casserole (or corn pudding). I mean, I pretty much love all things corn from Caramelized Corn Pudding to zesty Chimichurri Corn Casserole or sophisticated Parmigiano Basil Baked Corn, I am shucking those ears all summer long. Twist up the ingredients on a classic recipe and you end up with a whole new experience. … [Read more...] about Smoky Bacon Corn Casserole
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto is comfort food for me. Once I discovered how easy it is to make at home, it became one of my favorite meals to make as a special treat for myself, in many forms. I love it with tomato, or cheeses, or corn or butternut squash or pumpkin. I actually find the process of stirring and adding the broth a little at a time sort of soothing and meditative. But it is a bit of a … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto
Pumpkin Sage Focaccia
It’s time to put pumpkin front and center. I love this pillowy slab of delicious fall flavor, and it is incredibly easy to make – it just takes some patience to get through the resting and rising phases! Though your patience will be well rewarded with a fresh autumn read straight from the oven. I love this served with soup or a simple pasta, or as a starter with some olive oil … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Sage Focaccia
Roasted Garlic and Spinach Orzo
And now to focus on the humble side dish. It’s easy to spend a lot of thought and time on a showstopping main, or to build a meal around it. But a delicious side dish can make a meal special, and I even think it’s worth building the rest of the meal around a dish like this creamy orzo. Its great beside a simple roasted chicken or pork tenderloin, but you can serve it as the … [Read more...] about Roasted Garlic and Spinach Orzo