In trying to choose a recipe to share, I couldn't just pick one. So instead, I decided to share two of the dishes that I would call crowd favourites! The nice thing about these is that they can be started hours ahead in the slow cooker while you get the rest of the preparations done.
1. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
(Serves a Crowd!)
Depending on the crowd you are serving, you can always add or take away from the measurements of this recipe. I like to use a 5 quart slow cooker, and typically will fill it to the brim with ingredients.
The key to this recipe is using fresh ingredients. If you have access to locally grown squash, that is the best option. Otherwise, try to select one that feels heavy for the size, is a nice golden tan colour and sounds hollow when tapped.
Ingredients:
2 medium butternut squash, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 or 2 tablespoons of butter
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 apples, peeled and diced
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt, then more to taste as needed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then more to taste as needed
1. Place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker, set the cooker on high for 4 or 6 hours depending on the time you have.
2. Once the soup is nearly done, and you can see that the squash and other ingredients have broken down, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a smooth consistency. Add water if a more liquid consistency is desired, or you can use milk or cream if you want a more creamy texture.
3. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. If the soup is lacking sweetness, feel free to stir in a dash of brown sugar. Sometimes I like to garnish with a little drop of light creme fresh. Serve and Enjoy!
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| Candid photo from one of the fall parties! |
(Serves a Crowd!)
This recipe is a sweet addition to any fall menu, from barbecued sausages to Thanksgiving dinner! One of our fall traditions is going apple picking, and then I try to use them in as many dishes as possible! Some of my favourite apples are Mutsu (tart and holds its shape), Golden Delicious (lightly sweet, bakes well), and Honey Crisp (sweet as honey!). I tend to use a combination of all three in my apple sauce, but feel free to use what you have.
Ingredients:
5 (approx.) lbs of apples (use a variety, dice into various sized cubes, fill almost to brim of slow cooker)
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (fresh ground nutmeg is my secret ingredient, its amazing!)
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar (if desired)
1. Place all of the ingredients into the slow cooker and set on high for 4 hours.
2. Cook until the apples are soft and your house smells amazing. Stir for a more chunky-style of apple sauce or use immersion blender for a smoother texture. Serve and Enjoy!
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| Good to the last drop! |
I'm still learning to grab the camera while I'm in the mad rush of cooking, so these recipes may require your imagination. But I assure you, they will not let your taste buds down!
