Those of you who are part of my generation may remember Dump Cake where you just opened cans and boxes, dumped their contents into a cake pan, and baked it. No fuss; no muss.
Since it is painful for me to stand more than a couple minutes, I’ve been experimenting doing that with meats in my crock pot.
I usually start with about three pounds of meat because that fits well in my pot and makes a comfortable number of servings.
Then I dump in whatever other ingredients I’m using and let it cook, usually four to six hours on low. Use a meat thermometer to check.
When it’s done Dave and I portion out the meat in chunks, diced bits, or shreds into single serve containers then stir whatever is still in the pot and add it to the containers.
I often eat the first serving warm, stick a couple in the fridge to eat soon, and put the remaining containers in the freezer for later.
Here’s some of my combos starting with one from the dump cake era:
Beef roast, one packet dried onion soup mix, one can cream of mushroom soup.
Pork roast, one can crushed pineapple, ground ginger.
Skinless boneless chicken, one jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, one can drained artichoke hearts.
I’ve now realized that I can take recipes that have multiple ingredients and reduce them to their basics to make them easier to assemble. And I can buy pre-peeled/chopped fruits and veggies to reduce prep requirements. So, I’ll be increasing my list as I figure these out. I’m looking forward to trying pork roast with pre-sliced apples and cinnamon. In the meantime, we’ve just made the chicken one above and it is delicious!
TTYL,
Linda
We’re having pork chops with fried apples tonight. But Jim is using the grill. I do love my crock pot.
These sound great (especially the chicken) and even possible in the RV while driving.
Have you figured out the nutritional values for these meals?
AMAZING!!!
two great minds! LOLOL.
I just used my crock pot today. for chicken. and it’s fork tender!
I have to forego the lipton soup mix since he wants me low salt … and it’s over 600 mg…
but I can buy low sodium cream of mushroom soup. and even some little boiling onions.
it’s my kind of cooking! put it in there and forget it. add a veggie or salad when serving and voila!
I can stand longer than 2 minutes… but standing for long long times… chopping etc…
like you… it also really gets to my back.
but it’s so easy to cook anymore. I don’t eat pork… but otherwise… everything you mentioned here
sounds delicious.
and the internet is FULL of slow cooker recipes! YAY!
dang…
now I want a dump cake DARN YOU! and I’ve given up sugar.
he has me on metformin. blood sugar kept staying around the 156 zone…
I’ve already lost weight and am feeling better. who knew.
so glad to see this post. I miss you!
I’ve never done a dump cake but do love the crock pot and dumping in it. The pork roast and pineapple was interesting. I just might try that but I’ve also never thought about mixing fruit in the crock either. Great idea.. I think it’s time to get my crock pot back out.
“who are part of my generation may remember Dump Cake”
I still make them! One can pineapple + one angel food cake = deliciousness.
The beef one is inspiring me since I have a secret love for onion soup mix. I don’t do mushrooms, so maybe a cream of potato instead? No other liquid?
The pork and chicken also sound really good… I’m only just starting to crockpot regularly.
I like that chicken recipe. Going to give it a try. Thanks.
I love dump cake!
Thanks for the inspiration. I just might have to try this. Throw in some meat and whatever else I have on hand and forget it. I want to fill my freezer w/ healthy, simple, easy, delicious food! Thanks again đŸ™‚