What's for Dinner Update

Since we don't get home until close to 7 most nights, the girls have no desire to wait longer than 5 minutes to eat dinner. Even the most efficient recipes require at least 20-30 minutes...unless dinner's in the slow cooker.

I've been scouring the internet for slow cooker recipes, and have come across a few good resources to answer the never-ending question, "what's for dinner?"

I'm now the proud owner of two slow-cookers: one with cool programmable features, and one smaller old-fashioned one so I can even slow cook a side dish. I do any prep work required the night before so all that's left to do in the morning is get the slow cooker(s) cooking.

In order to avoid overdone, dry meat that sometimes can be an issue with slow-cooking, there are two basic rules to follow: 1) always cook on the Low setting, and 2) choose recipes that have a sauce. Sure, we'll have a pot roast every so often, but even then, we prefer a recipe that incorporates another liquid besides water. Since it'll be in the slow cooker all day, programmable or not, cooking on Low is already a requirement for us, and I think only once have we had something that tasted even slightly overcooked (and was cooked in the non-programmable slow cooker).

I was very excited to find Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners to help with clean-up. This is not at all a sponsored post, but I really appreciate that someone thought of these!

Our evening routine is working great for us these days. Riley gets the mail while I feed the cat. Sylvia sets the table while I serve. After dinner, the girls start on their homework while I clean up and prep for the next day's meal. While they're getting dressed in the morning, I'm starting dinner. Rinse and repeat.