slow cooker

Yesterday was MUCH more in line with what I expected to get done during my time off. I always take a lot of time off this time of year, and this year I believe I set a record. My last day of work was December 21st, and I’m not headed back to work until January 3rd.

I made a list of to-do’s that I never have time to get around to. I happily checked off quite a few items on the list.

Install wireless internet at home. CHECK!

Meet with a trainer at the YMCA to learn how to use the weight machines. CHECK!

Take down the Christmas tree. CHECK!

Today’s list is not nearly as fun (as it involves me getting dressed and wearing make-up – - the horror!!!) In the end, my list will get smaller, so I suppose I’ll suffer through it. Besides, it always feels so great to start the year with everything organized, so it’s worth it.

I also have an AWESOME new recipe to share with you today. You’re seriously going to love this one. It comes from Weight Watchers’ All-Time Favorites cookbook and is yet another recipe that my sister-in-law Beth shared with me.

This one is soooo good. The balsamic vinegar you add at the end makes SUCH a big flavor difference. So good!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

From Weight Watchers’ All-Time Favorites

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pound boneless beef bottom round (or london broil)

3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 lb. new potatoes, quartered

1 (16-oz) bag baby carrots

1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes

3/4 cup dry red wine

1/4 cup fat free beef broth

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crumbled

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the beef and flour together in a zip-lock plastic bag. Shake the bag to coat the meat.

2. Place the beef and flour mixture, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, wine, thyme, and garlic in the slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, until all is tender. Stir in vinegar and salt for the final finish.

PER SERVING (1/8 Recipe Serving):

CAL: 213; FAT: 4g; SODIUM: 147mg; CARB: 22g; PROT: 2g; WW Points Plus: 7

Chicken Florentine Soup

WOW: The Loveland MS Walk

Slow Cooker Parmesan-Tomato Basil Soup

I know I talk about Pinterest a LOT, but it’s AWESOME, folks. If you haven’t tried it yet, click here to check it out!

I spend a lot of time “pinning” things I want to try… and some of them are in the food family. I found this one a few weeks back, and what I liked about it was that it was a SUPER-SIMPLE concept and something I could easily make for one.

Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Adapted from Cupcake Diaries via Pinterest

Makes 2 Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

1 chicken breast, thawed

Diced Onion

Chicken broth

2 Tbsp. Light Caesar dressing (I recommend Cardini’s Light Caesar)

Fresh Ground Pepper

Shredded Romaine

Sliced Grape Tomatoes

Wonder Wheat 80 Calorie Hamburger Bun

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place chicken breast in the crockpot. Top with onions, and add a splash of chicken broth.

2. Cook until chicken begins to fall apart. Remove from the crockpot and shred in a bowl using 2 forks. Add Caesar dressing and fresh ground pepper to taste. Stir.