By Chef Glenn Morel
Ah, September! That season of Fall when the air is crisp, pumpkin spice lattes abound and our crockpots are working overtime that would make a personal trainer cry out in envy. As we say goodbye to barbecues and embrace the comforting warmth of home-cooked meals, nothing beats the trusty crockpot. So let’s jump into some crock recipes that will have you saying “Crock yeah!” all month long!
Harvest Vegetable Medley
As leaves start to change colors and farmers’ markets begin to overflow with seasonal produce, we should get ready for fall. Throw some root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips into your slow cooker, add a little vegetable broth, sprinkle with thyme and let it do its thing. Not only will your kitchen smell like an autumn daydream but you’ll also feel smug about your five-a-day. Who said healthy eating couldn’t be tasty and easy?
Chili Con Caramelized Onions
When temperatures drop, nothing is more satisfying than a warm bowl of chili in which caramelized onions can bring it up a notch or two up. Bring them together with rich beans, tomatoes and whatever meat (if any) you want for an astonishing combination that will make you look like cooking guru extraordinaire. Sour cream on top? Check! And how about sprinkling some cheese over it? Remember: Chili’s aftermath tastes even better.
Slow-Cooked Pumpkin Curry
It’s time to get into Halloween spirit as October draws nearer! However, instead of our usual pumpkin spice let us try something different and go savory. Mix a can of pumpkin puree with one can of coconut milk, some curry paste and any veggies you happen to like for a delightful creamy dish that will warm your soul. Set it on low in your crockpot and watch this season’s hit show on TV while occasionally stirring it. Your mouth will thank you for this and now you’ve got a good excuse to put on that pair drawstring pants.
Crock-Pot Beef Stew: The Classic Comfort Hero
Every September would be incomplete without the traditional beef stew which is just like being wrapped in a cozy blanket while sitting by the fireplace during winter nights although in food form (culinary equivalent). Take chunks of beef, hearty vegetables plus add a splash of red wine then put them inside the slow cooker so it can do its magic slowly but surely—more cooking makes it more saucy so much so that even if September was at its coldest point, it would still feel like a cozy getaway. Dip with crunchy bread slices or rolls plated next to each serving bowl is perfect for satisfying everyone present including children who may not have tasted such flavors before thus making them ask for seconds!
Crock-Pot Apple Crisp
With apples at their peak this month break out your crockpot for Grandma style dessert. Slice several tart apples removing cores then cover them with cinnamon-sugar mixture and add nutmeg pinch while at it too; after that prepare crumbly topping from oats-flour-butter-brown sugar, layer it all into your crockpot. Let the apples cook until they are tender and the topping has turned golden. Bring out vanilla ice cream to enjoy when warm and watch your folks turn happy zombie apple people.
Wave goodbye to summer’s inferno and welcome the tastes of autumn while your kitchen stove takes a rest. These tasty, simple-to-make meals will make you ready for any September party or cozy family dinner. So just set it and forget it as your buds will thank you forever and there will be enough time to sip that pumpkin spiced latte while your dinner cooks. Enjoy using this!
About the Author: Glenn Morel is a producer turned chef. His website is www.ifihadachef.com. With experience in restaurants from Florida to Manhattan, he specializes in bringing his clients their very own personal chef for any special event. In addition to private parties of 12 (or more-or-less), he also offers catering for small and large groups. Chef Glenn works with you to create a customized menu and first-class event. He brings culinary professionals with him that dress appropriately and are experienced in handling food. They are also often trained mixologists and fine dining servers.