A Week of Pinterest Recipe Reviews

Although I typically review project type pins, I do rely on Pinterest regularly for recipes and meal ideas.  This past week I did quite a few recipes and I wanted to share the outcome with you.  My disclaimer...eating healthy was not at the forefront of my focus this week and all my recipes selections reflect that LOL.  

My first inspiration...a whole chicken in the crockpot!

Originally found at Queen Bee Coupons

I love cooking a whole chicken because I can usually get two meals out of one.  I usually take the left overs and make chicken fried rice.  Add some store bought egg rolls and you have a meal!  Anyway I followed the original pinners instructions exactly adding a little olive oil as she did, etc.  My chicken cooked A LOT faster than hers.  It was done in about 4 hours.  The meat itself was good but one thing I couldn't get past was the soggy skin.  When you roast a whole chicken in the oven the skin gets nice and crispy.  Even though I personally don't eat the skin, its more aesthetically appealing to me and the chicken isn't dripping with juice, it's just right.  While the chicken came out as she said it would, this pin gets a PASS from me.  For me, there is no substitute for oven roasting.

Next up...crack potatoes.  This is one of those recipes I've pinned multiple times and it took me months to finally make it.  Here's the pin:

Originally found at Plain Chicken

I followed the instructions exactly.  I divided it up into two larger pans instead of three smaller.  Overall it came out good but if I make this again, I'm going to try adding a little less ranch seasoning.  If that doesn't fix it, I'm going to cut back on the sour cream.  There was an over powering punch from one of them that I need to scale back but couldn't put my finger on which it was.  PIN.

It was a busy week of cooking.  I don't know why I crammed so many of these into one week...anyway.  Next up,  loaded baked potato casserole.  

Originally found at Red Star Recipe

Again, the outcome was good.  If I make this again, I'll use less potatoes and add more bacon and cheese.  PIN

Last one...the Italian Wonder Pot.  This one is simple.  PIN!

Originally found at Budget Bytes

That was our week.  We had leftovers from each of these that made nice lunches the following day.  Next up, a Thanksgiving craft to do with the kiddies and a basket idea for a holiday basket raffle.  Stay tuned!

      

Crockpot Creations - Part 2 of 2 with a Guest Post by Joanna

Today we continue our quest to find Pinterest crockpot recipes that are actually worth trying.  We have a great guest post from a friend of mine, Joanna.  Joanna is a very busy newlywed, that has a ridiculous commute to work everyday!  She uses her crockpot to have meals ready when she gets home so she doesn't have to spend all night in the kitchen!

Guest Blogger:  Joanna

Hello everyone in the Pin or Pass blogosphere!  My name is Joanna.  I'm a scientist by day, foodie by night, and a Pinterest addict during my train commute home (...and lunch break at work, and down time before bed..). Well, you get the picture.  When Jenn was looking for a guest blogger I jumped at the chance.  I love searching Pinterest for new recipes to try on the weekends.  I have two boards I keep for myself:  "test kitchen-repeat" and "test kitchen - no repeat."  Or as Jenn likes to say, "Pin or Pass." I hope my incite into Pinterest popular recipes can be helpful to all of you!


Three things drew me to this pin.1.  I love my crockpot .2.  Sweet and spicy is an amazing combination.3.  Garlic.   Lots of garlic. 


The fact that this recipe possessed these three qualities put the pin directly onto my "yum" board."  I love to cook dinner for my husband and I.  However, my days are long, I'm talking 15 hours long (on a good day).  So when I find a recipe that utilizes the crockpot and is guaranteed to give me a few nights worth of dinners I'm usually sold.  


This pin was originally found on Six Sisters Stuff. Here's what it should like:

Originally found at Six Sisters' Stuff

I had all of the ingredients in my kitchen except for the soda, which was a quick fix; so it was a great recipe to give a try on a Sunday.


Ingredients* 4-6 chicken breasts ($3.00)                           - I only had 3 on hand and I think the quantity was fine * 1 cup packed brown sugar ($0.48)                - I used light brown sugar * 2/3 cup vinegar ($0.94)                                  - I used red wine vinegar  * 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda ($0.06) * 2-3 Tablespoons minced garlic ($0.86)* 2 Tablespoons soy sauce ($0.21)* 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (freebie)* 2 Tablespoons corn starch ($0.12)* 2 Tablespoons red pepper flakes (freebie)    - optional  Total Cost - $5.67 
* Served over rice, I got about 6 servings out of this recipe.  Your serving sizes may differ.  Cost per serving - $0.95


Instructions1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Place chicken (frozen, thawed or fresh) inside slow cooker. 3. Mix together brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper together. 4. Pour over chicken. 5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 6. Take chicken pieces out of slow cooker and pour remaining sauce into saucepan. 7. Place saucepan over high heat. 8. Mix together corn starch and water, pour into saucepan, and mix well.* Note: no specific amount of water was given.  I kept adding water to the cornstarch by the teaspoon until the cornstarch was completely dissolved.  I ended up adding 8 teaspoons of water , which is equal to 2 2/3 Tablespoons. 9.  Let sauce come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken and turns into a glaze. 10. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two (it will continue to thicken as it cools down). 11. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.  

Since I had almost all of the ingredients on hand I don't have an exact total of what I spent on the ingredients.  Here's the end result:

The finished product!

This recipe was super simple, delicious, and a crowd pleaser.  When adding the red pepper flakes it definitely reminds me of one of my Chinese food take-out favorites, Chicken in Garlic Sauce, at a fraction of the price!  This gets a PIN! 


Thanks Joanna!  Next up...it's an exciting time at the Calero house.  My main man, Gio, is turning 4 in a few weeks and we are preparing for a Ninja Turtle themed birthday party. My little lady, Miss Julianna, is turning 1 so I'm working on some fun picture ideas and a Minnie Mouse themed birthday.  Stay tuned for more.  If you have a guest post you'd like to submit please email me at jcalero1015@yahoo.com.  

Crockpot Creations - Part 1 of 2 with a Guest Post by Kristina

Even though it's Summer, crockpot meals are a great way to have dinner ready in a flash without a lot of work.  As you scroll through Pinterest you always see these amazing dishes that look like they are straight out of a food magazine and think to yourself "boy that looks good."  You run out to the store, buy all the ingredients, put it together and wait 8 long hours while it cooks in your crock.  How many of you have come home to a pile of mush in your crockpot?  I sure have, so today is part 1 of a 2 part post testing crockpot recipes found on Pinterest, let's see how they go!

First up is Kristina, she tried crockpot Lasagna.  Now before I proceed, I'll tell you Kristina is my cousin.  Our Grandma is quite possibly the best Lasagna maker around so as she is reviewing this recipe she's holding the results up against Grandma Malfa's Lasagna.
 
Guest Blogger:  Kristina

Hi Everyone!  I found a recipe for "Slow Cooker Lasagna" from Taste of Home on Pinterest.

Originally found at Taste of Home 

I have a 4 qt. crockpot that I used to make this.  I altered the recipe a bit and used:

• 1 lb. of ground meat (whatever you like, I've used beef, venison, & turkey)
• 1 small onion
• Garlic
• 1 pkg lasagna noodles-not the 'no bake' kind, just regular
• Cheeses & sauce-I started using the Great Value brand Italian mix,  it has 4 or 5 cheeses in it, & I didn't measure the cheese like they suggest, I just put in what I wanted!

Start by cooking your meat in a frying pan with one small onion, EVOO and garlic.  

Then put sauce on the bottom of your crockpot so it doesn't stick.  Layer sauce, meat, noodles, & cheese, with extra sauce & cheese on top.

Pour about 1/3 cups of water in for some moisture.  Cook on low for 8 hours and enjoy!  I thought this came out great.  It wasn't as neat as the picture, but it tasted good, was easy to make and inexpensive.  PIN!

Up next...part 2 of Crockpot Creations with a guest post from Joanna who tried Slow Cooker Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken...sounds delish!