Lemon & Herb Crockpot Whole Chicken

This is a great starting point to play with seasoning a whole chicken. This is such an easy way to cook a whole chicken. Once I made this, I tried variations with cajun seasoning, mexican etc.

Ingredients:
-one thawed and skinned whole chicken
- head of garlic
- 2 lemons
- fresh rosemary (I'm lazy and cheap so I used dried!)
- salt and pepper

Directions:
- Rub chicken with salt and pepper
- Plop in crockpot
- Peel garlic and shove a bunch of whole cloves into the bird cavity and throw some more on top and around the chicken
- Slice lemon and put slices on top, around and inside the chicken
- Do the same with rosemary - if you are using dried, use a good amount - probably 2 -3 tablespoons
- Cook on low 8 - 10 hours

Italian Shredded Chicken

I know I've said this about almost all of my recipes, but this is so good!! It is another of Finley's favorites!

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 package of onion soup mix
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 cup italian salad dressing
- 1/4 cup water
- sandwich buns

Directions:
- place chicken in slow cooker, sprinkle with soup mix and garlic salt
- Pour dressing and water over chicken
- Cover and cook on low 8 to 9 hours
- Remove chicken and shred; return to slow cooker and mix
- Serve with a slotted spoon on buns
- Garnish as desired - we use cheese, lettuce and ranch dressing.

I haven't tried it but I think this would be great over a cold pasta salad or garden salad. If anyone tries it, let me know!

Smoky Joe's Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A nice change from normal beef stews. This has kind of a sweetness to it.

Ingredients:
- 1lb beef stew meat
- 3/4 cup each salsa and barbeque sauce
- 1 pkg taco seasoning
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
-1 can chickpeas or garbanzo beans rinsed and drained

Directions:
- Combine everything but the beans in a slow cooker and cook on high 3 to 4 hours or low 6 to 8 hours, or until meat is tender
- Add beans (you may not need as much as it says) and mix well.
- Cover and let stand 5 mintues for beans to heat through.

Ben really liked this - not shocking since it is beef!

Crockpot Chicken Marinara

I think this is the easiest recipe ever and it is one of Finley's absolute favorites.

Ingredients:
- 2-3 frozen chicken breasts
- Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
- 1lb of any shape of pasta

Directions:
- Dump the sauce and chicken in the crockpot
- Cook on low 6-8 hours (or more, it won't hurt)
- Shred the chicken and cook for a little while longer
- Serve over noodles.

Didn't I say this was easy?? You could also serve the meat and sauce on buns for sandwiches with cheese etc.

My Favorite Roast

This is so easy and delicious! Ben loves it!

Ingredients:
- Roast
- Onion
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Onion Soup Mix

Directions:
- Peel potatoes, cut ends off of carrots and slice the onion.
- Pile it all in the crockpot - mix onion soup mix with a cup of water and pour over the top
- Cook on low at least 6-8 hours. Don't worry if it cooks longer.

The meat is so tender you have to serve it from the crockpot. The gravy is awesome over the potatoes!