When the Calphalon rep asked me what in the world a slow cooker had to do with staying organized, the words weren’t even completely out of my mouth before he was nodding. I told him,
“Because when you are a busy mom, if you keep your family well fed, they will pretty much go along with anything else you want them to do. And a slow cooker is the magical device that let’s you plan dinner yesterday and avoid the 5 o’clock scramble today.”
Because as this picture clearly shows, 5 o’clock is for taking pictures of your food for the blog. LOL.
A lot of friends say they don’t use their slow cooker as much in the summer, but I quite possibly use mine even more during the summer. It’s a nice way to have an entree waiting on you at the end of the day without having to fire up the oven. Our family’s favorite meal is dead simple, and perfect for this slow cooker. I’ve included the recipe down below.
Up until now, I’ve only had personal experience with one brand of slow cooker. But I am happy with this Calphalon Digital Slow Cooker, 4-Quart
. It has a glazed stone crock like I’m used to, which can go into the dishwasher. This 4 quart size is actually better for most of my entree recipes, although it might be a tad small for chili. It also fits nicely in the fridge, which none of my crocks ever did. The controls are easy to use and has the warming feature.
Although I’m not a huge fan of stainless, it’s all over my kitchen, and this matches everything perfectly. It also has a lovely cord catch on the bottom. You know I’m a sucker for organizing helpers.
I’ve used it for Parmesan chicken, artichoke-stewed fish, and tacos just in the last week. In fact, my kids would eat this turkey taco dinner every night if I made it. I consider this essential back to school equipment.
Even better, Calphalon has heard the Back to School Battle Cry, and they’re letting me give away one of these very same slow cookers here on the blog. Nothing slow about this! Enter quickly to get in on this giveaway action. I’m looking forward to helping you make mealtimes easier with Calphalon.
Congratulations to Marcie L. of Olney, MD who won this prize!
- Taco Meat:
- 1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 can black beans, drained
- ½ C frozen corn
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ packet taco seasoning
- Fixin's:
- Soft tortillas
- Lettuce, chopped
- Fresh tomatoes, diced
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Shredded monterey jack cheese
- Defrost frozen ground meat in fridge for 24 hours. Mix Taco Meat ingredients and cook in slow cooker for 4 hours on high or up to 8 hours on low.
- Just before serving, prepare soft tortilla shells for 30 seconds on high in the microwave, toast lightly on a grill, or 2 minutes under an electric broiler.
- Top with your choice of fixin's and cooked taco meat mixture.
What a great essential kitchen appliance!!! I work full time and have my own business too. My fiance works full time and is a Captain for our local volunteer fire department. We also have a combined family of 3 teenage/early 20 y/o children. To say we are busy is an understatement! I have an old crock pot that I don’t put to good use because it is not easy to clean and it can’t go in the fridge. That crock pot looks amazing and offers many features to make its use and clean up a breeze. Definitely an interest and will be place on my wish list. Thanks for the great information and the delicious recipe!
It’s funny how a little tweak, like just a slightly smaller size and “dishwasher safe” can make all the difference. This one is definitely easier to use than my older one.
Now that I’m retired, I don’t use a slow cooker as much as I once did because I really enjoy puttering in the kitchen. It was a marvelous tool when I was working and is still helpful when I plan a whole day out and about. Thanks for the opportunity to win what looks like a very nice one.
It is definitely a nice one. Most of the retired folks I know are out more than they ever were when they were working. Glad to know you still use yours.
Those Taco’s look delicious….I like the idea of using turkey to lighten it up. I love my slow cooker and can’t do without it….it really is saves the day (dinner) when I’m rushed for time with 4 kids. Sadly the slow cooker I had, had a very short cord so the only place I could put it was right next to the oven outlet, I accidentally put it on top of the edge of the oven while the oven was still hot and burnt through the bottom. It still works but I really need to replace it as I’m too afraid to leave the room with it going in case it starts a fire.
Definitely replace yours as soon as possible. Be safe! Here’s hoping you win this one.
I have at least five crock pots in every size. Maybe more. They are so convenient and easy!
Wow, and I thought it was a luxury to have two! Do you ever have all 5 fired up at once?
I hosted dinner for 16 of our friends to use up a ham after we were married but before we had kids. Everything was timed perfectly (I thought). All of the sides cooked at the same time and temp. I was so proud that I had worked it all out and then I opened the oven to put everything on the table and it was all cold. (Too much in the oven needed longer cook times). So now I put my sides in the crockpots after they are done. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac & cheese… It makes it much easier to cook holiday dinners that way.
That’s clever.
I ove using a slow cooker. I can make these smothered pork chops, pot roast, curry and (of course!) chili. My current slow cooker only has one temp though, and sometimes it’s too hot.
Oh, you definitely need a hi and low temp, at least. This has a warm setting that it flips to after the set cooking time, which is a really great feature.
This recipe looks AH MAY ZING! And I didn’t even know Calphalon made slow cookers. Thanks for the chance to win one!
Actually, I didn’t either until recently. Calphalon is known for their amazing non-stick pans. This isn’t non-stick, but I may have one of those pans to show you a bit later. (wink wink)
Living in central Florida where it’s just too hot to turn on the oven, even with the A/C on, I use my slow cooker several times a week. This recipe looks and sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure. Hope you love it.
I love using my slow cooker to make chicken wild rice soup
Sounds yummy!
I’m a mother of 3 boys and 1 girl. They are ready to eat as soon as the hit the door from school. Slow cooker make life easier and now that school is back in,I’m in need of a better one. It’s great to have the meal already prepared when I come in from work and the kids are home from school.
That’s really the greatest benefit of the slow cooker…that things are ready the moment that you open the door! Good for you.
I use my slow cooker to make food for breakfast most of the time. I’m trying to start using it to make more dinners.
Carla, I’ve tried a few breakfast recipes, but definitely need to try more!
Great recipes. Hubby of 35 years & I use our slow cooker constantly. With my health issues, it’s so much easier for us. Thanks for the recipes and giveaway. Blessings
Yes, isn’t it lovely to have a whole hot meal, and you know exactly what went into it? Good for you.
I bought my first slow cooker 5 years ago and it sat for the first 2. I never used it for some reason it just seemed like too much work until I used it the first time! WHOA it changed my life lol! Now I use it all the time and it’s seen better days. This looks like a great product!
Yes, we’ve all had that moment where the heavens opened, the angels sang, and dinner was magically ready at just the right time. Thanks for stopping by, Dawn. Hope to meet you soon.
I have an old, bought at the thrift shop, slow cooker. When I was house-sitting last fall, I picked quite a few apples from their tree, most of which to take home. (I had permission.) Thinking it might be nice to do something for the homeowners, I used their relatively new (only used a few times) slow cooker and make them some applesauce. It was amazing! What would have taken mine 1-2 days to accomplish was done in 3-4 hours! Guess I need a new one! 🙂
I hear that applesauce in the slow cooker is amazing. I haven’t tried it myself, but you’ve inspired me to think about it this fall. Your old one will work just fine for this, by the way.
I don’t trust it with proteins because of the temperature.
As for the applesauce, I didn’t even need to add any sweetener.
What a great idea! I received a slow cooker as a wedding present and maybe used it two or three times (I only thought it was good for roasts and stuff). I am certainly going to give this recipe a try!
This 4 qt size is great for our small family. My son recently declared that he now likes tacos, so I am looking forward to giving this recipe a try.
Ooh, good timing!
My slow cooker is the one appliance I can not live without! I began using it during the school year and winter months when my son was just beginning school. After a few years, began using it year round, learning new, fun things to make, even cobblers! I use it so much, had to replace it at least once a year. I really want to have at two, then, I could could really cook up some great meals!! 🙂
I thought I was being extravagant when I bought a second one so many years ago, but I’ve been glad to have them, and often out them both to use.
I received my slow cooker as a gift a few years ago, but I never stated using it until this year. I guess I didn’t really realize how simple it was, and easy to use. Now I use it about 4 times a week. Throw my ingredients in and done! I’m not sure what I’d do without one now.
Tacos are one of my favorite dishes to make, so I’ll definitely give your recipe a try. Easy to make and minimal clean up.
Thank you, Darla. We are going to enjoy having meals ready to go!
Hope you love it as much as I do! I had meatloaf and potatoes in ours last night. Perfect fall comfort food!
Yum!