Dig out that Crock-Pot!

Posted by Natalie on October 02, 2008 - Posted in Recipes There are no comments, Add yours!

I have become—out of necessity—a crock-pot junkie. Several years ago my Mom dumped hers on me—you all know the one—it is an awful shade of 1980’s brown, and peeling from the side is a faded, baked-on strip of masking tape with our last name. As if anyone else would take home this lovely piece of cookware?

I was new to the “make-a-meal-ahead” system of cooking…and to be honest—didn’t really buy it. Who wants to prep a whole meal the night before—after you’ve just finished prepping and cleaning from a meal you just ate? So—in all its splendor—the crock-pot stayed in the cupboard.

Jump a few years forward—several moves, career changes, and scheduling chaos. I had a new crock-pot & new enthusiasm to have dinner ready for me when I walk in the door… I decided I would give it a second shot. I have made Sunday night my night to prep food for the week. That includes getting Monday’s dinner in the crock-pot too!

Here is the first of several crock-pot recipes to come…for this one I thank Trader Joe’s!
1 pork loin, 2 jars of Trader Joes’ Cacciatore Simmer sauce, chopped garlic and onion, sautéed veggies of your choice.

On Sunday night I chop the garlic and onion and sauté over high heat for a minute or two. Add the pork loin and brown on all sides for 4-5 minutes. Throw it all in the crock pot and stick it in the fridge. In the morning, dump the two jars of TJ’s Cacciatore sauce on top—and set the crock pot for low and cook for 8-10 hours.

In the evening, sauté your favorite veggies. Shred the pork loin in the sauce, and the serve on top of your veggies. I used zucchini and red bell pepper, and then grated a bit of fresh Parmesan on top. The sauce has just the right amount of tang—and the pork loin is super tender. I love it when I can eat within 15 minutes of walking in the door!
What is your favorite CrossFit approved Crock-pot recipe?

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