Taste of Home Skinny Slow Cooker: 350+Delicious Family Recipes
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About this ebook
eating light!
Based on the tremendous success Taste of Home Books experienced with best-selling titles “Slow Cooker,” “Slow Cooker Throughout the Year,” Casseroles, Slow Cooker & Soups,” “Comfort Food Diet” and “Comfort Food Makeovers,” it seemed like a natural fit to offer today’s family cooks a collection of slow-cooked dishes that make healthy eating a priority. Inside this collection, readers will find common ingredients, Nutrition Facts with every recipe, Diabetic Exchanges where applicable and, most important, mouthwatering meals that come together in a slow cooker and satisfy the entire family!
A special icon notes dishes that call for five ingredients or fewer and prep and cook timelines make meal planning simple. Two “Bonus Chapters” help family cooks round out menus with garden-fresh salads and light desserts that skim back on calories, sugar and fat.
Best of all, these recipes come from real home cooks who know how to serve healthy family meals and save time in the kitchen. These are the dishes they rely on most…and the foods that received thumbs-up approval at the dinner table. Cooking smart, eating smart, losing weight and feeling great has never been more delicious than with Taste of Home Skinny Slow Cooker!
CHAPTERS
Lighten Up (Intro)
Soups & Sandwiches
Beefy Entrees
Chicken & Turkey
Pork, Ham & More
Seafood & Meatless Classics
Slow-Cooked Sides
Bonus: Salads
Bonus: Low-Fat Desserts
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Taste of Home Skinny Slow Cooker - Taste of Home
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH DISHES
CARROT CAKE OATMEAL
Set up this oatmeal in the slow cooker the night before so you can wake up to a healthy breakfast. For extra crunch, I garnish servings with ground nuts.
—DEBBIE KAIN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 6 HOURS • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS
4 1/2 cups water
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup steel-cut oats
1 cup raisins
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Brown sugar, optional
In a 4-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray, combine the first seven ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the oats are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with brown sugar if desired.
PER SERVING 1 cup (calculated without optional toppings) equals 197 cal., 2 g fat (trace sat. fat), 0 chol., 23 mg sodium, 46 g carb., 4 g fiber, 4 g pro.
HOW-TO
SERVE A STUNNING BRUNCH
• Measure, chop, cube or mix anything you can the night before to save time in the morning.
• Once you have your slow cooker going, move on to any last-minute details or recipes.
• Don’t forget the coffee! Borrow a thermal carafe from a friend or local business, if you can, to keep it warm all morning long.
SLOW COOKER HAM & EGGS
This dish is great anytime, but I especially love to make it for Easter brunch. I like to serve the dish with hash browns or potato slices cooked up in the frying pan.
—ANDREA SCHAAK JORDAN, MN
PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 3 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS
6 large eggs
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
2/3 cup 2% milk
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1. In a large bowl, whisk the first eight ingredients until blended; stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker.
2. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until the eggs are set. Cut into wedges.
PER SERVING 1 serving equals 315 cal., 18 g fat (9 g sat. fat), 256 mg chol., 942 mg sodium, 17 g carb., 1 g fiber, 21 g pro.
PUMPKIN SPICE OVERNIGHT OATMEAL
There’s nothing like a warm cup of oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version comes from a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge.
—JORDAN MASON BROOKVILLE, PA
PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 5 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 cup steel-cut oats
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
Optional toppings: toasted chopped pecans, ground cinnamon and additional brown sugar and milk
In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients; stir in water and milk. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until oats are tender, stirring once. Serve with toppings as desired.
PER SERVING 1 cup (calculated without optional toppings) equals 183 cal., 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 5 mg chol., 329 mg sodium, 34 g carb., 5 g fiber, 6 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
OVERNIGHT VEGETABLE & EGG BREAKFAST
My eggs and veggies cook while you sleep and make a hearty breakfast for those who have to rush out the door. I use sliced potatoes, but frozen potatoes work, too.
—KIMBERLY CLARK-THIRY ANCHOR POINT, AK
PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 7 HOURS • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS
4 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, finely chopped
8 large eggs
1 cup water
1 cup 2% milk
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1. In a greased 6-qt. slow cooker, layer first five ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, water, milk, salt and pepper; pour over top. Sprinkle with cheese.
2. Cook, covered, on low 7-9 hours or until potatoes are tender and eggs are set.
PER SERVING 1 1/2 cups equals 354 cal., 15 g fat (7 g sat. fat), 217 mg chol., 668 mg sodium, 37 g carb., 4 g fiber, 19 g pro.
APPLE-CRANBERRY GRAINS
I made some changes to my diet in order to lose weight. My kids are skeptical when it comes to healthy food, but they certainly go for these wholesome grains.
—SHERISSE DAWE BLACK DIAMOND, AB
PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 4 HOURS • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup wheat berries
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/2 cup oat bran
1/2 cup medium pearl barley
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
6 cups water
Milk
Sliced apples, optional
In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until grains are tender. Serve with milk. If desired, top with apple slices.
NOTE Look for oat bran cereal near the hot cereals or in the natural foods section. Look for quinoa in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle.
PER SERVING 3/4 cup (calculated without milk) equals 286 cal., 5 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 0 chol., 8 mg sodium, 60 g carb., 5 g fiber, 5 g pro.
THE SKINNY
GO FOR SKIM MILK
By serving Apple-Cranberry Grains with 1/2 cup skim milk instead of 2%, you’d save yourself about 20 calories and 2 grams of fat—and keep the protein!
SLOW COOKER FRITTATA PROVENCAL
This meatless slow cooker meal makes an elegant brunch dish or a breakfast-for-supper option.
—CONNIE EATON PITTSBURGH, PA
PREP: 30 MIN. • COOK: 3 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 large eggs
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled, divided
1/2 cup chopped soft sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1. Layer two 24-in. pieces of aluminum foil; starting with a long side, fold up the foil to create a 1-in.-wide strip. Shape strip into a coil to make a rack for bottom of a 6-qt. oval slow cooker. Add water to slow cooker; set foil rack in water.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add potato and onion; cook and stir 5-7 minutes or until potato is lightly browned. Stir in the paprika. Transfer to a greased 1 1/2-qt. baking dish (dish must fit in slow cooker).
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, thyme, pepper sauce, salt and pepper; stir in 2 ounces cheese. Pour over the potato mixture. Top with remaining goat cheese. Place dish on foil rack.
4. Cook, covered, on low 3 hours or until eggs are set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
NOTE This recipe was tested with sun-dried tomatoes that are ready to use without soaking. When using other sun-dried tomatoes that are not oil-packed, cover with boiling water and let stand until soft. Drain before using.
PER SERVING 1 wedge equals 245 calories, 14 g fat (5 g sat. fat), 385 mg chol., 338 mg sodium, 12 g carb., 2 g fiber, 15 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
PEAR-BLUEBERRY GRANOLA
Oatmeal fans will love this dish. Enjoy it as a delicious dessert when served with vanilla ice cream, but the pears, blueberries and granola also make a beautiful breakfast item.
—LISA WORKMAN BOONES MILL, VA
PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 3 HOURS • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS
5 medium pears, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups granola without raisins
In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first seven ingredients. Dot with butter. Sprinkle granola over top. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until fruit is tender.
PER SERVING 3/4 cup equals 267 cal., 7 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 6 mg chol., 35 mg sodium, 51 g carb., 10 g fiber, 7 g pro.
HOT FRUIT SALAD
Round out a brunch easily with my spiced fruit compote. With its pretty color, this salad is nice around the holidays or for any special occasion.
—BARB VANDE VOORT NEW SHARON, IA
PREP: 5 MIN. • COOK: 3 HOURS • MAKES: 16 SERVINGS
1 jar (25 ounces) unsweetened applesauce
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) sliced peaches in juice, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) reduced-sugar apricot halves, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, undrained
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Place the first six ingredients in a 5-qt. slow cooker; stir gently. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over fruit mixture. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, 3-4 hours.
PER SERVING 3/4 cup equals 141 cal., trace fat (trace sat. fat), 0 chol., 13 mg sodium, 35 g carb., 2 g fiber, 1 g pro.
TOP TIP
BROWN SUGAR 101
Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light or golden brown sugar. The types are generally interchangeable in recipes. But if you prefer a bolder flavor, go for the dark brown sugar.
SOUPS
HOME-STYLE CHICKEN SOUP
I’ve used this easy soup recipe on many occasions. Mom shared it with me, and we love it.
—KATHY RAIRIGH MILFORD, IN
PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 6 1/4 HOURS • MAKES: 4 SERVINGS
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup cubed cooked chicken
1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/4 cup sliced fresh carrot
1/4 cup sliced celery
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 cup uncooked egg noodles
In a 1 1/2-qt. slow cooker, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in noodles; cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Discard bay leaf.
PER SERVING 1 cup equals 137 cal., 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 37 mg chol., 671 mg sodium, 13 g carb., 3 g fiber, 14 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
SLOW-COOKED LASAGNA SOUP
Every fall and winter, our staff has a soup rotation, so this is my usual contribution. My co-workers love it.
—SHARON GERST NORTH LIBERTY, IA
PREP: 35 MIN. • COOK: 5 HOURS + STANDING • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS (2 1/2 QUARTS)
1 package (19 1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each ) no-salt-added stewed tomatoes
2 cans (8 ounces each ) no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
6 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1 cup cubed or shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Shredded Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil, optional
1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Transfer to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker.
2. Add the onion and carrots to the same skillet; cook and stir 2-4 minutes or until softened. Stir in the mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir 2-4 minutes or until the mushrooms are softened. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Cook, covered, on low 4-6 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the lasagna noodles; cook 1 hour longer or until tender. Stir in spinach. Remove insert; let stand 10 minutes. Divide mozzarella cheese among serving bowls; ladle soup over cheese. If desired, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and basil.
PER SERVING 1 1/3 cups equals 266 cal., 8 g fat (3 g sat. fat), 36 mg chol., 725 mg sodium, 30 g carb., 5 g fiber, 18 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 1/2 starch.
THE SKINNY
SCALE BACK SALT
Switching to no-salt-added ingredients can really make a big difference. By subbing no-salt-added stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce in this soup, we cut out more than 400 mg of sodium per serving.
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SOUP
Here’s the perfect recipe for a busy week, because the slow cooker does most of the work for you!
—HAROLD TARTAR WEST PALM BEACH, FL
PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 7 HOURS • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS (2 1/2 QUARTS)
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 package (16 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt, optional
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1. In a large skillet, saute the chicken in oil until lightly browned. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the chicken and vegetables are tender. Stir before serving.
PER SERVING 1 cup equals 143 cal., 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 31 mg chol., 364 mg sodium, 15 g carb., 3 g fiber, 15 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
FAMILY-PLEASING TURKEY CHILI
My children really love this chili. The leftovers are wonderful, too.
—SHEILA CHRISTENSEN SAN MARCOS, CA
PREP: 25 MIN. • COOK: 4 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS (2 1/4 QUARTS)
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 3/4 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional toppings: reduced-fat sour cream and minced fresh cilantro
1. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the turkey, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add the garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain.
2. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, broth, corn, tomato paste, chili powder, pepper, cumin and garlic powder.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Serve with optional toppings if desired.
PER SERVING 1 1/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings) equals 349 cal., 7 g fat (2 g sat. fat), 60 mg chol., 725 mg sodium, 47 g carb., 12 g fiber, 27 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
The golden color, smooth and creamy texture and comforting taste of this soup make it ideal for a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy taste from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really comes through.
—JACKIE CAMPBELL STANHOPE, NJ
PREP: 30 MIN. • COOK: 6 1/4 HOURS • MAKES: 14 SERVINGS (2 1/2 QUARTS)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium butternut squash (about 4 pounds), peeled and cubed
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) vegetable broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened and cubed
1. In a small skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Transfer to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker; add squash. Combine the broth, brown sugar, ginger, garlic and cinnamon; pour over squash. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the squash is tender.
2. Cool slightly. Discard cinnamon stick. In a blender, process the soup in batches until smooth. Return all to slow cooker. Whisk in cream cheese; cover and cook 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
PER SERVING 3/4 cup equals 135 cal., 7 g fat (5 g sat. fat), 22 mg chol., 483 mg sodium, 17 g carb., 4 g fiber, 2 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 fat, 1 starch.
LOADED POTATO-LEEK SOUP
Growing up, my mother made potato and onion soup because it was affordable and fast. I’ve since trimmed the calories, and it’s still a comforting family favorite.
—COURTNEY STULTZ WEIR, KS
PREP: 20 MIN. • COOK: 6 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS (ABOUT 1 1/2 QUARTS)
1 medium leek
1 1/2 pounds potatoes (about 2 large), peeled and finely chopped
2 cups fresh cauliflowerets
3/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Sour cream, optional
1. Finely chop the white portion of leek. Cut leek greens into thin strips; reserve for the topping. In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the potatoes, cauliflower, seasonings, broth and chopped leek. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
2. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add reserved leek greens; cook 3-5 minutes or until light golden. Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or, cool soup slightly and puree in batches in a blender. Stir in lemon juice. Top with the leek greens and, if desired, sour cream.
PER SERVING 1 cup (calculated without sour cream) equals 108 cal., 2 g fat (trace sat. fat), 0 chol., 593 mg sodium, 20 g carb., 2 g fiber, 4 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
HOW-TO
PREPARING LEEKS
To prepare leeks, cut off the root end and tough green tops. Split the white portion in half and swish the pieces in a bowl of water to rinse away the sand between the layers. Then chop or slice. While leek tops aren’t typically used in recipes, well-rinsed tops can be used to flavor homemade stock. Cut them into large pieces so they’ll be easy to discard.
CHICKEN WILD RICE SOUP WITH SPINACH
I stir together this creamy chicken soup whenever we’re craving something warm. Reduced-fat and reduced-sodium ingredients make it a healthier option.
—DEBORAH WILLIAMS PEORIA, AZ
PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 5 1/4 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS (ABOUT 2 QUARTS)
3 cups water
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2/3 cup uncooked wild rice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1. In a 3-qt. slow cooker, mix the first eight ingredients until blended. Cook, covered, on low 5-7 hours or until rice is tender.
2. Stir in chicken and spinach. Cook, covered, on low 15 minutes longer or until heated through.
PER SERVING 1 1/4 cups equals 212 cal., 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 56 mg chol., 523 mg sodium, 19 g carb., 2 g fiber, 25 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.