Mom, What's for Dinner?

Whether you're a stay at home mom or work part or full time outside the home, you cringe when you hear those dreaded words - "what's for dinner?" Here are four easy crock pot meals that will cook in the kitchen all day while you do other things.

The trick to cooking in the crock pot is to combine all your ingredients early in the day, and allow them cook on low until dinner time. (Resist the urge to peek if you're at home - it takes longer to cook that way.) At supper time (after 8-10 hours), you should have a fully cooked, delicious meal waiting for you.

Chili. There is nothing easier than chili in the crock pot. I like to make chili because you can change the recipe every time and the end result always turns out great. Brown and drain 2 pounds of ground round or ground beef in a sauce pan before adding to your slow cooker. Add 2 cans of light red kidney beans, a small onion chopped up, two cans of diced tomatoes, a small can of tomato paste, and a dash of garlic salt and chili powder. This is a great dish on game day served with scoop-style chips. Shredded cheddar cheese, fresh onions, and sour cream make great sides. For those who like a spicier chili, add fresh garlic, a dash of Tabasco, and more onion.

Chicken. OK, this recipe is even easier than chili, since you don't have to brown anything first. Combine 4-6 boneless chicken breasts with 2 cans of cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and one can of condensed cheese soup. Add a dash of pepper and garlic salt. Served on rice, the soup makes a wonderful gravy. Whip up a fresh green salad and you've got a great meal.

Beef Roast. A beef roast is a welcome dish at any time of the year, but especially during the winter months. Brown a 4 pound roast (to seal in the juices), then combine with a cup of water and a package of onion soup mix. If you want a thicker gravy, add a can of cream of mushroom soup. This is wonderful served with a crunchy loaf of bread and a basic veggie, like peas.

Pork BBQ Ribs. Place 4 pounds of pork ribs in your slow cooker and cover with your favorite barbeque sauce. (I like original brand of Open Pit.) You can stick these under the broiler for 10 minutes or so before they cook if you have time, to burn off some of the fat. Serve with green or baked beans.