Fast Diet Program

 

When I began my everyday slow cooking challenge in 2008, I really didnt think Id come up with recipes or new uses for the slow cooker. 

I just figured Id post what I made in the pot and people would click over to see if I really did it or not. Once readers started commenting and emailing me ideas, I got really into the whole challenge and decided that I should not only use the crockpot everyday, the stuff I posted should be brand-new every day.

and thats when I had a mini panic attack.

you see, I like take-out. A lot.

Those late-night Jack in the Box commercials? They were pretty much written for me in mind.

I get sucked in, and I want whats being marketed RIGHTTHISVERYMINUTE, even if Im full and have already flossed.

and dont get me started on infomercials...

I really shouldnt watch TV.

anyway. 

the good news is that I now have an arsenal of Take Out Fake Out recipes and when Im hunkering (hankering?) for fast food or takeout, I can whip something up myself and cook it all by myself in my very own slow cooker.

and so can you!

serves 4

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut in 1-inch chunks

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried ginger

2 tablespoons soy sauce (I use La Choy because its gluten free)

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more to taste at the table if youd prefer more heat)

1 (16-ounce) package stir-fry vegetables (to add later)

Use a 4-quart slow cooker. Put the chicken into the bottom of your crockpot and then add the garlic, brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Toss the chicken to fully coat with the sauce ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, then add the frozen vegetables. Re cover and cook on high for an hour, or until the veggies are fully hot and the chicken has reached desired tenderness.

Serve with white or brown rice.

The kids and Adam love this sauce, which makes me love it even more than they do. This isnt the traditional General Tsos chicken you order from a local takeout joint, because the chicken hasnt been breaded and deep fried. This is a good thing! Not only is this not laden with gluten, its better for your wallet, your waistline, and your heart.

falafel (yes! really! falafel!)

Indian Curry

Chow Mein

chimichangas

lemon/orange chicken

Korean Ribs

gyro

tamales (traditional, steamed in corn husks)

hot and sour soup

Thai coconut curry soup

I hope youre enjoying your day---today I took the time to watch grass grow. :-)