Crock Pot Apple Oatmeal

This recipe is kindergarten-approved! Every year, we do a unit on apples. Each student brings in an apple and we sort and graph them. Sometime during our unit, we make Crock Pot Apple Oatmeal.

It's adorable. We read the recipe together, measure, count, mix, discuss, etc. It's a great natural lesson. We let it cook all day -- and at the end of the day, we eat it! 

This year, every single one of my students asked for seconds. They couldn't get enough! It's a healthy, delicious, and in the crock pot. Could you ask for anything more???



I always send home the recipe with parents -- and I thought I'd share it here, too! 
------------------------------------------
Apple Oatmeal
2 cups oats (use the old-fashioned rolled oats)
4 cups milk
4 packed TB brown sugar
2 TB vanilla
2-4 apples - skin on, rough chop
  
- Mix and cook 1-2 hours on high or 2-3 hours on low.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top (my kinders love this part!)
 ------------------------------------------
I usually double this recipe for my class, but this recipe with be plenty for a family. Enjoy!

perfect taco soup

This is my favorite soup. It's perfect. It's everything a soup should be... easy, cheap to make, delicious, and can be ready in an hour on the stove - or left all day in the crock pot. I make it year-round, and I've never met anyone who doesn't love it!

  

I got this recipe from a dear woman, and I always think of her when I make it. I've adapted it over the years, but it's still simply wonderful.

  

Taco Soup

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 onion (chopped)

1 red pepper (chopped)

1 packet taco seasoning (I use 2 TB homemade taco seasoning)

1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix

1 can black beans (do not drain)

1 can pinto beans (do not drain)

2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes (do not drain)

1 can corn (do not drain)

Sour cream and shredded cheese for serving (optional)

THREE SIMPLE STEPS:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and pepper. Drain and pour into a large soup pot OR a crock pot.

2. Add both seasonings and all of the canned vegetables. Remember, do NOT drain the cans!

3. Mix it up and let it simmer for 1 hour in a soup pot OR leave it on low in a crock pot. DONE! (gorgeous, huh?)

-- Don't worry, there will be plenty of liquid! -- ENJOY!

Poblano pork chili -- our favorite chili!

Don't get me wrong... we like chili in our house. But, we've just never LOVED it. Until now! We absolutely love this Poblano Pork Chili recipe. It's surprisingly light for a chili, has no tomatoes, and is nice and spicy. We make this recipe several times and month... we just can't get enough!


Keep reading below for pictures and this awesome recipe!