Summertime and the living is easy......

.........so went an old song sung many years ago by the incomparable Lena Horne. You young ones won't remember her...I barely do!!! But it's that time of year when it's hot and no one wants to stand over a hot stove half the day to churn out a decent meal.  So I am going to give you a few ideas for good meals...done mostly in a crockpot....that will leave you full and happy!

First let me share with you a recipe by that beautiful Southern cook, Paula Deen.

 Broccoli Cole Slaw

2 pkg broccoli slaw mix (found where other slaw mixes are)
2 pkg. Oriental Raman Noodles
1/4 c. slivered almonds (I always use more!)
1/4 c sunflower seeds (I always use more!)
3/4 c butter

Slaw dressing:

3/4 c canola oil
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c apple cider vinegar

Melt butter in skillet. Place the Ramen noodles in a bag and break into small pieces. Add noodles and almonds to the butter and saute till light brown. In a bowl combine dressing ingredients adding the Raman Noodle seasoning packet. Whisk well. When noodles are a light brown add to broccoli mix in a large bowl. Pour dressing over slaw mix and add the sunflower seeds and toss well. Cover and refrigerate.

Note:  I usually made a double recipe of the dressing. Slaw will last about a week in the refrigerator.

Now....just yesterday I added homemade Sloppy Joes to our dinner along  with baked beans and Oreo

 Pudding Poke Cake!

                 Sloppy Joes - Crockpot Style

         

2 lbs. ground beef                                                                        
2 T chili powder
6 T brown sugar
1 lg onion chopped
1 very large green pepper chopped       
6 T brown sugar  
4 stalks celery, chopped
6 T prepared mustard
6 cloves garlic, chopped (I sometimes use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar)
6 T Worcestershire Sauce
2 1/2 c ketchup
2/3 c water

Chop onion and peppers. Crumble up ground beef in large skillet and add the chopped veggies along with the garlic. While that is cooking place all the rest of the ingredients into a crockpot (a large one) and mix well. When meat mixtures is done drain off fat and add to crockpot. Cook on low all day.

Note: This recipe has been doubled....half it if you want to make less. I do a double batch and hope I have enough left to freeze for later!!!! And get this on to cook early in the morning so it's ready to eat when you are ready!


And now to dessert.....

Oreo Pudding Poke Cake

1 chocolate cake mix

2 (4 oz) boxes Oreo instant pudding mix

4 cups milk

Oreo cookies, crushed

Prepare cake according to directions on box and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.  When cake is slightly cooled use a round handle of a wooden spoon to poke rows of holes in the cake about a half inch apart. Mix pudding with the 4 c milk and stir until slightly thickened and pour over cake. Use a spatula to spread pudding and be sure it gets down in those poked holes! Refrigerate for about 2 -3 hours then sprinkle with crushed Oreo cookies. YUM!!!!

Note: you can also add Cool Whip to the top of the pudding then add crushed cookies!!!! 

Open a couple cans of bake beans, doctor them to your liking and there you have it.....

WHAT'S TO EAT FOR DINNER!!!!!!

Remember.....live each day as if it's your last and always let your faith shine.  Stay cool, y'all!!!!