101 Slow-Cooker Recipes (6 page)

Texas Queso Dip

Amy Shilliday
San Antonio, TX

Everyone will love this dip...once they sample it, be ready to share the recipe!

1 lb. hot ground pork sausage, browned and drained

32-oz. pkg. pasteurized process cheese spread, cubed

10-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1/2 c. milk

white corn tortilla chips

Combine all ingredients except tortilla chips in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting until cheese is melted, about 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Family Favorite Party Mix

Nola Coons
Gooseberry Patch

A no-watch, fix & forget version of this crunchy party starter!

1 c. bite-size crispy wheat cereal squares

1 c. bite-size crispy rice cereal squares

1 c. bite-size crispy corn cereal squares

1 c. peanuts

1 c. pretzel sticks

1/4 c. butter, melted

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. seasoned salt

1 t. garlic salt

1 c. candy-coated chocolates

1 c. raisins

Combine cereals, nuts and pretzels in a slow cooker. Mix together butter, sauce and salts; gently stir into cereal mixture. Cover and cook on low setting for 3 to 4 hours. Uncover and cook on low setting for an additional 30 minutes; stir occasionally. Drain on paper towel-lined baking sheets; transfer to a large bowl. Cool. Add chocolates and raisins; toss to mix. Store in an airtight container. Makes 7 cups.

Pizza Fondue

Shannon Finewood
Corpus Christi, TX

Try dipping warm bread sticks or crisp pretzel rods into this fondue.

28-oz. jar spaghetti sauce

16-oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. dried oregano

2 T. dried parsley

1 T. garlic powder

1 t. dried, minced onion

Italian bread cubes, pepperoni chunks, whole mushrooms, green pepper slices

Combine sauce, cheeses and seasonings in a slow cooker; mix well. Cover and cook on low setting for 2 hours, until warmed through and cheese is melted; stir. Serve with desired dippers. Makes 10 servings.

Peanutty Clusters

Margaret Erhardt
Beavercreek, OH

For a special candy-box finish, drop by spoonfuls into mini paper muffin cup liners.

2 lbs. white melting chocolate, chopped

4 1-oz. sqs. bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped

12-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

24-oz. jar dry-roasted peanuts

Combine all ingredients except nuts in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting for one hour. Reduce setting to low; cover and cook an additional hour, or until chocolates are melted, stirring every 15 minutes. Stir in nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper; let stand until set. Store covered at room temperature. Makes 3 to 4 dozen pieces.

Toffee Fondue

Michelle Riihl
Windom, MN

Just perfect for sharing with girlfriends! Try dipping pretzel twists too...the salty-sweet combo is delectable.

14-oz. pkg. caramels, unwrapped

1/4 c. milk

1/4 c. strong black coffee

1/2 c. milk chocolate chips

apple wedges, banana chunks, marshmallows, angel food cake cubes

Mix together caramels, milk, coffee and chocolate chips in a small slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting until melted, 2 to 3 hours. Stir well. Serve with fruit, marshmallows and cake cubes for dipping. Makes about 10 servings.