Joyfully Thriving

Simplify Life at Home

Cheesy Creamed Corn

Published May 14, 2015 Updated March 14, 2021 13 Comments

Many years ago, my mother tried a new recipe from our handy Taste of Home Quick Cooking cookbooks. For those of you fellow Lutherans, you may remember that these cookbooks were a free benefit from AAL for several years. Remember AAL (now Thrivent)? Anyway, as soon as my Mom tried this recipe for cheesy creamed corn from the 1999 cookbook, we all agreed it was a recipe she should make again. Cheesy creamed corn is just what the title says. It's creamed corn that is made with lots of cheese - creamed cheese for richness and a bit of American for cheesiness. I'm not normally a fan of American … Read More...

How to Make Caramelized Onions in Your Slow Cooker

Published March 10, 2015 Updated February 22, 2021 8 Comments

I am falling more and more in love with my slow cooker. It's amazing what complex things you can do with one simple kitchen tool! First it was homemade yogurt and now it's caramelized onions. Yes, you've read that right. I have now discovered how to caramelize onions in my slow cooker. Like the yogurt, it takes time but so little effort. You'll be amazed at how simple it - and how tantalizing your house smells as the onions cook. Have you used caramelized onions before? I've started using them in the past year because a little bit adds a big flavor to my dishes. I started making them for … Read More...

How to Make Vanilla Yogurt in a Crock Pot

Published February 18, 2015 Updated March 14, 2021 134 Comments

Here is something I never imagined myself doing. I am now making my own yogurt! You see, I've always liked yogurt but started eating it more in the past couple of years. I regularly eat it for breakfast with granola or as part of my lunch. Since I've mastered making homemade yogurt, here's the effortlessly way for how to make vanilla yogurt in your crock pot.  When I started to feed Nathan solids, yogurt was one of those foods that he loved. However, I quickly realized how expensive yogurt has become. I also realized that many of the yogurts have lots of artificial ingredients in them. I … Read More...

How to Make Applesauce in the Slow Cooker

Published October 05, 2013 Updated February 22, 2021 8 Comments

I have apple trees. I received the gift of 3 apple trees for my 30th birthday. I love looking at them out our kitchen window, dreaming of the day when they'll be producing apples. I know I have at least another 1 to 4 years to wait for apples, but I'll dream as I wait. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read more in my disclosure policy. Since I do live up North, Fall is the perfect time to stock up on apples for a reasonable price. Our grocery store had apples on sale for $0.69/lb this past week. My mother-in-law purchased me a bushel of apples from a nearby orchard for $23. … Read More...

How to Save Money Cooking Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Published January 24, 2013 Updated February 22, 2021 10 Comments

A year or so I stumbled upon something simple, frugal and - for me - absolutely life changing. You see, I had always been one of those gals who bought boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I used them for every one of my recipes with chickens. I always thought eating chicken off the bone was too messy. My husband tried to convince me that it was moister and I did have to concede that fact. Plus, I continued to notice that the price was substantially cheaper for chicken on the bone. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read more in my disclosure policy.  Finally, one day, I … Read More...

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