At lunchtime today, Ryan and I had a meeting with an accountant. I’ve always done my own taxes (Turbo Tax, baby) and ever since Ryan and I got married, we’ve handled our taxes as a couple. Every year things get more and more confusing since I’m self employed and have income coming from a variety of sources thanks to freelance writing and the blog.
I reached out to my friends Cara and Brittney since they both own their own businesses in town. (Cara owns Vitalize Nutrition, a local health food store, and Brittney owns A Cut Above Boutique.) Cara recommended her accountant, Sandy. She’s a spunky woman who clearly knows her stuff! Our meeting lasted about an hour and now Ryan and I have some work to do on our end to simplify everything.
Before Ryan headed back to work, we ate lunch together at home.
I claimed the dinner leftovers which included a big mess of chicken, beans and veggies.
Yesterday, I threw a bunch of stuff into the crockpot and let it cook on low all day (about eight hours) and the end result was so flavorful.
Into the crockpot went:
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 can reduced sodium kidney beans (not drained)
- 1 can reduced sodium black beans (drained)
- 1 can chicken broth
- Several handfuls of baby carrots
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower
I honestly liked this dish even better the next day. I guess it’s like chili in that the longer it sits, the more the flavors develop. The only thing it was missing was corn! I could’ve sworn we had corn in the freezer, but unfortunately we were out. Next time!
Crock Pot Challenge
I am thinking about starting a self-imposed crock pot challenge. I would love to try to utilize my slow cooker a bit more because it makes dinner preparation so ridiculously easy and I want to find a few new recipes to add to my crock pot arsenal. If you have a personal favorite, please feel free to share it (or link to it) in the comments section at the bottom of this post. It’s time to get (slow) cookin’!
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That is why I married accountant 😉 ok not the only reason but I do love that he helps me with finances!!
Slow cookers are great, I need to get mine out more, that sounds delicious and so easy 🙂
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/11/crock-pot-italian-turkey-meatballs.html
I made this once just recently, and it turned out so good!
My dad always does our taxes. So nice to have an accountant in the family!
We LOVE our crock pot. These are some of our favorite recipes:
Bacon Potato Chowder (with barley! very filling): http://www.laaloosh.com/2009/02/18/weight-watchers-bacon-and-potato-chowder-crock-pot-recipe/
Clam Chowder Lightened Up: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/08/clam-chowder.html
Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Shiitake Mushrooms: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-meat-loaf-with-shiitake-mushrooms-10000000549823/
I love using my Crock Pot! You’re right, it’s so easy and always produces a delicious and comforting meal. Some of my favorites include pot roast with veggies, chicken + your favorite salsa + a little water to make shredded chicken soft tacos, chili and various soups, and chicken + bbq sauce to shred for bbq chicken sandwiches.
Love, love, love the crockpot. So easy and so delicious.
My favorite crock pot recipe is throwing a lean pork roast in with low-fat cream of chicken soup and lots of carrots and green beans. Perfect for this time of year.
I have a new low-cal recipe on the menu for later this month: chipotle beef stew. I’m excited to see how it turns out.
I definitely want to use my crock pot more, but so far it mostly gets used for apple sauce, cranberry sauce, soups or chilis.
I need to use my slow cooker more too! I made Guinness Short Ribs with my mom the other night, but I couldn’t find the recipe online to link with! Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll type it up. It was simple to set up but took 10 hours!
I usually use TurboTax, but it’s getting so expensive! 🙁 I never seem to have money when I do my taxes, but I will when I get money back. I wish they could take their fee from my refund.
I actually started doing crock pot chicken. Just the chicken breasts, and then shredding, mixing with either BBQ or Salsa. Tasty stuffs! And so easy!
I did a turkey breast in the crock pot a few days ago and it was delish! I quartered an onion and put it on the bottom to act like a little “rack” and then seasoned the breast with butter, salt & pepper, some thyme and Rosemary. It was so good! The skin wasn’t crispy but you could probably pop it in the oven for a bit after.
Oh and a can of chicken broth poured on top
Quinoa Chicken Chili – delicious, filling, and super easy!
http://www.sweettreatsmore.com/2012/10/slow-cooker-quinoa-chicken-chili.html
You won’t regret working with an accountant. I used to be self-employed and it was the best thing I ever did. The fee you pay the accountant will be more than made up for by the deductions they are able to find for you!
I loooooove my crock pot. Here’s one of my fav recipes, though most everything that comes out of a slow cooker is bound to be tasty… http://www.lovesweatbeers.com/2011/12/20/slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken/
that sounds SO good!!!
My crock pot is the MVP of my kitchen! Here’s a link to my crock pot recipes: http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/crock%20pot
I get lots of compliments on the crock pot steel cut oats, and the vegetarian chili is a real crowd pleaser, too.
My favorite crock pot meal is this spinach artichoke chicken combo I came up with…
http://www.brighteyesandbushytales.com/2011/09/spinach-artichoke-crock-pot-chicken.html
It’s simple (4 ingredients + spices) and SO yummy! 🙂
Check out this balsamic chicken recipe- super yummy!
http://www.running4cupcakes.com/he-went-back-for-seconds-balsamic-crockpot-chicken/
Yay! I love this idea. I got a Crock Pot for Christmas and I want to get as much use out of it as possible. I made Skinnytaste’s Minestrone and it turned out incredible, but I need more recipes. I also try and eat vegetarian so it makes it more tricky!
Have you ever tried your hand at making homemade chicken broth? So good, and so easy!
Just take a whole chicken, place it in the crock pot and fill it with water. Cook it on high for a few hours or overnight. You can add as much salt, garlic or pepper as you like. Perfect for a quick fix of soup, and the chicken gets so tender!
Love the crockpot! But when I moved from FL to CA, I sold it. Big mistake! I think I’m going to get a new one. Here is my all time fave recipe that I made with it… French Onion Soup. http://www.willjogforfood.com/2011/05/onion-soup-for-the-soul.html
OH MY GOSH THIS LOOKS SO YUMMY!!!
Crock pots are genius! Apparently you can even cook oats in them. I’m too cheap to buy one but think I might have to budge!
You can find super cheap ones at Target for less than $15.00…fewer bells and whistles (like timers) but they work just the same as the more pricey ones! My first one was a small one that I bought at a yard sale for $7, but recently upgraded thanks to registering for one for our wedding!
Not sure if you have a store called “BIG LOTS” by you, but if you do… they sell them for $11!!!! I’m a teacher in MA and I scour the shelves of cheap stores like this for all kinds of odd items like pipe cleaners and post its. Every time I go the $11 croc pot is there 😉
I found a recipe on Pinterest recently for Chicken Tortilla Soup. Super easy and delicious. It’s one of my new favorites! – http://piecesofjess.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/chicken-tortilla-soup/
I also tried a recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Tacos a couple months ago that was pretty good too – http://iowagirleats.com/2012/09/27/crock-pot-chicken-tacos-with-mexican-rice/
I just got a crock pot and am so excited to put it to use! There are so many things you can make with it, which is awesome. I definitely think an accountant would be SO helpful, I mean it’s their job so I’m sure they know what they’re talking about. I’d give it a try!
For pulled pork I just put in pork and rootbeer, let it cook on low all day (because my meat’s usually frozen) and then I drain the pork when I get home and put in my favorite BBQ sauce and let it set until I’m ready to eat!
For chicken tacos, I just put in a few frozen chicken breasts with water and taco seasoning and let it cook on low all day, then I drain and shred the chicken and add whatever toppings I want!
what cut of pork do you use and how much?
Pork tenderloin, I think it only comes in one size – around 2 lbs! And I just use a can of rootbeer, but if you don’t have any on hand and just have to pick up some the bottles you buy at gas stations work great too!
Pulled pork is one I’m still wanting to try my hand at — you make it sound easy! and I love some root beer!
Trust me, it’s the easiest thing ever – and it’s so delicious!
pulled pork really is so easy and delicious! definitely try it!!
We have three go-to crock pot meals.
Chicken & dumplings – I use this recipe, but I use one can of cm of chicken and one cm of celery, sub chicken broth for the water, and I add thyme, black pepper, and veggies (carrots, peas, broccoli.) http://southernbite.com/2011/01/12/slow-cooker-chicken-and-dumplings-and-the-snow-storm-that-wasnt-2/
Creamy Turkey Taco Soup- http://peaceloveandlowcarb.blogspot.com/2012/10/creamy-turkey-taco-soup.html
3 Envelope Pot Roast Sliders, don’t skip the sauce!!- http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/02/slow-cooker-three-envelope-pot-roast.html
I don’t know if you’ve done this before or not, but I found a great recipe for Chicken Taco Chili in the crock pot. It includes chicken, taco seasoning, kidney beans, corn and black beans and I added lentils and taco sauce with fire roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce. Check it out here: http://knotliving.com/2012/09/14/the-mid-20s-age/
Oh how I love me some slow cookin’! I’ve even made burgers in mine! All you do is make a makeshift “grill” using rolled up tin foil on the bottom, then put the patties on top and cook on low for a couple hours. The result is juicy burgers cooked to perfection!
The foil drains the extra fat off. 🙂
I looooovveee my crock pot! I usually throw a meat (turkey or chicken) and then add some sort of sauce & veggies & let it cook. Kinda depends what I have on hand. Love salsa+turkey+blackbeans+sweetpotatoes+bellpeppers+tacoseasoning. Eat it as a bowl topped with Chobani & lime. SO good!
I love my crock pot and am exicted to get some new recipes. This is my all time favorite.
http://www.designeatplay.com/2010/04/super-simple-sweet-pork-street-tacos/
Love my crockpot!
Spicy African Peanut Stew: http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6000512
That’s my favorite crockpot recipe!
my go-to is a buffalo chicken sandwich recipe – i put the simplified version up on my blog – http://kaitmakesarun4it.blogspot.com/2012/12/26-acts.html
Cafe Rio Chicken!
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2011/09/cafe-rio-chicken/
This recipe is soo good and so easy! I’ve used it for tacos, taco salads, and even eat it plain. Everyone who has tried it has loved it! My mom took it to a potluck at work recently and she even had some of the guys asking her for the recipe. Hope you give it a try 🙂
This is the BEST chili ever – very healthy if using ground turkey. The wine gives it a unique flavor. Since I’m not a fan of hot and spicy I cut way back on the chili powder. I serve it with chopped scallions and a little shredded cheddar w/chips and a glass of wine. YUM!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/the-ultimate-chili/detail.aspx
I am making a spaghetti squash in the crock pot right now! It’s super easy, delicious, and super healthy!
how do i do this too??
It’s super easy! Thanks to you I typed up a tutorial: http://www.malsmiles.com/2013/01/crock-pot-spaghetti-squash.html
thanks! i’m gonna try it!
White Chicken Chili
1 Large jar great northern beans
At least two large chicken breasts, more if you like a lot of chicken ( I leave them whole and then shred them when they are cooked)
1 jar salsa
1 medium onion chopped
1 T cumin
Cook 8 hours on low….about 15 minutes before serving put in 1 cup of monterey jack cheese
So good! And even better the next day!
that sounds so easy and delicious!
Soups and chili are big crock-pot favorites here. I also use mine to cook beans and then freeze them for later use. I love cooking steel cut oats so that I have breakfast ready for the week. I don’t use mine nearly as much as I should.
I forgot to say to drain and rinse the beans.
I’ve always used an accountant, I feel like the know more things and have more ways if getting more money back!!! I have a crock pot that I’ve used probably twice, maybe I’ll join your challenge and try to use it more this year!~ 🙂
http://dashingdish.com/recipe/crockpot-white-bean-chicken-chili/
THIS!
I love my crock pot! I have recently challenged myself to using it at least once a week, things aren’t going so well so I hope you share some of the recipes people share with you!
I actually just posted a crockpot recipe today. So good.
http://peaceandpizza.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/378/
Super easy chicken crock pot tacos:
http://runeatplayblog.com/2012/07/11/crock-pot-chicken-tacos/
I made the best roast the other day in the crockpot. I seasoned the meat with some salt and pepper, garlic powder, and I think oregano, added a bit of beef broth, baby carrots, a quartered onion, and halved some red potatoes. Set on low for 6-7 hours and when I got home from work, dinner was ready! Also, this is definitely not on the healthy spectrum, I but made this for Christmas breakfast: http://queenbeecoupons.com/slow-cooker-crockpot-blueberry-french-toast-breakfast-with-homemade-syrup-recipe/ UH-MAZE-ING!
I had received a crockpot for Christmas this past year, ad ever since I’ve been on the look-out for recipes wherever I could find them. A few days ago I came across this site on Pinterest. I made the chicken mole recipe and it was absolutely to die for! Very flavorful and rich. Plus it uses a couple spoons of peanut butter 😉 http://hollywouldifshecould.net/2011/11/a-month-of-paleo-crockpot-recipes/
I just pinned this one – I can’t wait to make it. (Even though its breakfast!)
http://pinterest.com/pin/280982464223351071/
Taxes as a business owner stink. I watch my husband every December and January pour through receipts, credit card bills, balances. Yuck – definitely not something I would want to take on! Thankfully we work with a great CPA (and we slip our household taxes in there as well 😉 )
I LOVE my slow cooker. Here’s my favorite recipe – slow cooker lasagna. http://www.organicallymo.com/2011/10/13/slow-cooker-lasagna/ I’ve been replacing the noodles with an eggplant sliced thin lengthwise. SOoooo delicious!
Crockpots are the best! Here are some of my favorites:
http://eatmovebalance.com/slow-cooker-split-pea-soup/
http://eatmovebalance.com/slow-cooker-french-onion-soup-wow/
http://eatmovebalance.com/slow-cooker-pumpkin-chili/
Frozen chicken, low sodium broth, a bag of beans, whatever vegetables you have in your fridge/freezer, jar of salsa, and rice/quinoa (optional). My favorite!!
I love my slow cooker and the convenience that comes with prepping a meal the night before and having it ready when I get home from work. I do not know why I don’t think to use it more often. I will be excited to see some of your favorite recipes that are shared!
A personal favorite of mine for beans and rice can be found here: http://cleaneatingveggiegirl.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/5-minute-slow-cooker-beans-and-rice/ It is a super simple recipe, yet SO delicious. You could certainly add meat to this, as well! 🙂
If you don’t mind me asking how do you make money from the blog? Is it from the ads that are on the page? Or, is it per the number of people who view your blog each day? (If that is the case… where exactly does your paycheck come from???)
Thanks!
My personal favorite crock pot recipe is SO easy:
chicken breasts (3-5 depending on size)… put them in frozen.
1 can of yellow corn
1 can of black beans
1 jar of salsa (can pick whether you want spicy or not)
cook on low for 7-8 hrs or high for 3-4 …
once ready to serve, mix in 1 square packet of cream cheese. mix together and enjoy! (w/ cornbread, fritos, tortilla chips) and shredded cheese on top!