Low-Heat Summer Recipes for Your Slow Cooker
On June 20th the summer 2021 solstice began the official start to the most anticipated season of the year. With temperatures on the rise across the country you will certainly want some low-heat options in your back pocket to keep your house cool this season. There’s no need to worry though! Summertime classics like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and sweet treats are absolutely still possible with less heat output. We think the best slow cooker is the Deco Chef’s 10-in-1 Slow Cooker for its multi-functional presets that allow you to cook tons of dinner recipes. This kitchen appliance is equipped with all you need for quick meals, side dishes, and appetizers including settings such as “Steam,” “Sauté,” “Rice,” “Pressure Cook,” and more! Don’t miss out on crowd pleasers and family favorites like barbequed chicken breast just because the dog days of summer make outdoor grilling unbearable. Plus, a slow cooker offers the added benefit of saved time so you can serve a home-cooked meal and opt for more pool time.
Homemade Yogurt Parfait Bowls
Yogurt in an article about crockpot recipes? It may seem strange, but Deco Chef’s 10-in-1 Slow Cooker is capable of much more than simply slow cooking. If you are looking for an absolutely fool-proof and simple recipe this summer, creamy parfait bowls with homemade yogurt is the answer. With only 2 ingredients, 1 gallon of milk and ½ cup of plain yogurt, this sweet treat is sure to delight in no time at all. Deco Chef’s Slow Cooker comes with a complimentary Recipe Book in which on page 10 you will find detailed instructions for an easy pressure cooker fresh, cost-saving yogurt that will make you give up store bought variety for good. The 10-in-1 appliance can reach temperatures high enough to boil your milk with the “Sauté” setting. Once achieved, there is no need to transfer your milk between appliances as you can simply add your ½ cup of yogurt and press the “Yogurt” function, allowing for the temperature to drop and the appliance to take over the slow process of turning the milk into yogurt. Toppings for your yogurt can be almost anything you like, but some great ideas include a local honey drizzle, some springs of garden-fresh mint, or juicy slices of oranges with granola and brown sugar. No matter what you decide to top your homemade yogurt with, it will be sure to satisfy whether at breakfast time or as a light and healthy summer dessert.
Italian Lemon Chicken with Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
Nothing beats the heat quite like a bright, citrusy dish, and this recipe featuring sunny lemons and juicy chicken will be sure to hit the spot. The full recipe for this easy slow cooker chicken is included on page 9 of the Deco Chef Pressure Cooker Recipe Book. With this recipe, you will use the “Sauté” function to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken breast (or chicken thighs if you prefer) and onions before switching to the “Pressure Cook” setting and adding in your chicken broth, simmering to completion. The sweet caramelization of the onions complements the protein-rich chicken, and with the help of the Deco Chef slow cooker, all of the elements of this dish can be cooked in one pot, allowing for the flavors to meld together perfectly. The layered flavors of this simple dish will have your whole family satisfied with minimal effort and maximized time! And the possibilities are endless. Try out tons of other crock pot chicken recipes like chicken tacos, instant pot buffalo chicken, white chicken chili, and Thai-style shredded chicken.
Savory Quinoa and Tomatoes Pot Meal
Summer is the time of year in which local markets are bustling and homegrown gardens yield the best and most nutritious crops, so if you are on the lookout for a recipe that you can incorporate all of your favorite summer vegetables into, this one is for you. The Deco Chef Recipe Book features uncomplicated directions for a quinoa and tomato dish on page 20, calling for leeks, garlic, and chicken broth. For this dish you will use the time-saving “Pressure Cook” setting for a balanced meal in under 15 minutes! This recipe is excellent as is but can also be altered to include any veggie that might be in season in your area like butternut squash, spring onions, or sweet potato. You can even substitute the chicken broth for vegetable stock for a lighter, vegan alternative. The quinoa can be substituted for a heartier legume like lentils or black beans for a Mexican-style spin. A versatile base for plenty of exciting weeknight dinners, this recipe promises the same amount of healthiness and nutrition as a salad with more flavor and fun and just about as much prep time. Add some tortilla chips or sour cream depending on your mood to really make the dish your own.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Sometimes a good pot roast is the best comfort food, regardless of the heat outside. Luckily the Deco Chef Slow Cooker puts out less heat than a traditional crock pot, so you can enjoy your favorite slow cooker meals year-round. This easy recipe can be found on page 8 of The Deco Chef Recipe Book. This dish will have you using the “High Sauté” feature and combining deliciously fresh ingredients like carrots, celery, rosemary, and thyme. Serve with a classic side of mashed potatoes or sprinkle some parmesan on top for a cheesy layer. This recipe might not be the most time-friendly one with a cook time of just over an hour, but make a nice big batch and enjoy leftovers at dinnertime throughout the week. Other stews and soups are easily made in the slow cooker as well, like chicken noodle soup, potato soup, and split pea soup.
Easy Chili Recipe
Usually thought of as a long process, chili is one of those foods made extremely simple when made in a slow cooker. The recipe on page 16 gives you the instructions to make a standard chili base, which can be spiced up if you’d prefer. Easily turn this ground beef version into a slow cooker turkey chili recipe. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and enjoy.
Fall-Off the Bone BBQ Short Ribs
When it’s too hot to get outside and grill, let your slow cooker do the work for you! On page 3 of The Deco Chef Recipe Book you will find this simple recipe. Prep your meat with your favorite dry rub and set it to roast for about a half hour. Meat made in the slow cooker is guaranteed to be more tender than char-grilled recipes, and with much less work too! These delicious ribs are excellent for a crowd, whether it be for a sporting event or beach day. Other game day classics like slow cooker chili, slow cooker pulled pork, and meatballs are a snap with this multi-functional kitchen appliance. Simply substitute other meats like brisket or pork chops for a simple yet filling meal and wonder why you ever thought takeout was easier.