July 2, 2014

Summer Slow Cooking with Zen

When I first learned to slow cook 8 years ago I loved knowing that I could navigate the school year with a bit more success in the kitchen. But when the last day of school arrived my slow cooker was tucked away in the basement until fall.

Then one summer a few years ago, my husband (Steve) and I decided to host a simple supper for some good friends. As I poured through my recipes I picked out one of my summer favorites, Chicken Marbella. As I sat down to put together the menu it occurred to me that I could slow cook the Chicken Marbella, freeing up my afternoon to enjoy the summer, and my evening to enjoy our guests. As friends called the week before to offer a dish to complement the evening, I accepted. By the end of the week, the menu was shaping up to be quite memorable.

When the weekend arrived I could see the weather forecast was spectacular and I wanted to spend as much time outside as possible so I…

* dropped by the Lake Bluff Farmers’ Market on Friday and picked up some beautiful pre-cut flower arrangements

* made my Chicken Marbella recipe that night

* pulled out my slow cooker early Saturday morning and put my Chicken Marbella on to cook

* set up some outdoor dining tables and tablecloths (leaving the bar and beverage details to my husband)

* eventually headed for the beach

When my guests arrived, thrilled to have a break from the grill and the oven that summer evening, I was able to mix, mingle, direct where my friends should place their contributions to dinner, and enjoy the party! While I chatted with my friends the Chicken Marbella kept slowly cooking, and was ready right on schedule.

As you read Jane’s simple and delicious summer recipes this month we hope you are prompted to pull out your slow cooker and see if it can help you enjoy more of this summer’s fun!