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Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

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Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup that is smooth, loaded with vegetables and lumps of ham, polished off with milk and sharp cream for a simple and scrumptious healthy soup.

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a tasty set it an overlook it supper your family will appreciate that preferences like you remained by the burner keeping an eye on it for quite a long time.

Soups are a major piece of the Fall season for us, with their moment “warm you up” capacities and capacity to freeze bits or take partitions for immediately warmed snacks. We are continually keeping out moderate cookers going in the colder time of year for soups, particularly this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup.To Make this Recipe You’Il Need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup of onion, chopped
1/4 cup of flour
946 ml Kitchen Basics No Salt Added Vegetable Stock
1 c. tsp Sea salt mill, or to taste
3/4 c. garlic powder
1/2 c. coarse ground organic black pepper
1 cup of ham, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup of frozen corn kernels

Instructions

Add the potatoes, onion, carrot, celery, ham, Kosher salt, pepper chicken broth to your slow cooker and cook on low 7-8 hours, or high 4-5 hours.

Using a potato masher, mash about 1/3 of the potatoes (don’t worry the ham won’t really mash that much)

Add the flour, heavy cream/milk and sour cream and stir everything together.

Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Yield: 8 servings, Amount per serving: 386 calories, Calories: 386g, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 98mg, Sodium: 1496mg, Potassium: 793mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 745g, Vitamin C: 18.2g, Calcium: 75g, Iron: 2.1g

My sister served this to guests at a bbq, and everyone asked her for the recipe

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There’s an undeniable comfort in the homely scent that pervades the kitchen when Polish sausage, sharp sauerkraut, and soft potatoes are left to simmer to perfection. This heartwarming trio of ingredients forms a cornerstone of Polish culinary tradition, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that soothes both the palate and the spirit. Dive into this Slow Cooker Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes recipe, a dish steeped in heritage, ready to carry you to the rustic warmth of a Polish farmhouse hearth.

Reminiscing on my childhood summers spent in the vibrant countryside of Poland, the memories of convivial gatherings, tales spun like silk, and the feast of flavors remain vivid in my mind. Among the various dishes, the Slow Cooker Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes holds a special place in my heart. My grandmother, a sage of traditional cooking, would masterfully bring this dish to life, its aroma acting as a beacon that drew us to the family table. It was more than a meal; it was a tapestry of our shared histories, a nurturing force for both body and soul. I invite you to embrace this recipe, let it infuse your home with its aromatic melody, and weave its story into the fabric of your family traditions.

Here’s how to create this soul-warming dish:

Ingredients:

1 package of Polish sausage (1 to 1.5 pounds), sliced for easy serving

16 ounces of sauerkraut, drained to preference

6 small potatoes, each lovingly quartered

A pinch of caraway seeds for that authentic touch

1 bay leaf for its aromatic magic

1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth for moisture and flavor

Salt and pepper, tailored to your taste

Instructions:

Begin by layering the sauerkraut, followed by the potatoes, and then the sausage in a greased slow cooker. (Pro Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, consider browning the sausage before adding it in.)

Pour in the broth, sprinkle the caraway seeds, and tuck the bay leaf amidst the layers. Season with a generous hand.

Seal the slow cooker’s lid and set it to cook on low for a tender 6-8 hours, or on high for a quicker 3-4 hours.

For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top before serving!

Serve this dish piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The melding of the juicy sausages, the sauerkraut’s bite, and the potatoes’ comforting presence makes for a hearty meal that’ll embrace you with its warmth and rustic charm.

How To Cook A Delicious Pot Roast With Very Little Effort

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source: Tara Cooks

What’s more delicious than a juicy roast on a cold fall or winter night? Serve it with some potatoes and seasonal veggies, and you’ve got yourself an amazing meal! Don’t be intimidated by cooking a roast — just follow these simple steps and making dinner will be easy as pie.

Directions:

Step 1: Buy a chuck roast.

Step 2: Place the chuck roast in your crock pot.

Step 3: Sprinkle Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing on top.

Step 4: Sprinkle McCormick Au Jus Gravy Mix on top.

Step 5: Place a stick of butter on top.

Step 6: Put about 5 pepperoncini peppers on top (they come in a jar).

Step 7: Do not add water. Cook on low for about 8 hours in the crock pot.


source: Umami

All Women Should Know These 7 Clove Tips

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Brown and hard, dried in the sun, this clove flower bud is a spice with a pungent and warm flavor. For more than 2000 years, clove has been a spice used in Asia for its medicinal and culinary properties. It later arrived in Europe in the Middle Ages to become a commodity as famous as pepper.

Today, 95% of the world’s clove production is used to make Indonesian cigarettes. The clove tree is a fragile tree which only bears fruit after the eighth year of existence. It rarely reaches flowering because the flower buds are harvested before the petals appear. The crop is then dried until the nails turn brown.

1 – CLOVE AGAINST Stomachache

A clove infusion helps combat various digestive problems, particularly stomach aches and bloating.

To prepare it, infuse 4 or 5 cloves for around ten minutes in a large cup of boiling water.

2 – CLOVE AGAINST BAD BREATH

To avoid a bad odor in your mouth, suck a clove after each meal. This will give you good breath. Very good for teeth and breath.

3 – IT RELIEVES DENTAL PAIN

Eugenol is a valuable antiseptic in crisis situations on painful gums and teeth. “It actually acts on peripheral opioid receptors, nerve endings which allow us to perceive pain autonomously” explains Franck Dubus, doctor of pharmacy. Prefer an oily maceration in mouthwash or a mother tincture, which limits the risk of irritation.

4 – IN MASSAGE, IT WILL RELIEVE YOU FROM YOUR MUSCLE AND RHEUMATIC PAIN

Benefits of Trigger Point Massage

You can try the recipe for pain-relieving massage oils or try the one based on cloves. Because clove is an anti-inflammatory. It can also relieve your muscle, joint and rheumatic pain. To do this, add around 10 drops of clove essential oil to 30 cl of vegetable oil (jojoba or sweet almond). You massage painful areas with this preparation three times a day. The pain should be relieved within 48 hours.

5 – CLOVES AGAINST COLDS

If you want to prevent winter ailments, consider clove essential oil. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties will help you avoid the flu, colds and other winter infections…

First method to benefit from its benefits: dilute 1 to 2 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of olive oil, to swallow before a meal. Second method: dilute 1 to 2 drops of essential oil on a piece of sugar, to melt under the tongue before the meal. Regardless of the technique used, you can use it 1 to 3 times a day, for a maximum of a week.

6 – IN CASE OF URINARY INFECTION (OR KIDNEY STONES)

To calm and soothe urinary infections, you can once again opt for an infusion made from cloves as presented earlier. You can also add a drop (well, just one) of lavender essential oil for greater effectiveness against your cystitis. Of course, this shouldn’t stop you from going to see a doctor!

7 – CLOVES FOR HAIR

Clove fights effectively against hair loss (take a few cloves, add olive oil then leave for 2 days then apply to the hair.

Hands down, best way to ever make turkey! Wish I knew about this technique sooner!

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Gathering around a sumptuously roasted turkey is a hallmark of festive celebrations, uniting family and friends. To elevate this classic dish, try roasting your turkey in a plastic bag; it’s a contemporary technique that seals in the bird’s juices, yielding an exceptionally moist and succulent turkey. This method is a nod to tradition with a modern, savvy twist, ensuring a crowd-pleasing tender feast.

Now, you might wonder, why opt for a plastic bag when roasting turkey?

The benefits of using a plastic oven bag for your turkey are numerous:

Moisture is Locked In: The sealed environment of the oven bag keeps the turkey’s moisture intact, preventing it from drying out and maintaining its succulence.

Quicker Cooking Time: The moist heat within the bag can reduce overall cooking time, freeing up your schedule.

Simplified Cleanup: With all the drippings contained, the oven bag makes post-cooking cleanup a breeze—a real boon during the holiday bustle.

Uniform Browning: Heat circulation within the bag ensures your turkey gets that desirable, evenly-browned exterior.

Flavor-Infused Veggies: Vegetables cooked in the bag with the turkey soak up its savory juices, enhancing their taste.

Less Basting Needed: The bag’s moisture-retentive properties mean less basting and more time for you to enjoy with guests.

This roast turkey, encased in its flavor-locking bag, is the perfect companion to holiday favorites like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, aromatic stuffing, and roasted veggies. Round out your feast with a crisp salad, coleslaw, and some fresh, warm bread to mop up the delicious juices. This method promises a feast that’s both scrumptious and memorable.

Recipe for Roasted Turkey in a Plastic Bag

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (12-24 pounds), fully thawed

1 oven-safe plastic bag

2/3 cup butter, softened

Season with salt and pepper

2 tablespoons of a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage

4 minced garlic cloves

1 roughly chopped white onion

3 celery stalks, chopped

2 roughly chopped carrots

1 tablespoon of flour

Pro Tip: Allow one day of thawing in the fridge for every 5 pounds of your turkey.

Instructions:

Heat your oven to 350°F and adjust the rack to just below the center.

Combine the butter with garlic, salt, and pepper.

Prep the turkey by removing neck and giblets, and securing the wings.

Massage the turkey with the herbed butter mix.

Dust the inside of the oven bag with flour and add the turkey, along with the onion, carrots, and celery.

Seal the bag, pierce a few slits to let steam escape, and place it in a roasting pan.

Roasting times vary by size: 2-2.5 hours for 12-15 lbs, 2.5-3 hours for 15-20 lbs, and 3-3.5 hours for 20-24 lbs turkeys, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes after cooking, then carefully remove it from the bag and place it on a serving platter.

Indulge in the rich flavors of this specially roasted turkey, a dish that promises to be the centerpiece of a joyful and flavorful holiday gathering. Enjoy!

Vodka: The Laundry Hack You Never Saw Coming!

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You might be raising an eyebrow, thinking, “Vodka for cleaning clothes? Are we partying or laundering?” Well, get ready for a surprise because this versatile spirit has more tricks than just jazzing up your drinks! It’s time to spill the (vodka) beans on this quirky cleaning hack that’ll leave your clothing refreshed, rejuvenated, and smelling like a million bucks.

Picture this: you’ve got that favorite shirt or dress, and it’s not quite dirty enough for a trip to the washing machine, but it could use a little TLC. That’s where vodka comes to the rescue, serving as the unsung hero in your laundry arsenal. But hold on to your hats; we’re not advocating a vodka-soaked laundry party. Let’s break down the hows and whys of this unconventional laundry solution.

Vodka: The Cleaning Maverick

First off, what makes vodka a formidable foe against clothing stains and odors? It’s all about the alcohol content. Vodka typically contains around 40% alcohol, which is an effective solvent for breaking down dirt, grease, and even some pesky stains. Moreover, it’s gentle enough not to harm delicate fabrics, making it a suitable choice for those treasured garments.

The Recipe for Success

To get started, you’ll need a trusty spray bottle, vodka, and water. Mix them in equal parts. Now, here’s the twist – instead of spraying the outside of your clothing, turn it inside out. Yes, you read that right! Spritz the interior with your vodka-water blend.

Why inside out, you ask? Well, it’s a strategic move. By spraying the inside, you ensure that the alcohol doesn’t leave any visible marks on your clothing. This keeps your fashion secret safe while the vodka works its magic.

source: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn

Vodka: The Odor Vanquisher and Fabric Whisperer

But vodka isn’t just about cleaning; it’s also a ninja when it comes to fighting odors. The alcohol in vodka can neutralize and eliminate unpleasant smells, leaving your clothes smelling as fresh as a daisy. Say goodbye to that lingering hint of yesterday’s dinner!

Not only does vodka cleanse and deodorize, but it also moonlights as a fabric softener. You might be thinking, “Does my wardrobe really need a nightcap?” Surprisingly, yes! Vodka can help relax the fibers in your clothing, making them softer to the touch. It’s like sending your clothes to a luxurious spa day, without the hefty bill.

When to Break Out the Vodka

Now, before you start raiding your liquor cabinet for all your laundry needs, it’s essential to understand when vodka is the right choice. This hack works best for lightly soiled clothing that doesn’t warrant a full wash. Think of it as a touch-up rather than a deep cleanse.

Here are some scenarios where vodka could be your laundry knight in shining armor:

Post-Party Rescues: Did your favorite party dress suffer a slight wine spill? Vodka can help lift that stain and erase any evidence of your epic dance moves.

Travel Companion: When you’re on the road and don’t have access to a washing machine, a little vodka spritz can keep your clothes smelling and feeling fresh.

Office SOS: For that shirt you wore for a few hours at the office but want to wear again tomorrow, a vodka refresh can do wonders.

Odor Eradicator: Have a piece of clothing that just won’t shake off that stubborn odor? Vodka can work its magic here too.

In a world full of laundry detergents and fancy fabric softeners, vodka stands out as the quirky yet effective underdog. It’s your secret weapon for keeping lightly soiled clothes in top shape between washes. So, next time you’re faced with a wardrobe dilemma, don’t reach for the detergent immediately. Give vodka a chance to shine, and your clothes will thank you with a sprightly twirl and a fresh, clean scent. Cheers to cleaner, fresher, and more fabulous laundry days!

Burn rosemary at home, surprising what happens a few minutes later

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Lighting rosemary in your home might just unveil a delightful secret—its aromatic magic. Renowned for its culinary prowess, rosemary’s fragrant potential often goes untapped.

Part of the mint family, Lamiaceae, rosemary is an evergreen native to the sunny Mediterranean. It’s not just a kitchen staple; since ancient times, rosemary’s fresh, piercing scent and medicinal qualities have made it a global favorite.

When burned, rosemary does more than fill the air with its refreshing aroma; it’s a practice steeped in ancient traditions for air purification, insect repelling, and creating a serene ambiance. This simple act can diffuse the plant’s beneficial properties throughout your space.

To safely enjoy rosemary’s fragrance at home, an incense burner or holder will do. Ignite a sprig’s tip with a flame and then blow it out to let it smolder and waft its essence around.

Historically, rosemary was held in high regard for its purifying and protective powers, used in Roman times to cleanse spaces and thought in the Middle Ages to possess magical attributes. It served as a protective charm, a remedy for various ailments, and a symbol of love and loyalty in nuptials.

Its legacy extends to funeral rites in some cultures, where it symbolizes everlasting remembrance. Rosemary’s use even during the plague was believed to purify the air, a notion somewhat validated later when its oil, discovered in 1370 and gifted to Queen Isabella of Hungary, was touted for treating rheumatism.

Burning rosemary can enhance your living space, potentially improving air quality and mood while keeping pests at bay. Studies hint at its health benefits, with its smoke releasing compounds like rosmarinic acid, known for antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

Yet, caution is wise—burning plants can sometimes produce irritants. Always enjoy rosemary’s benefits responsibly, mindful of ventilation, and consult a healthcare provider before using it for health concerns.

Easy Caramel Apple Cobbler Dump Cake Recipe

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This caramel apple dump cake is made with only canned apple pie filling, packaged yellow cake mix, caramel bits, and butter if you are looking for simple dessert recipes for your family this fall! That seems too easy to be real, I know, but not only is it amazingly easy, but it’s also the best darn apple dessert you’ll ever enjoy.

Ingredients

2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling

1/2 (11 ounce) bag caramel bits (found in the baking section by the chocolate chips)

1 (15 ounce) box yellow cake mix

1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.

Spread both cans of apple pie filling onto the bottom of your prepared dish.

Sprinkle about half of the bag of caramel bits evenly over the top of the pie filling.

Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over top.

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix covering as much of it as you can.

Bake uncovered in the center rack for 30-40 minutes or until the buttery cake mix turns a deep golden brown.

Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes and then serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Snickers Fudge

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INGREDIENTS:

For first layer:

1 cup

milk chocolate chips 1/4 cup

caramel chips 1/4 cup

peanut butter For second layer:

4 tablespoons butter

1 cup

caster sugar 1/4 cup

condensed milk 1 1/2 cup

marshmallows 1/4 cup

peanut butter 1 teaspoon

vanilla 1 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

Third layer:

14 oz caramel cubes

1/4 cup heavy cream

Fourth layer:

1 bar of milk chocolate

1/4 cup caramel

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

HOW TO USE:

First layer:

1 bar milk chocolate

1/4 cup caramel

1/4 cup

peanut butter For second layer:

4 tablespoons butter

1 cup granulated sugar

powder 1 /4 cup condensed milk

1 1/2 cup

marshmallow cream 1/4 cup

peanut butter  1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup

Chopped, salted peanuts for third layer:

14 oz caramel cubes

1/4 cup  cream

For fourth layer:

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup caramel chips

1/4 cup peanut butter

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:

First layer:

Lightly grease a 9×13 skillet with cooking spray.

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and caramel chips and stir until  smooth.

Place this mixture in a buttered skillet, spread evenly with a spatula, and refrigerate until set.

Second Layer:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add

sugar and condensed milk and bring to the  boil.Cook

for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the marshmallows, peanut butter and vanilla. Stir in

peanuts and spread this layer evenly over the set chocolate layer in the  pan.

Refrigerate until this layer sets.

Third layer:

Melt

caramel cubes and  cream over low heat until smooth.

Pour this caramel layer over the peanut layer in the pan and refrigerate until set.

Fourth Layer:

Repeat the process for the first layer and melt the milk chocolate chips, caramel chips and peanut butter over low heat until smooth.

Pour this last layer over the hardened caramel layer.

Allow the layer to cool for at least an hour before cutting into squares. Enjoy these Layered Hazelnut Chocolate Squares!

The bathroom will smell for a week: all your guests will want to know the secret

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Ensuring your bathroom always has a welcoming aroma can make a big difference to the comfort of your home. But how can you maintain a delightful fragrance without constantly using costly air fresheners or harsh chemicals? 

Below, we’ll reveal a straightforward, natural method to keep your bathroom smelling great for an entire week.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A small dish or container

Baking soda

Your favorite essential oil (choices like lavender for calmness, lemon for a crisp scent, or peppermint for a brisk feel)

Follow these steps to create your long-lasting bathroom freshener:

Baking Soda Base: Pour half a cup of baking soda into your chosen container. This household staple is excellent for neutralizing odors naturally.

Essential Oil Boost: Introduce a few drops of the essential oil to the baking soda. The scent you pick will set the mood—be it calming, refreshing, or energizing.

Blend Together: Mix the oil into the baking soda thoroughly. The baking soda acts as a carrier for the oil, slowly releasing the fragrance over time.

Strategic Placement: Put your container in a spot with good air circulation in the bathroom, like near a vent or a window.

Scent Renewal: Once the scent diminishes after about a week, simply reinvigorate it with a few more drops of oil. The baking soda remains effective for several refreshes before needing replacement.

Why this method works:

Baking soda is a known deodorizer, drawing in and neutralizing bad smells, while the essential oil imparts a continuous, pleasant fragrance. This combination offers a sustained scent solution without relying on artificial fresheners.

Additional Suggestions:

Feel free to experiment with various essential oils to discover the scent that speaks to you.

This DIY freshener isn’t just for bathrooms—it’s equally effective in bedrooms, closets, or any space that could use a fragrance lift.

Always keep the mixture out of reach of children and pets for safety.

With this easy and economical tip, your bathroom will maintain a fresh scent for days, and you might just find friends and family asking for your secret to a perpetually fragrant bathroom!