It was dark when I woke up this morning and I didn't realize it had already begun snowing during the night. We weren't expecting snow until later in the day. The girls and I had places to go and people to see, but maybe we'll just hang around the house now instead of driving around in dicey weather. Suits me fine though and besides, I've got some sewing I want to get back to. In the meantime, I need to catch up on a few things and I need to make SOUP!
My humble Crockpot works overtime this time of year because I make soup almost daily. Or actually, nightly. Pssst....here's a little secret I will share with you: I simmer the stock at night whilst I slumber. If you didn't already think I was a *nutty-buddy* before, this may confirm it, but I'm telling you-- it's a huge time saver! And very easy. The process usually begins after dinner. Whatever is left-over (and suitable) goes into the pot. Water is added and it simmers on low overnight. Come morning I strain it. Then, to the stock I add fresh vegetables, dried beans, legumes, or whatever is on hand. Sometimes there are variations to this, but that's the basic idea and by lunchtime, we've got a hearty, steaming bowl of soup to bolster us. Sometimes it's the main coarse for dinner with corn muffins or sandwiches when I'm really pressed for time or having a crazy day. And the best part is it's good for you. I swear by it for keeping colds and flu away. So go forth dear readers and make soup whilst you slumber.
Oh, and I'll be back with another quiche soon. I'm working on a new photo album for the A-Z recipes so they'll all be accessible in one spot for those who have asked for them.
I love my crock pot too :) Never thought to have it on while I sleep, but what a great way to solve the "what's for lunch" dilemna. Thanks for the tip !
Posted by: Lilli | January 10, 2007 at 12:55 PM
You make me want to try that..but I really need a bigger crock pot.I still am using the little red one from the 70's.
I like the candle photo..wish I'd thought of that.
xo
Posted by: Dawn | January 10, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Thank goodness for crock pots!! We use ours all the time and now that we'll be kitchenless in a few weeks, it will be a great way to make dinners!! Plus, then the house smells great all day!!
Posted by: Jackie | January 10, 2007 at 01:35 PM
I love making soup this time of year! We eat lots of it with home made bread (bread machi ne) slathered in lots of butter. I never thought to use my crock pot this way or to use the night before's leftovers to make the stock. I love this idea.
Usually when I need stock DH will stop off at the grocery on the way home from work and pick up a rotisserie fully cooked chicken. Then I will add what ever veggies we have. I cook it for a couple of hours then we seperate the bones out. The next day I add beans and what ever flavorings I think sound good and voila new soup for the day! I'm not sure but I don't think we have ever had the same flavored chicken soup twice (unless it's the basic for sick people/animals).
Thanks for your tip I can't wait to try it!
Kathie
Posted by: Kathie | January 10, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Gorgeous photos. The crock pot is a great time saver, and one of the best kitchen appliances ever.
Posted by: Tatania | January 10, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Lovely, lovely crock pot. We are here in the Snow too!!! I am 45 minutes North of Seattle. I love your Blog, your photo and work. I am also a homeschooler, for the past 7 1/2 years. Take care, keep warm. Mica Garbarino/ Garb-oodles
Posted by: Mica Garbarino | January 10, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Vicki, the candle and snow photo is beautiful!
It just now started snowing here!
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | January 10, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Mmmm...this makes me want some soup.
Posted by: autum | January 10, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Your soups sound delish! Nothing like a bowl of hot soup on a cold day!
Posted by: Jean | January 10, 2007 at 05:25 PM
I am a great soup fan from way back. I would eat it every day in the winter if my kids would let me!
Posted by: Mae | January 10, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Hooray for whoever invented crockpots - Davy Crockett? Betty Crocker? :-)
Your photo of the snow window view, past the warm candlelight is so serene. I love peeking in through this little internet window - you always have something delightful (and your crockpot even looks cozier than mine! how do you do that? :)
p.s. Somehow I missed seeing your last post - pesky though they may be, the deer are so lovely, I could forgive them almost anything! (remember, I said almost, lol - I'm sure I would be sorely grieved if they ate all my rosebushes and lilacs - not to mention veggies!)
Posted by: tinker | January 10, 2007 at 09:19 PM
What a fantastic idea-not a crazy one!! You soooo organized, what a time saver! Must try this!! Do you just simmer the vegetables at night or meat in it too?
ME: To clarify---I put into the crockpot any left-over meat (or a carcass) and cover it with water to simmer overnight. Bones are removed in the morning, leaving a clear stock. Fresh vegetables or left-overs are added to the stock the next morning to simmer gently for several hours, not overnight.
Posted by: norththreads | January 10, 2007 at 10:24 PM
Is your crock-pot pink!? How cool is that!
ME: No, it's just the cast from the overhead lighting. But a pretty pink one would certainly be wonderful wouldn't it?
Posted by: Ash | January 11, 2007 at 01:46 AM
A pink crock pot, now that really lightens the day!
Posted by: carolyn | January 11, 2007 at 04:07 AM
Praises to the Crockpot..I love to make chilli in mine. By the way, my niece is LOVING the apron you made, I bought it for her for Christmas..big hit!
Posted by: Amyleigh | January 11, 2007 at 05:08 AM
Snow days and soup are great friends I think. And I have done the night before thing and it was a huge time saver, I think I'll take your advice and start doing it more often.
ME: I'm always looking for ways to save time, so I have more time for crafting! :o)
Posted by: Gina | January 11, 2007 at 07:29 AM
I do believe the crock pot is one of those inventions for which the creator should receive a Nobel prize. Soup is just the right thing this time of year--even here in Tucson.
Posted by: June | January 11, 2007 at 07:31 AM
wow snow, how lucky you are, please send some over here to us in the UK!!
Posted by: hannah | January 11, 2007 at 09:40 AM
I love your blog! It reminds me of everything I love. I lived in a very small town in washington state most my life and for the past 8 years have been in Phoenix. All your wonderful pictures remind me of home! Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Tab | January 11, 2007 at 01:20 PM
I just love your blog, so inspiring! Your cranberry hutch and wire fruit basket both are too cute. Have a happy cozy day.
Posted by: Amie Ladd | January 11, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Thanks for the outside pictures. I am having to live vicariously through your snow pictures, as we are having a very warm Virginia winter in the 60's!
Posted by: JudyC | January 11, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Hooray- great idea- the crock pot- mine has been lonely on the shelf. My DH leaves for work at 5:45 every day and must take lunch and dinner - so great idea. LOVE your blog.
Posted by: kate | January 11, 2007 at 03:08 PM
I love soup! I could eat soup every day, though the manly men in my house (DH and 15y/o DS) want food food. When I awoke to all the snow this morning (we're in Astoria), my first thought was to get the croc-pot going as it's truly a Soup Day! Mmmm... do you have and A-Z for soups?
ME: A-Z soups...hmmm, sounds like a grand idea to me!
Posted by: Monica | January 11, 2007 at 05:45 PM
You're so organized, I love it. I think I need a new crockpot though--mine cooks way to hot and I'm afraid if I left it all night while we slept...well, lets just say it WOULDN'T be good for you! One day, a new pot for sure.
Posted by: Toni | January 11, 2007 at 07:57 PM
What a fantastic idea! I never know what to do with leftovers because no one in my house ever eats them so food just goes to waste. I can't wait to try this.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 12, 2007 at 07:25 AM
That is such a great idea!!!At night while slumbering on!!!You are too clever.Have a great sleep and enjoy the soup!!!
Posted by: Michelle | January 15, 2007 at 11:27 PM
oh, i would use my crockpot all the time if it were pink. mine is dark green with a fall leaves motif :(
Posted by: bethy | February 02, 2007 at 03:14 PM