Slow Cooking

When families eat meals together, research shows that they are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, and less likely to eat fried foods, soft drinks, and other high calorie foods. When younger kids eat frequent meals with their parents, they are less likely to become overweight.  With hectic work and school schedules and other activities, it can be tough to get a home cooked meal on the table in all of the commotion.

Instead of driving through and picking something up, plan ahead and prepare a delicious home cooked meal that will be ready when you get home--pull out your crockpot!  Toss a few ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home to the smell of a delicious home cooked meal.  Simply add some steamed veggies (the SteamFresh bags are great) and you have a fantastic dinner.

Try this Tex Mex Chicken for a dinner that is sure to please!  You can serve this as is or on whole wheat tortillas (like a fajita)

Tex-Mex chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch-wide strips

• 2 tablespoons Southwest spice blend

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch-wide strips

• 1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch-wide strips

• ½ purple onion, cut into 1-inch-wide strips

• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn

• 1 tomato diced

• 1/2cup 2% cheddar cheese

Toss chicken with seasoning and flour in slow cooker. Stir in all remaining ingredients except shredded cheese; cover with lid. Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours).  Stir before serving. Top with shredded cheese.