So how do I Cook Anyways?!? Weaning Oneself Off Fast Food

Building off my previous post about starting to save money as a broke professional, (or even broker college student) Today we will cover some easy ways to make delicious food for throughout the week.

GET A CROCK POT!!!!

Seriously, crock pots are the easiest, awesomist way to cook delightful meals.  Simply throw ingredients you like into it in the morning, and when you get home at the end of the day you will have one heck of a concoction.  The leftovers can easily be refrigerated or even frozen to eat later...take it for lunch at the office or pop it in the microwave or oven for an easy dinner when you aren't feeling cooking. 

 Crock pots are also cheap, one big enough for one or two person meals can be found for less than $20.00 at most department/ big-box stores.  You could even probably get one for free from family members, ask around and someone most likely has an older one that they would part with.  Another frugal option would be to scour garage sales and craigslist, especially in college towns you can find one for cheap because some student didn't want to haul it home for the summer.

I will list below a few personal favorite crock pot recipes I like making, feel free to use them and list your favorites in the comments!

Game Day Chip Dip

- One package Velveeta cheese

- 1.5lbs ground beef or turkey

- One jar medium salsa, feel free to go spicier if you like spicy food

- One package taco seasoning

- One small can green chilies

Brown the meat in a pan, draining the excess grease off once it is fully cooked.

Add the green chilies and taco seasoning, following directions on seasoning package about adding some water to the meat

Put the Velveeta, salsa, and beef in the crock pot and start to mix it together

If you'll be around, set the crock pot to a higher temperature and check on the dip every forty-five minutes or so.  If you won't be around set your crock pot to it's lowest setting and it will be fine.

If on low, your dip will be done in a few short hours.  Dig in!

Booze BQ Pulled Pork

-One boneless pork shoulder, preferably as lean as possible

- A few shots of Captain Morgan spiced rum

- Half cup orange juice

- One diced small yellow onion

- Minced  garlic (I use a lot, but I love garlic)

- Half cup brown sugar

- Salt and pepper to taste

-any other spices you like that you have in your spice cabinet

- BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory and Brown Sugar)

Rub the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and whatever other various spices you have onto the pork.

Place the pork into the crock pot, and cover it with the remaining ingredients.

Set crock pot to it's lowest setting and let time do it's magic.

If Pork is too wet for your taste, use a colander or strainer to remove the excess moisture and enjoy the pork.   Works great on tacos or nachos, as well as a stand alone sandwich.

Hope these recipes inspire you to get crock-pottin'!