I'm so trying this one on Sunday night!

I've decided to start using my slow cooker more.  Let's face it, a) I'm a single, working parent; b) I work long days (yeah, that's right...teachers work long days); c) I've got two kids that have activities to do; d) I'm tired when I get home and don't want to spend an  hour cooking.  So, this is the year of the slow cooker in this household.  I've already started with a few recipes that I remember from growing up.  The kids didn't think one of them in particular sounded good, but when it came time to eat it they were impressed.  What makes using the slow cooker more manageable right now is that my older sister introduced me to the Slow Cooker Liners!  Now I can line my slow cooker and when I'm done cooking throw it away and the slow cooker is clean!  Woohoo!

So far I've tried:
* Pork chops with cranberries and cranberry juice (served it with Polenta and green beans)
* Chicken in orange juice. (made them into sandwiches)


I found a recipe today for Lasagna in the slow cooker.  Yep that's right, lasagna!  So, I'm going to get the ingredients tomorrow when I go to the store and get it together on Sunday night to cook on Monday.  I'll let you know how it goes.  But until then here's the recipe thanks to www.kraftrecipes.com.

1 lb ground beef; 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce, 1 cup of water, 1 container (15 oz) Ricotta Cheese, 1 pkg Shredded Mozzarella cheese divided; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 6 lasagna noodles, uncooked.

Make it: Brown meat in large skillet; drain.  Stir in spaghetti sauce and water.  Mix ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella, 2 Tbsp Parmesan, egg, and parsley.  SPOON 1 cup of meat sauce into slow cooker; top with layers of half each of noodles (broken to fit) and cheese mixture.  Cover with 2 cups of meat sauce.  Top with remaining noodles (broken to fit), cheese mixture and meat sauce.  cover with lid.  COOK on LOW for 4-6 hours or until liquid is absorbed.  Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; let stand, covered, for 10 minutes or until melted.  

According to the website, if you have a removable liner, you can make it ahead of time and put it in the fridge the night before.  That's what I'll do since I sleep in and give myself as little time to get ready as possible.

Because my children are WEIRD, I'll add spinach.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I'm hoping it's good.