Recipe #5: Mashed Potatoes & Meat Loaf

I haven't figured out how to make meat loaf in the crock pot, but I have mastered the art of making mashed potatoes, slow cooker style.

Mashed Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:
8 medium red potatoes
4 tbs. butter
1/2 tsp. onion powder
Skim milk
Salt
Pepper

Serves 4

DIRECTIONS:
Wash and quarter potatoes. Place in crock pot with cubed butter. Cook on low for 4 hours. Once your potatoes are tender turn off the crock pot.  Add a splash of milk and onion powder directly into the crock pot.  Mash with a potato masher or fork until you reach your preferred consistency.  Salt and pepper to taste.

TIPS: Cooking the potatoes in the crock pot creates extra water so just add a little bit of milk to help add some creaminess.  I like using red potatoes because the skins are thinner and they taste good all mashed up.  But most of all, I like that I save a step by not having to peel potatoes.

You can obviously serve these spuds with anything, but I love a good meat loaf in the winter.  For kicks, here is my recipe:

Meat Loaf

INGREDIENTS:
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cup skim milk
2 cups whole oats
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2 tbs. parsley
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
Sweet Baby Rays's BBQ sauce

DIRECTIONS:
Combine everything but the BBQ sauce in a large bowl. Lightly pat mixture in a loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Remove from oven, spoon off fat, and cover top with BBQ sauce. Bake for 10 more minutes.

TIP: Add a final drizzle of BBQ sauce before serving! Replacing the bread crumbs with oats is a great way to add nutrition without changing the taste or texture.

Come back tomorrow for a taco recipe that is sure to make your taste buds say "Ole!"