After a busy winter day there is nothing better than coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

When gloomy weather has you feeling a little down, a warm and hearty meal can be so comforting. You can do all the prep in the morning – simply “Set it and forget it!”

Slow cookers are wonderful way to utilize tougher cuts of big-flavored meat. Think juicy brisket, flavorful chili, spicy chicken thighs, or a delicious lamb curry.

And crock pots aren’t just for entrees either. I also love to slow cook up a batch of overnight oats with brown sugar, orange zest, and dried fruits. Top it with some Greek yogurt, or coconut milk. Perfect to start off a lazy Sunday morning slipper day!

And the best part about these cozy meals? They make incredible leftovers!  So turn on your crock pot and let deliciousness simmer away! –Kathy

Slow-Cooker Citrus Maple Oatmeal
Be sure to use steel cut oats for this preparation. Serve with some fun toppings, like fresh blueberries or sliced bananas—and brown sugar for those who like their oats a touch sweeter.

Makes enough for 6 servings

3 Sunkist® Cara Cara Oranges, juiced
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, water, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Generously spray inside of a 3-4 quart slow-cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add oats and then pour in liquid mixture; stir. Set cooker to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours.

Recipe and Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios for Sunkist.

Ahhh, sweet summer corn. Is there anything better? Fresh, crunchy corn is so delicious and versatile. Personally, I love my corn with just a bit of seasoning, but a little smear of butter is the perfect complement to hot corn on the cob. You can get creative with your butter by whipping in a bit of local honey, chili powder, fresh basil, roasted garlic…the combinations are endless!

Photo courtesy of Pablo y Pablo

Traditionally boiled or steamed, corn is also amazing done on the grill. If you’ve already got your grill turned on for a sizzling summer barbeque, why not throw your corn on as well?

Leave the stem on for an easy handle and roll it along the grill to heat it through and add some great color. Serve it just like that, or cut off the kernels and add them to fresh salsa, folded into whipped potatoes, or sprinkle on a salad- like my d’lish Summer Corn, Roasted Pepper, and Arugula Salad garnished with Goat Cheese Crostini!

Not a fan of eating corn right off the cob? No problem- I have a great trick to share with you! Take a bundt pan, insert the corn into the center hole and carefully cut downwards as close to the cob as you can, without cutting into the cob. The bundt pan will catch the kernels for you! If you don’t have one, just hold the corn vertically, making sure the tip is firmly in place and cut downwards.

And if you’re lucky enough to live in Seattle- I highly recommend checking out Pablo y Pablo. Located near Gas Works Park, this Mexican restaurant and bar knows how to treat corn right! Their Grilled Street Corn with chipotle aioli, cotija, green onion, cilantro, and lime is simply amazing. They even highlight corn in a totally different way with their Fried Hominy with chipotle salt. YUM!

So go enjoy one of the best tastes of summer while you can– fresh picked, local corn!

-Kathy

Summer Corn, Roasted Pepper, and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese Crostini
Makes 6 servings

3 mixed colorful bell peppers
3 ears fresh corn, husked
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
12 thin slices (1/4-inch) of French bread baguette, lightly toasted
6 ounces soft chevre goat cheese
4 to 6 cups tightly packed, washed and torn arugula or baby arugula

Roast peppers over a hot grill or coals or under the broiler, turning often until skin is totally blistered. Peel, seed and thinly slice peppers. Set aside.

Grill corn, turning when each side is marked and lightly roasted. Cut corn from cob, and add to peppers.

In a large bowl, whisk mustard, garlic, vinegar and lemon juice together. Slowly whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss in basil, roasted peppers, and corn. Set aside.

Meanwhile, spread toasted French bread slices with goat cheese, and place under a broiler for one minute or pop into a hot, 400-degree oven until cheese is warm.

Add arugula to roasted pepper mixture. Toss well. Divide among individual salad plates and garnish with the warm goat cheese crostini.

Copyright 2017© by Kathy Casey Food Studios®