From September last year I was spending my days going back and forth to the hospital, for the first 6 weeks it was to a hospital 15 miles away, so I'd go out at 1pm and not get back in until 6pm, after spending hours either sat in critical care or later dealing with my very confused dad trying to escape from his bed on the stroke ward, I didn't want to cook, I wanted something immediately. Even when he moved to a closer hospital, none of us wanted to cook so we kept relying on the slow cooker.
Over the course of 19 weeks I made so much in there, from meatballs and burgers, to curries, stews, soups and even a full Sunday dinner (all the veg in the bottom, chicken on top, tiny bit of water, 8 hours on low!).
A lot of recipes I made up on the fly and never wrote down, others made so frequently I have added them to Coeliac Sanctuary and many others were from other peoples recipes and became firm favourites.
I wanted to share just some of my favourite slow cooker recipes, some mine, some from other blogs, you can literally do anything in a slow cooker, I have even seen a full breakfast done in the slow cooker so the possibilities are endless, it isn't just a winter thing either you can do light simple meals in them too, they just take a lot less time than the likes of stews.
Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry by Coeliac Sanctuary
I am sure many of you have seen this one many of times, it is my favourite curry which happens to be vegan as well as gluten free, in my opinion is beats any other curry hands down, I always make double and freeze some so I always have some when I fancy it, it is packed with spice and so many other gorgeous flavours.
Ham, Leek and Potato Soup by Pinch of Nom
I have followed Slimming World for a long time even if I work on many recipes which are far from Slimming World friendly. Pinch of Nom is fabulous for Slimming World recipes and this one is just one of many slow cooker recipes. So many soups can be made in the slow cooker and this is a delicious one to take to work.
Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew by A Balanced Belly
This wonderful recipe is from my friend Jenna over at A Balanced Belly. I love sweet potatoes, in my opinion you can't beat them in stew, I prefer them over normal potato any day. A stew is lovely and filling on a cold day!
Sausage and Lentil Stew by Coeliac Sanctuary
This one is one of mine and has become a firm favourite, it's a food one for all the family. Lentils are one of those that many Coeliacs don't know if they can have or not, they are perfectly fine as long as you get them a good wash first!
Lamb Bhuna by Easy Peasy Foodie
I do love a curry and this Lamb Bhuna by Eb from Easy Peasy Foodie is a great one to make. Lamb is so much better when it's done in the slow cooker it goes so flaky and soft, serve with rice and even a gluten free naan bread and you have a proper Indian dine in at home.
Apple Butter by The Intolerant Gourmand
It's not just dinner that can be done in the slow cooker, give Nathalies Apple Butter a go, you can have it with an apple crumble, on toast, in porridge or however you like really. Really simple with only a handful of basic ingredients too!
Turkey Hash by Coeliac Sanctuary
Turkey mince is a lot lighter then beef mince and it goes lovely and soft in the slow cooker, chuck in some hearty root veg and you get a lovely filling stew that the whole family is sure to love and it makes a change from mince beef.
BBQ Pulled Pork by Glutarama
Pulled pork is a must when you have a slow cooker, Becky's BBQ pulled pork is a delicious version to try, it has a gorgeous taste to it and uses simple ingredients you are sure to have lurking around the kitchen.
Sausage Slow Cooker Stew - by A Balanced Belly
Why are sausages done in the slow cooker so good. This is another fabulous one from Jenna, you really can't beat a good sausage stew. This one is done with succulent chicken sausages and filled with so many delicious vegetables and spices!
Slow Cooker Meatballs by Gluten Free on a Shoestring
For some reason meatballs done in the slow cooker are so good, they don't dry out as much as in the oven and you can serve meatballs in so many ways, chuck some pasta with them or even put some gravy over. This recipe is super good, meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are always a good way to go.
What are your favourite slow cooker recipes? Let us know! I love experimenting with my slow cooker, so if there is something you would love to try out but not sure how, ask me!