December 18, 2012

365 Days of Slow-Cooking Cookbook Giveaway and Review plus Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Giveaway is now CLOSED
Click HERE to see the winner!

(Image Credit)

I couldn't let Christmas come and go without giving one of my favorite followers a gift.  One of MY favorite gifts to get is a new cookbook and that is what I am sharing with one of you.

I have been using my slow cooker more than ever lately and I have been searching for some good recipes.  That is where this book comes in.  It is perfect for any type of cook whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook.  We could all use a few extra hours in the day, but since that isn't going to happen, we can save a little time by letting the slow cooker "cook" dinner for us.

After reading the first few pages of this book, it was obvious that this girl knows what she is doing when it comes to using a slow cooker.  The front of the book is full of tips to get your food to turn out perfect every time.  I have heard a lot of complaints that food in the slow cooker doesn't have any flavor or it's too runny and there is a tip for how to prevent each of those problems. If you don't already own a slow cooker or are looking to buy a new one, she will even help you decide which type and which size will work best for your family.    

She cooks things in the slow cooker that I didn't even know was possible.  Like bread?  Did you know you could "bake" a loaf of bread in your slow cooker?  Next time I have brown bananas, I will be trying her Brown Sugar Banana Bread.

The book is divided up into Appetizers, Beverages, Breads & Spreads, Breakfast, Beef Dishes, Poultry Dishes, Pork Dishes, Pasta Dishes & Sauces, Sides & Salads, Soups/Stews/Chili and Desserts!  The recipes are easy to follow, all of the ingredients are common things you have used before and might even have in your pantry and while not every recipe has a photo, there are still a lot of photos throughout the book.

I have tried four recipes out of the book so far and I have liked all four and would make all four again.  Next on my list is her Apple Butter!

Overall, I think it is a great cookbook and I can't wait to "cook" my way through it.  If you are still looking for a last minute gift idea for someone, I think this would be a great choice! You could even pick up a slow cooker to give along with the book! Now, that would be an amazing present, if you ask me.

The Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup turned out good.  I like big, bold flavors, so I ended up adding some extra spices.  I also like a super chunky soup, so next time, I will add more rice.

Stay tuned to see the rest of the yummy dishes I have made out of this great cookbook.    
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
2 c. water
1 c. diced carrots
1 c. diced celery
1 1/2 Lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg. Rice-a-Roni Long-Grain & Wild Rice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. unsalted butter
2 c. milk

Combine broth, water, carrots, celery, chicken and Rice-a-Roni (with seasoning packet) in a large slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.  Remove chicken from slow cooker; using two forks, shred.  Return to slow cooker.  In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Stir in flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time, to form a roux.  Whisk in milk, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth.  Add salt and pepper.  Stir roux mixture into slow cooker; cook on low for an additional 15 minutes or until thickened.  Serves: 6-8

Jenn's Notes:  I cut the recipe in half and I added an extra 1 1/2 cups of water after reading reviews that the soup was too thick.  I also added some lemon pepper, onion powder and Italian seasoning, because I felt like it needed a little something extra.  I wished I would have added the entire box of Rice-a-Roni to my half batch, because there didn't end up being that much rice and I like a chunky soup.  I used one large frozen chicken breast and I cooked for 5 hours.      



**TO ENTER THIS COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY**
Sorry, giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only

1.  Mandatory Entry: You must be a follower of Eat Cake For Dinner via GFC (Google Friend Connect), E-mail, Facebook or Pinterest.  All are found on the right hand side of my blog.  Leave me a comment and let me know which way you follow.

2.  For a 2nd Entry:  Leave me a separate comment and let me know what your favorite thing to cook in the slow cooker is. 

**If your name does not link me to a blog, make sure to leave me your e-mail address, so I can contact you if you win!  Good Luck!**

Giveaway is open until Tuesday, December 25th and winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 26th.  Winner must contact me within 72 hours or a new winner will be selected.


The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review, but all opinions expressed here are my own.  I provided the giveaway copy and it will be shipped by me.

121 comments:

  1. I "Like" East Cake on Facebook. I also follow you via email.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oops suppose to say Eat Cake

      Delete
  2. melissabearm03@gmail.comDecember 18, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    I like to cook lots of things in my crock pot, beef stew, potato soup, roast, turkey breast.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I Liked you on FB and I also follow you on Pinterest and GFC. Thanks.
    Donnie W
    ki4ggs(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. My all time save me in a pinch meal is shredded pork BBQ in the crockpot. Melts in your mouth. Thanks.
    Donnie W
    ki4ggs(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I follow you on FB and Pinterest. I love to cook pulled Chicken/Pork in my crockpot.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I follow you on Facebook. I like to make jumbalaya in the slow cooker. It saves me a lot of time when using myles recipe! My email is barrettm16@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have been following you via GFC for a while now! Thanks for the opportunity! :)

    sambina2cute@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. My favorite thing to cook in the slowcooker.. would probably have to be BBQ pulled pork. I've also tried a chicken and rice thing once, that was pretty good too!

    sambina2cute@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I probably make beans in my crock pot the most, but my favorite is beef roast with carrots and potatoes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm a follower on my google dashboard and facebook. This cookbook looks like just the thing I need for some great meals now that I'm in school!

    MGM

    ReplyDelete
  11. The thing I slow-cook most often is a whole oven stuffer roaster, but I sure would love some new ideas!

    MGM

    ReplyDelete
  12. I slow cook most often just roasted chicken with potatos and carrots but I am always looking for more exciting ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am a follower- Sharee www.momfittingitallin.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. My fav is spaghetti sauce !!!

    Sharee
    Www.momfittingitallin.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Linda B linda4stuff@tx.rr.comDecember 18, 2012 at 10:41 PM

    I LIKE you on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Linda B linda4stuff@tx.rr.comDecember 18, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    I like cooking a jambalaya type soup in my crock pot and also roast with potatoes and carrots.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I guess following you on Google Connect doesn't count? No matter, I follow you on fb too. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think my favorite thing to cook in the crockpot is pork and sauerkraut. Yummo!

    Thanks again,
    Patricia @ butteryum.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow you on Facebook. I need to follow you on Pinterest too, so I will be doing that.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I made your mom's slow cooker potatoes for thanksgiving and everyone liked them. I also really like to make your cream cheese chicken chili recipe. My family loves it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I follow you on FB. My favorite thing to make in my crockpot is soups from minestrone, to texas chili to potato soup. I LOVE my crockpot!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love to make bbq pulled pork in the crock and ribs.

    ReplyDelete
  23. 1) i follow you on facebook!!! you're awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  24. 2) i love to make spicy bbq meatballs, they are super easy and a huge hit at parties

    ReplyDelete
  25. I follow by email. The soup recipe sounds yummy--I'm picking up the Rice-A-Roni tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I don't know if this is my favorite, but I make this most often because of how easy it is. I just place a big chuck roast in the cooker (lined with a slow cooker bag, of course)add a packet of dry onion soup mix and a little water and walk away. The juices can be thickened with a T. or so of corn starch right in the slow cooker after removing the meat. Well, maybe it is my favorite since it's so easy!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I follow your blog by email. I have made many of your recipes thank you! My favorite crockpot recipe is pot roast.
    Thanks for a great blog,
    Miriam
    mkinlaca(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow Eat Cake For Dinner via email!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love to make Spinach-Artichoke Dip in the crockpot!

    adb6{at}humboldt{dot}edu

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow you via email everyday...I love reading your receipes.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I like to put chicken breasts in the crock pot with some salsa, then shred it for tacos, enchiladas, and other things.

    ReplyDelete
  32. My favorite thing to cook in my crockpot is shredded beef for sliders....MMMMMM

    ReplyDelete
  33. I don`t know yet what`s my favorite recipe in slow cooker ,just got mine few days ago.I am very exited ,I wanted it for a while.The book will come very handy :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I like to do Cream Cheese chicken in my Crock. Serve it with rice and it's a crowd pleaser!

    ReplyDelete
  35. GFC FOLLOW AND FB....MARTHA at berrycherry63@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I LOVE BBQ RIBS in slow cooker,martha at berrycherry63@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi. I love to make tomato sauce and meatballs in my crock pot. Makes the whole house smell great.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow via email and am pat....ndleartnut@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I make a lot of roasts with veggies, spices, and cook them all day!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I receive your blog through email.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I also follow you on facebook and pinterest

    ReplyDelete
  42. I follow you on Pinterest and receive your blog by email.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I especially like to make pot roast with carrots and potatoes and onions in my crock pot.
    Love having only one pan to clean up after supper.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I follow you via E-mail . I love your blog. Thank you:)

    ReplyDelete
  45. My favorite thing to make in the crock pot is balsamic beef with au jus..Its very yummy!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. and I follow you now on Facebook:)

    ReplyDelete
  47. I am a follower of Eat Cake For Dinner via GFC, E-mail, Facebook and Pinterest.
    cjbrick@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. My Potato Soup is my favorite thing to make in my crock pot and it is so good that not only did my soup get kidnapped once so did my crock pot (I did get it back, empty!). I would love to win a copy of this cookbook to add to my collection. Thank you for the chance to win the giveaway and may you have a joyous Holiday.
    cjbrick@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I like tomake cabbage rolls in the slow cooker. Pulling into the garage at the end of a day and smelling them and knowing they are read to eat is a treat!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Follow you all over the place. Pinning this recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I left 2 comments last night but neglected to put in my email - dalekay45@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello-I follow via email-so glad you have that option since I don't have a facebook account! Thanks-Andrea
    andrea at ccaonline.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I like to make main dish type things in the crock pot mostly...pulled pork, roast, etc. In the summer when I don't like to heat up the oven I have done dump cake, too.
    Andrea at ccaonline,com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Good morning!
    I follow you by email. I love it because I get an amazing surprise in my box whenever you post.

    Thanks for the chance to win a great cookbook!

    Blessings,
    Celia
    cah252@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. My favorite thing to cook in the slow cooker is brats with beer and sauerkraut. So easy and so delicious when they are served in great buns with chips on the side when you watch football.

    Thanks for the chance to play!

    Blessings,
    Celia
    cah252@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Merry Christmas, Jenn! I follow you on Facebook, Pinterest, Email Subscription and Google Connect. whinny01@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I want this cookbook! I love using my slow cooker! Holleyfam@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. My favorite thing to cook in a slow cooker since I was a child is chicken. The slow cooking process creates a wonderful fall-apart, flavor-blast party for my taste buds.

    ReplyDelete
  59. My favorite thing to cook in the slow cooker is Beef Stroganoff, and lasagne! Yummy! Holleyfam@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I follow you via email and facebook. Love your ideas

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm new to the slow cooker so i'd love a book like this... my fav thing so far is mac and cheese

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am an email subscriber to eat cake for dinner
    bjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I recently made pulled pork in my slow cooker!!!
    bjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow you via email - really like your blog! :) Amanda

    amanda79606@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I like to make meatloaf in the slow cooker - YUM! :)
    Amanda

    amanda79606@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Jenn,
    I follow you on Facebook. My favorite slow cooker meal is beef stew.






    ReplyDelete
  67. Forgot to add my email address.
    jcd103@mchsi.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thanks so very much for featuring my cookbook. What a nice review. Merry Christmas!!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. My favorite slow cooker meal is chile!
    jenniferosterville@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I am now following you on pinterest!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I follow you through e-mail

    csbailey@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  72. My favorite thing to make in the crockpot is soup!

    csbailey@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  73. I like Eat Cake for Dinner on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  74. It's hard to pick just one favorite thing to cook in a crockpot. I really like Barbacoa pork and Karen Peterson's Tomato Basil Parmesan is a family favorite at our house!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I follow by GFC. I hope I win. I love using my crockpot.
    Well-Balanced Wife

    ReplyDelete
  76. My favorite thing to cook in the crockpot is roast. I love being able to make dinner without heating up the whole house.
    Well-Balanced Wife

    ReplyDelete
  77. I follow you via Facebook (thank you for this opportunity)

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love to cook soups in my slow cooker. (Again, thanks for this opportunity!)

    ReplyDelete
  79. I follow you by email,FB and Pinterest!
    dwmarks33@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  80. My favorite thing to cook in my slow cooker is Chicken and stuffing.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I like to make soup in my slow cooker but I'd love to learn to use it more often.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I follow you via GFC, and on Facebook and Pinterest.
    asumprer(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  83. My favorite thing to make in my slow cooker is Chicken Chili!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I follow you on Pinterest and FaceBook! LOVE YOU!

    Deni Watson
    medgal1968@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Favorite dish in a crock pot is Swiss Steak! YUMMY!!!!!!

    Deni Watson
    medgal1968@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I follow you with GFC! I just got a crock pot for Christmas and I can't wait to make something in it!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I follow you on Google Friend Connect! Happy Holidays!!

    ReplyDelete
  88. My favorite crock pot recipe is chili. Never any leftovers!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I follow on Facebook! amber(dot)petersen@cox(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  90. i love making pulled pork. yum!

    amber(dot)petersen@cox(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  91. I love making anything for dinner in my crockpot. ESPECIALLY when it is an after school sports night...getting home from the game,the house smells delicious and dinner is basically ready to go. :)

    ReplyDelete
  92. I follow you via email and GFC! Thanks for this giveaway! myboyblue11@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I like to cook chicken in the slow cooker! There are so many ways to use it once it's falling apart! myboyblue11@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I follow you on your blog and also on pinterest.And I love your blog lol

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love to make soup in the slow cooker I am making some now and it makes the house smell so good on cold nights.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I follow you by email. I have pinned many of your recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  97. My favorite is a roast and veggies. It is so tender and not dried out.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I follow you via email, facebook and Pinterest.
    dbishop3@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. My husbands favorite meal in the crock pot is Pot Roast. Mine is roast chicken.
    dbishop3@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I will happily win that cookbook
    cambodialsf@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I follow your blog. I like to make italian beef sandwiches.
    cambodialsf@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I follow you on e-mail and I love to cook roast in the crock pot! Fall apart deliciousness!

    ReplyDelete
  103. I follow you on e-mail.

    Christinab19@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Ilove making Pulled Pork Barbecue in my Slow Cooker.
    Christinab19@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I am an e-mail follower ... and LOVE when you pop up in my Inbox!
    kosec@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  106. My favorite thing to make in my slow cooker is a beef roast. Ohhhhhhhhhhh yum!
    kosec@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  107. I receive your emails. My favorite food is pot roast in the slow cooker.

    ReplyDelete
  108. My favorite thing to make is French Onion Soup.

    ReplyDelete
  109. I like making pulled pork in my slow cooker. But I really want to try a chicken or turkey breast in it.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Ham and bean soup in the crockpot.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

LinkWithin