Italian Meatballs, Hot Choclate & Hash Brown Casserole {GP Slow Cooking All Year Round}

It's that time again for another Goosey Review & Giveaway. I'm excited to announce that I will continue as one of Gooseberry Patches Early Bird Reviewers for 2013! The Gooseberry Patch Cookbook series truly is one of my favorite cookbook series. All of their recipes are tried and true from real home cooks like you and me. 

My first review book for 2013 was a much needed one. Gooseberry Patches Slow Cooking All Year Round. The title says it all. I own 4 slow cookers in various sizes, and I can honestly say I use each and every one of them. I do find myself using my slow cooker more in the winter and summer months. I need to start using it all the time, because it really does makes my life easier.

My slow cooker gets a huge workout in the summer, because I can still enjoy all my favorite comfort foods without heating up the entire house. In the winter it runs non stop with soup, stews and chowders. This year I have vowed to use my crock pots year round. 


So, when I say this cookbook came at a perfect time you can see why. This yummy cookbook is broken down into seasons, so if you're a seasonal cook your going to ♥ this. 
  • Warming Winter Dishes
  • Simple Speedy Springtime
  • Slow & Easy Summer
  • Hearty Harvest Favorites
Slow Cooking All Year Round is packed with over 225 no fuss recipes specially tailored for your slow cooker. A few Winter Favorites are Moms Holiday Ham, Hot Lemonade, Four Cheese Lasagna, Winter Night Chowder and a Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Cake. 

The Springtime chapter features St. Patricks Day & Easter Recipes. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Reuben Bake, Slow Cooker Iris Stew and more.

Slow and Easy Summers has barbecue favorites like Chuck Wagon Beans and BBQ Beef Sandwiches. I don't want to forget all the summer cobblers, Berry Cobbler, Peach Cobbler and even a Breakfast Cobbler.

Last but not least is a sampling from Hearty Harvest Favorites. They have a Hot Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich I can't wait to try. As well as Caramel Apple Cider, Slow Cooker Spanish Rice and a Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe.

The first recipe that I chose to make was out of Warming Winter Dishes. I needed a quick meal and  Grammam Phyllis's Italian Meatballs did not disappoint. 


This recipe is a basic meatball recipe that utilizes store bought spaghetti  sauce. I have never made meatballs in a crock pot, so this was a first for me. Carson is my big meatball lover, so he approved this recipe with a thumbs up.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate was the next recipe on the list. Our weather lately has been crazy to say the least. One day it's warm and the next we get snow. All I can say is that's  how we roll in Texas.

Last weeks we were blessed with several inches of rain, so it was really cold and yucky outside. While the kids were at school I prepared this rich and yummy hot chocolate. It was a nice surprise and after school snack. It only took 2 hours to cook and then I just kept it on the warm setting. 

 While I was thumbing through the cookbook I got a nice surprise. My recipe for Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole was among one of the recipes. It was such a unexpected treat. This Hash Brown Casserole graces my dinner menu quite often. Originally this was a oven recipe, but I converted to a slow cooker recipe as a time and space saver during the holidays. 

 Since cooking this in the Slow Cooker I haven't prepared it any other way. This dish pairs perfectly with ham, pork chops or smoked sausage. It's also great with leftover ham added to make a cheesy hash brown casserole with ham. Review Recipes are listed at the end of this post.
This new cookbook is a great addition to my gooseberry collection. Since doing this review I have already made four recipes with a few others waiting on my list. 

Would you like to get your hands on a free copy of Slow Cooking All Year Round? Well you can, because the wonderful folks at Gooseberry Patch have hooked me up with an additional copy to share with one of my readers!


How to Enter This Giveaway


This giveaway is now closed. The winner is Jen Gerwig-Dively.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment on this post telling me what you're favorite crock pot meal is? For me it's a roast every time.

Additional Entries: (Not Mandatory)
You can do any or all of the following to earn extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for each one.

1. Become a Fan of Gooseberry Patch on Face book. When you have done that, return to this post and leave a separate comment letting me know.
2. Join Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends" so you can stay Gooseberry Patch updated.
3. Become a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Face book. (If you're already a fan that counts too)
4. Mention this giveaway on your face book page. Come back and leave a comment telling me so.
5. Tweet the following for another entry: Win a copy of @gooseberrypatch "Slow Cooking All Year Round"
http://tinyurl.com/ahz455g @mommyskitchen #giveaway


Last day to enter this giveaway will be at midnight (CST) on February 7th, 2013. I will pick a random winner using random.org and announce the winner on February 8th, 2013 

If you can't wait I wanted to let everyone know that Barnes and Nobles has it priced at $10.45 and you can also grab one from Amazon.com for $11.20. Both are awesome prices.

 Link
Disclosure: Contest open to U.S & Canadian Residents only due to shipping charges. If you leave an anonymous comment please include your email address. This way I can contact you in the event that you're a winner. Winner will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. I would like to thank Gooseberry Patch for sponsoring this review and providing an additional copy of "Slow Cooking All Year Round" to use in a reader giveaway.




Grammam Phyllis's Italian Meatballs

1 1/2 pounds ground beef or half ground turkey
1/2 - cup Italian bread crumbs
1 - tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 - eggs, beaten
2 - 26 oz jars spaghetti sauce
1 - 16 oz package spaghetti noodles

In a large bowl combine beef, bread crumbs, cheese and eggs; mix well. Form beef mixture into one inch meatballs. Place meatballs into slow cooker and cook on high for one hour. Drain any grease. Add the spaghetti sauce and cook on low for 4 - 5  hours. About 15 minutes before serving  prepare spaghetti noodles according to package directions. ladle sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti. Yields 6-8 servings. 


Best Ever Hot Chocolate


1 1/2 cups whipping cream or half & half
1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 - cups milk chocolate chips
6 - cups milk
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Ladle into mugs and serve warm. Yields 8-10 servings


Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

1 - 26 - 32 ounce bag frozen hash browns
1 - 8 oz container sour cream
1 - 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
1/4 - cup onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 - cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 - cup butter, melted
salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon each)

In a large bowl add the hash browns thawed or frozen, sour cream, soup, onion, shredded cheese and melted butter.

Mix to combine. Spoon hash brown mixture in a 4 quart slow cooker that has been sprayed with non stick spray.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on top cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until done. The casserole should be crispy on the sides and bubbly throughout.
Yields 8 Servings.


489 comments

Moss Family said…
I just discovered your site when looking for a red beans and rice recipe. We love it and just had No Peek Beef Tips last night, and it was so good. Favorite crockpot recipes: potato soup and apple oatmeal. Thanks for the giveaway.
Unknown said…
We love crockpot cube steak!!!
Crara Dorsz said…
My favorite Slow Cooker recipe is Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots..YUM YUM.
Sheree said…
My favorite crock pot recipe is beef roast with vegetables (potatoes, onion, and carrots).
Anonymous said…
Vegetable soup!

aylward2 at nemr dot net
Anonymous said…
I'm with you. I like to cook my roast in the slow cooker.

Jennie
rmc18mom@gmail.com
Anonymous said…
I am a part of Gooseberry's Circle of Friends.

Jennie
rmc18mom@gmail.com
Lorinda said…
I love to cook a whole chicken in my crockpot. Even the white meat turns out juicy and moist. Sometimes I add carrots, celery, onion and potatoes for a whole meal treat.
Allison said…
I love making a whole chicken in the crock pot. It's so easy!

buckeyechik at gmail dot com
Anonymous said…
I have two crockpots. Always cook my Beef Stew in the larger one. Many times have cooked my beef roast in smaller one, the only problem is the carrots don't cook up soft enough.
Michelle Vandergrift said…
Love to make beans in the crock pot! (vplus10@earthlink.net)
Michelle Vandergrift said…
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on FB! (vplus10@earthlink.net)
love crock pot beef stew !
kem368(at)aol(dot)com

Thanks !
Michelle Vandergrift said…
I'm a Circle of Friends member.
(vplus10@earthlink.net)
frances said…
Crock pot soup, soup, soup! All kinds.
Michelle Vandergrift said…
I just became a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on FB!
(vplus10@earthlink.net)
Victoria Fairfield said…
Braciole is really good cooked in slow cooker.
sle53 said…
My fav crock pot is peach cobbler and it makes your house smell wonderful.
audrey said…
MY favorite is beef tips and gravy! But I have so many it really is hard to choose! I have three different sizes of crockpots and one is going all the time. I am a FB fan of GP
Elisa K said…
My favorite dish to make is beef stew!...full of carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and lots of beef - sometimes with the addition of venison too!
sle53 said…
My favorite crock pot recipes is peach cobbler. And it makes the house smell wonderful!
Elisa said…
LOVE to make Beef Stew!...with LOTS of veggies - carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and beef - sometimes with the addition of venison!...YUM!!
Unknown said…
I make baked beans in my crock pot, as well as meatballs, roasts, etc. Hard to choose a favorite.
Peg Frazon said…
I love crockpot spaghetti sauce.

Peg Frazon
frazon@buffalo.edu
Anonymous said…
butter beans and ham hock is my favorite
Donna said…
I love to make stew with plenty of potatoes, onions and carrots. Perfect meal for winter weather.
Anonymous said…
Love to cook pea soup in my crockpot!
Faith said…
Pulled pork is our fave in the crockpot!! Yumm!!!
kkline3665@verizon.net said…
Beef Stew!
Faith said…
I am a fan of Gooseberry patch on fb.
Faith said…
I joined the circle of friends today.
Faith said…
I just liked Mommy's Kitchen on fb and am excited! I am always looking for new folks to follow and learn from!
SavannahsSmiles said…
I love slow cooker taco chicken :-).
SavannahsSmiles said…
Fb fan of Gooseberry
SavannahsSmiles said…
Circle of Friends subscriber
Renee Shriner said…
My favorite is roast with potatoes & carrots.
kimsw4 said…
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken!
Melanie Olson said…
I love making pork chops in the slow cooker-yummy!
rshriner36 said…
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on facebook.
kimsw4 said…
I'm a fan of GP on fb
kimsw4 said…
I'm part of GP Circle of Friends
kimsw4 said…
I follow Mommy's Kitchen on fb
Anonymous said…
I entered the contest, I am friends with gooseberry patch and now friends with Mommy's Kitchen. Thanks!
Julia Rundell said…
My favorite crock pot meal is venison roast.
Sharon said…
my favorite is chicken with a jar of salsa and packet of taco seasoning, makes the best chicken tacos!
Donna:) said…
Love new ideas. Always on the go so slow cook meals are a must. Friends of Gooseberry Patch and liked Mommys Kitchen.
Donna:) said…
Forgot to leave contact info

Donna:)
tbrgrandma@yahoo.com
Cathy Taylor said…
I am a Gooseberry Patch FB page fan and just "liked" Mommy's Kitchen also.
Jen D. said…
I love ribs and sauerkraut with potatoes in the crock-pot!
Jen D. said…
I like Gooseberry Patch on FB
Jen D. said…
I have joined the Circle of Friends
Jen D. said…
I like Mommy's Kitchen on FB
Jen D. said…
I Tweeted the giveaway
Jen D. said…
I shared the giveaway on my FB page
Unknown said…
I love a roast with potatoes in my slow cooker! Can you say YUM?!?!?!
Unknown said…
I love a roast and potatoes in my slow cooker! Can you say YUM?!?!?!
Anonymous said…
My family's favorite is pot roast with or without veggies.
Connie said…
I have a hash brown potato soup that is wonderful to come home to all done and ready to eat
gbertolone said…
Got a new crockpot for Christmas. Usually used my old one for pot roast and pulled pork. Now that I have a programmable one, I need more recipes. Looking forward to the new adventure! Will definitely post on my FB page and like your page!!
Anonymous said…
i like to make sauerkraut meals because slow cooker lets the flavors simmer together well.
Vickie said…
Just found your blog...can't wait to explore!
Everything I've see so far looks Deee~Lish!!
Anonymous said…
Pork roasts for carnitas YUM YUM!!
noldjulia@netscape.net
Dorrie M. said…
I love Gooseberry Patch recipes.

I am always looking for easy crockpot meals to feed my family as we are always on the go with sports and civic activities.

I don't use it often enough to say I have a favorite, but wishing I knew more recipes to use. Probably a roast is my favorite.

I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch and Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook and I have shared the give away notice on my home page for all to see. Whoever wins it will be lucky! Good luck and God Bless!
Connie Lee said…
My favorite crockpot meal to fix is beef stew.
Connie Lee said…
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on facebook
Connie Lee said…
I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on facebook.
Connie Lee said…
I tweeted https://twitter.com/ConnieBolickLee/status/299329595482714113
Lambie said…
I'm new to slow cooking, so I need all the recipes & help I can get!

I made a tasty dish on Monday called Lawang Chicken, mmmm.... It's a keeper!
Unknown said…
My fav is potato leek soup.
Unknown said…
I am a Fan of Gooseberry Patch on Face book.
Unknown said…
I joined Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends"
Unknown said…
I'm a a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Face book.
Unknown said…
I mentioedn this giveaway on my face book page.
Unknown said…
I tweeted the following for another entry: Win a copy of @gooseberrypatch "Slow Cooking All Year Round" http://tinyurl.com/ahz455g @mommyskitchen #giveaway
Cleopurrtra said…
My favorite crock pot dish is beef stroganoff!
Anonymous said…
I am fb fan of gooseberry patch.
would like to win.
Cindy Campbell said…
"Pulled Pork BBQ" gets my vote!
Anonymous said…
My favorite crock pot meal is also a roast. I cook 2 big chuck roasts then turn the leftovers into beef and noodles or vegetable soup.


ajk1026 at juno dot com
Normie said…
My favorite all time is Roast with potatoes,carrots and onion. Always so tender and moist. Great to come home to.
Melanie said…
I mentioned you, Gooseberry Patch and the contest on my Facebook account.
Melanie said…
I love making a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions in my crock pot.
Unknown said…
Homemade bean & ham soup in the crockpot. Made with the leftover ham bone. Hands down the best crockpot meal in my house.
Unknown said…
Homemade bean & ham soup in the crockpot. Made with the leftover ham bone. Hands down the best crockpot meal in my house.
Janet said…
I like to make steel cut oatmeal in the crockpot -

Jenn Ward said…
My Favorite Crock Pot recipe is home made chicken noodle soup. I made it up and just ran with it. My daughter loves it and asks for it often. And for a teen to ask for something repeatedly you run for it!.
Jenn Ward said…
I liked your page and posted on my FB wall. I would love to win the cookbook. I am also glad to have found your page. The recipes look amazing!
Retired 3015 said…
What recipe do you use? I haven't found one I like for the crock put.
Retired 3015 said…
I an a FB fan of Gooseberry Patch and my favorite crockpot meal is pot roast with potatoes, onions, and carrots.
Oldest Older 401 – 489 of 489