Sweaters and Crockpots

What is it about Autumn that makes us want to pull out our sweaters, boots, and crockpots independent of the almost 70 degree sunny day? Inner stuff. It's the same meter that reads "Eat more and pack on weight for the Winter" and then we need to hit the gym twice as hard.

Don't fight nature with salads and barbecue turkey burgers! Give in to your urge and make something from my favorite crockpot website A Year of Slow Cooking. Stephanie decided to make something in the crockpot for 365 days straight and blog about it. You'll find her recipes, ingredients, and verdict completely honest. You can count on her authentic voice and reaction of her family every time.

This weekend I was making a breakfast buffet for up to 45 people to be served at 7:30am. I had three choices:

1. Buy a big pink box full of fat, sugar, and regrets and serve with fruit salad;

2. Stay up all night and cook like a crack addict so it will be ready for the crowd; or

3. Make something in a crockpot

Because I trust A Year of Slow Cooking with my life, I decided to make Mexican Breakfast Casserole. Making a breakfast for 45 people from a blind recipe is like trusting your mom to pick out a blind date: It could go wrong in a way you cannot plan for. However, I knew I could count on Stephanie.

I put the casserole together at 11:00pm after working hard all day and evening. I was punch drunk and screwed a few things up. In fact, I did a piss poor job. But the next morning, in spite of my worst effort, it turned out great. I made two versions, one vegetarian with black beans, and one meatatarian with Jimmy Dean sausage. They both turned out extremely delicious and hardy. When I make it again, I'll make lower fat version with low fat cheese, egg whites, and more vegetables. It would make a great brunch dish and the leftovers are perfect for quick dinners before heading outside on a cool night.

There are somethings you can always count on, Stephanie's recipes, Mexican food, and crockpots.

Happy Autumn!