The holidays are a time for joy, family, and of course, delicious food! But who has time to spend hours in the kitchen when you could be enjoying precious moments with loved ones? That's where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. This Christmas, let's ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the ease and deliciousness of crock-pot cooking. These simple Christmas recipes are perfect for busy schedules, ensuring you have a warm, flavorful meal ready without sacrificing quality time. Prepare for a festive feast without the kitchen stress!
Cranberry-Glazed Ham in the Slow Cooker: A Christmas Classic, Simplified
This recipe delivers all the festive flavors of a traditional Christmas ham, but with significantly less effort. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a tender, juicy, and perfectly glazed ham that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses.
Ingredients:
- 5-7 lb bone-in ham (spiral-sliced is easiest)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry is best)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Pour the cranberry glaze over the ham, ensuring it's coated evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a spicier ham, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or your favorite holiday sides.
Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding: A Warm and Festive Dessert
This is a twist on a classic Christmas pudding, made incredibly simple with the help of your slow cooker. Perfect as a delicious and warming dessert to round off your Christmas dinner. This is a truly healthy meal option, perfect for a lighter holiday celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine the cranberries, raisins, and nuts in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add the brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the fruit mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Cranberry-Glazed Ham: Calories vary depending on ham size and portion, but generally high in protein and sodium.
- Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding: Calories, fat, and sugar content will vary slightly, but it provides a good source of fiber. Consult a nutrition calculator for more precise values based on your ingredient quantities.
These slow cooker Christmas recipes are perfect for creating a delicious and stress-free holiday feast. Enjoy the festive flavors and the extra time you’ll have to spend with your loved ones! Happy Holidays!