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Crock Pot Challenge Recap

March 4, 2013 by Julie 76 Comments

The Crock Pot Challenge is officially over!

Challenge details: Try 10 new crock pot recipes between January 11 and the end of February.

Crock Pot Challenge - 10 New Crock Pot Recipes

We like to keep things simple around here!

I loved the way this challenge encouraged me to experiment a bit with my crock pot and try a bunch of new recipes. When it comes to crock pot cooking, I tend to fall back on my old stand by recipes, so taking the time to plan meals and look for mouth-watering recipes was quite fun!

Here’s a brief overview of the recipes I attempted during the challenge:

  • Crock Pot Carrot Ginger Soup: Healthy and creamy, this soup was the perfect cold weather dinner! I loved the zip from the ginger and the comforting flavor.

Carrot Ginger Soup Crock Pot

  • Skinny Chicken Tikka Masala: I converted Gina’s recipe into a crock pot-friendly version and we loved it! I used light coconut milk in place of the regular milk.
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew: I added a lot more vegetables to the recipe but really enjoyed the flavor of the broth of this hearty stew.
  • Crock Pot Steel Cut Oats: Ultimate recipe fail. I tried my best to salvage this one, but it was an all-around dud. 
  • Crock Pot Garam Masala Chicken & Chickpeas: My favorite recipe from the challenge! I am now a proud member of the garam masala fan club!

Crock Pot Chicken Garam Masala

  • Cuban Chicken: This dish was a hit with my entire family. Veggie-packed and filling! 
  • Mediterranean Succotash: We enjoyed this succotash over brown rice and thought it was delicious! A perfect meatless meal.
  • Slow Cooker Seafood Gumbo: As a big-time seafood lover, I thought this gumbo was delicious! I needed to add more liquid to the recipe, but other than that, I thought it was a winner.
  • Crock Pot Curried Lentils: Not a pretty dish, but a tasty one!

Crock Pot Curried Lentils 

  • Easy Crock Pot Carnitas: Ryan’s favorite recipe from the challenge! He dubbed the carnitas “restaurant quality.”

slow cooker carnitas

Recipes I have on my radar that I still need to try:

  • Crock Pot Spinach Lasagna
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter
  • Crock Pot Peanut Butter Cup Cake <—Drooling!!!

Crock Pot Challenge Link Up

And now for your recaps! I initially planned to set up a plugin for you guys to add your own links to this post, but I’m having major issues with the coding this morning, so I’m going to manually add your links. I found a bunch of your recaps myself, but if you have a recap post you’d like to share that isn’t included below, please add it to the comments section or email it to me at pbfingers@gmail.com and I’ll add it ASAP!

Be sure to check out Crock Pot Challenge recaps from these awesome challenge participants:

  • Running in a Skirt
  • Foodiecology
  • Freeing Imperfections
  • WHOLEistically Fit
  • Running 4 Cupcakes
  • She Wines Sometimes
  • Lively Happenings
  • Good for the Soul by Dani-T
  • Some Sugar Added
  • Run with Perseverance
  • Be Well Bundo
  • Food & Fitness
  • It’s Sweet for Certain
  • Life After Swimming 

Question of the Morning

  • What is the best slow cooker meal you’ve made within the past month or two?  

Be sure to follow PBFingers on Instagram and Facebook!

I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Dinner, Recipes Tagged With: crock pot, crock pot challenge, Recipes, slow cooker

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

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Comments

  1. Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Crock pot season is in full force over here! Last night I made pot roast (pork shoulder, carrots, potatoes, chicken broth, s&p, garlic – easiest recipe ever) and it was deeelicious. In fact, I’m eating leftovers of it for breakfast right now, haha

    Reply
    • Ellie@Fit for the Soul says

      March 4, 2013 at 1:28 pm

      Mmmm pot roast sounds so amazing right now!
      Julie, I’m so glad you finally got to try Indian spices and flavors~they are seriously some of the best ever–so interesting and complex.

      Reply
  2. Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:02 am

    I’m going to have to bookmark this! I’ve only ever used my crockpot to make chicken soup and pulled chicken, I really need to get more creative!

    Reply
  3. shelly (cookies and cups) says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Such fun ideas!! Thanks for the link 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 11:04 am

      my pleasure! your recipe looks unreal!

      Reply
  4. Allie says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Hi Julie! I’ve been reading your blog for months but have yet to comment. 🙂 I think the best crock pot recipe I’ve made lately is pulled pork… So simple, yet so, so good!!

    Reply
  5. Laura @ Carpe Run says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:07 am

    I made beef and tomato stew from Eat Yourself Skinny in the crock a few weeks ago and it was delicious and easy! It’s just my husband and I and it made A LOT but it also froze really well. We also went skiing and threw a pork loin, onions, potatoes and carrots in while we were on the slopes. After 8 hours in the snow, dinner was ready when we got back! I love the crock pot for that very reason!

    Reply
  6. Maureen says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:08 am

    I did a few crock pot meals last month, but wanted to do more.

    The best crock pot recipe I’ve made recently are these BBQ short ribs: http://www.organicallymo.com/2013/01/14/crock-pot-tomato-bbq-short-ribs/ Serve over a bed of spinach and quinoa. Sooooo delicious!

    Reply
    • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 11:13 am

      all of your crock pot recipes look so good!

      Reply
  7. Kelly @ Kelly the Culinarian says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:11 am

    I didn’t participate, but I heart my crock pot. It’s the ultimate kitchen task master. Here’s a link to my slow cooker recipes:
    http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/crock%20pot

    Reply
  8. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:13 am

    That Ginger Soup sounds so good!!

    Reply
  9. Laura says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:14 am

    I didn’t do the crockpot challenge, but after reading your post about the carnitas, I decided I had to try them. I 100% agreed that they were AWESOME! I get really lazy about using my crock pot because I hate cleaning it, but those were worth it! I will definitely be making them next time I have anyone over for dinner!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      so glad you liked them, laura!

      Reply
      • Sky says

        March 4, 2013 at 7:13 pm

        Use crockpot liners, life changing!

        Reply
  10. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:16 am

    I’m so excited to start cooking with a crock pot! I peeked at my registry list and someone got the one we asked for! 😀

    Reply
  11. Jackie @ Nacho Average Runner says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:17 am

    I have to try those carnitas! We love that kind of stuff!!! Maybe this weekend!

    Reply
  12. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I haven’t used my crockpot yet but I need to now that I have all of these great recipes to refer to!

    Reply
  13. Emily @ Maple Miles says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:23 am

    My all time favorite crock pot recipe is Cream Cheese Chicken Chili: http://munchercruncher.blogspot.com/2012/01/cream-cheese-chicken-chili-in-crock-pot.html. Tastes sooo good–almost like a taco dip!

    Reply
  14. Jessica @fromthekitchentotheroad says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:26 am

    My favorite crockpot meal is Chicken Curry. So stinking good! It’s super easy too. 1 can of coconut milk mixed with 2-3 tablespoons curry powder. Chop up a couple potatoes, carrots and an onion and add to the crock pot. Throw in a few chicken thighs or cut up chicken breast, toss to coat and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Serve over jasmine rice. So so good!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:31 pm

      that sounds RIGHT up my alley! thanks for sharing, jessica!

      Reply
  15. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:26 am

    Yum! You have so many delicious sounding Indian-inspired dishes here! I cannot wait to modify some of them to make the vegetarian. The slow cooker is definitely my friend! 🙂

    The last delicious thing that I just made with my slow cooker was Italian lentil-stuffed bell peppers. They were fantastic!

    Reply
  16. Katie @ running4cupcakes says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:28 am

    Thanks again for doing such an awesome challenge!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:31 pm

      thank YOU for participating, katie!

      Reply
  17. Sharsti@theblondehairblueeyedrunner says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:28 am

    These all look so delicious. I’m definitely coming back here for some recipes. I made a delicious chicken stack in the crock pot. Chicken, salsa, black beans, and corn. So easy! Shred the chicken and put it all in a tortilla with lime juice and cilantro.

    Reply
  18. joelle @ on a pink typewriter says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:36 am

    The best I’ve made has got to be Paleo chili. freakin’ amazing!

    Reply
  19. Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Thanks for the link up! And thank YOU for hosting this! This was such a good idea that I honestly think I’d do it again on my own just to find more crock pot recipes.

    My favorite recipe of the challenge was the tomato basil parmesan soup. It was healthy but still delicious and flavorful. I definitely want to try those pork carnitas. That’s right up my hubby’s alley too.

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:32 pm

      so glad you participated, melissa!

      Reply
  20. Erin @ Axell's Kitchen says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:45 am

    I loooove using my crockpot. Chili is my favorite thing to make in it as well as pulled pork.

    Reply
  21. Rachel McIntyre says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:47 am

    I made crock pot vegetarian chili last week, which was delicious. I don’t use the crock pot much but I’m definitely going to be trying some of these recipes. The carrot and ginger soup looks amazing!

    Reply
  22. Brooke @ Running In Heels says

    March 4, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Thank you!! I might just challenge myself to make all of your recipes because they all looked amazing! Love this roundup!

    Reply
  23. Hollie says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    I made Crock Pot Hoppin John Black Eyed Peas for New Year’s Day and it was amazing! It gave the black eyed peas a rich flavor and the sausage made it seem almost like a gumbo. Recipe from the Thrifty Gourmet Cook’s blog.

    Reply
  24. Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    My favorite recent crockpot recipe has to be the chicken gumbo I made about a month back. So delicious! I’d love to try the carnitas. They look great – I’d definitely say restaurant quality!

    Reply
  25. Caity says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Thanks for the roundup! It made me realize that I cook with my crock pot nearly as much as I should. I haven’t even used it in the past month, yikes. That’s about to change now that I’m drooling over that Tikka Masala recipe. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Meghan @ After the Ivy League says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    Such a great collection of recipes! I just got a little click-happy myself. I’ve made a couple delicious soups in the Crockpot this season, absolutely love the thing and definitely want to try more!

    Reply
  27. Kim @ She Wines Sometimes says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Thanks for sharing my recap link and for hosting such an awesome challenge! I had so much fun looking for and prepping new recipes. This was a great experience! 🙂 I can’t wait to try all of the recipes you and the other bloggers have posted.

    Reply
  28. Kelly says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    Ooh I’m going to have to try the garam masala chicken & chickpeas! Lately I’ve been loving this teriyaki chicken: http://rachelschultz.com/2012/07/25/slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken/

    My boyfriend and his roommates recently hosted a crock pot pot luck, I think I should suggest having another!

    Reply
  29. alyssa @ life a la wife says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    I made a vegetable crock pot lasagna last night and it turned out REALLY well!! Crock pot lasagna is where its at!

    Reply
  30. Megan says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Hey! Here is the link to my roundup! http://abetteryeartoabetterlife.com/2013/03/04/crockpot-challenge/ thanks for hosting!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      thanks so much for participating, megan. just added your link to the post!

      Reply
  31. Lindsay says

    March 4, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    I always think, “I don’t have time to use my crock pot,” which is so silly because it takes less time than preparing any other meal. I’m going to try some of your recipes – they all look SO good.

    Reply
  32. Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit says

    March 4, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    Julie, thanks so much for hosting this awesome challenge. It was a ton of fun and a ton of yum! 😉 Hehe. So looking forward to scoping out everyone’s recipes and trying some of them out myself. I already can’t wait to make several on your list. Thanks again! 😀

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      i’m so glad you participated, ali! loved your recap!

      Reply
  33. tracy says

    March 4, 2013 at 1:28 pm

    The best crockpot recipe I have tried recently is the Smoky Refried Bean Soup from the crockpot 365 blog. It was so good!! Even my picky 19 month old son liked it 🙂

    Reply
  34. kim@hungryhealthygirl says

    March 4, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Sorry that your crockpot oats were a dud. I made some with blueberries and bananas that turned out really good. http://www.hungryhealthygirl.com/2013/02/19/banana-blueberry-steel-cut-oats-in-the-slow-cooker/

    I was actually trying to participate in the challenge, but I wasn’t able to make to 10 recipes. This Southwestern Soup is by far the best slow-cooker recipe I’ve ever made! http://www.hungryhealthygirl.com/2013/02/24/southwestern-soup-in-the-slow-cooker/

    Reply
  35. Lauren @ Rustic Honey says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    Thanks for the recipes! I love the idea of a crock pot challenge. There is nothing better than coming home from a hard day at work to finished meal!!! Makes life so much better 🙂

    Reply
  36. Natalie @ Free Range Human says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    I made so many great new recipes during this challenge. Just this weekend, I fixed up a Crock Pot Sesame Chicken that was delicious!

    Reply
  37. Jessica says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    We made Crock Pot Mexican Pork for Super Bowl. It was so good and it made 2 other meals which is even better.

    Reply
  38. Ashley @ Life and Fitness says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    The Cuban chicken sounds so good!

    Reply
  39. Annette@FitnessPerks says

    March 4, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Such great ideas! I love making mexican type chicken in the crockpot–so yummy

    Reply
  40. Mallory @ ifgravityhappens says

    March 4, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Hmmm those recipes sound great! I will have to check them out! I love using my crock pot in the winter! Makes for some really easy dinner nights!!!

    Reply
  41. Emily @ 2:DESIGN:CENTS says

    March 4, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Your making me want to get a crock pot!

    Reply
  42. Tamara @ Lively Happenings says

    March 4, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    This was a great challenge! Thanks for encouraging myself & others to try our crock pots more! I emailed you the link back to my post, but here it is again!
    http://livelyhappenings.blogspot.com/2013/03/crock-pot-challenge-by-pbfingers-wrap-up.html

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 4, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      thanks tamara! i added it to the post!

      Reply
  43. Nikki says

    March 4, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    Loved this challenge! It definitely made me experiment more 🙂 Here’s the link to my ten recipes! http://lifeafterswimming.com/2013/03/03/crock-pot-roundup/

    Reply
    • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

      March 5, 2013 at 8:19 am

      thank you for participating, nikki! i added your link to the post!

      Reply
  44. Jenn says

    March 4, 2013 at 5:57 pm

    Definitely make the slow cooker apple butter, I made a couple of batches at Thanksgiving and gave them to family and friends. Everyone loved it and it was so easy!

    Reply
  45. Kim says

    March 4, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    This is my fav! Easy and delicious.

    Crockpot Fajitas – http://polkadotsmile.blogspot.ca/2013/02/crockpot-fajitas.html

    Reply
  46. Juju says

    March 4, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    Hey Julie,
    I loved reading about your challenge and only participated by eating a few of the dishes that you posted and coming up with a few new recipes of my own. I wrote a post on my own blog today about a new dish that I made and I featured your blog, as well as this post, so that my readers would have access to your recipes and everyone else’s who participated. You can check out my post here, http://jujueatcake.blogspot.com/2013/03/juju-crockpot-rye-corned-beef-and.html where I featured your blog. I also posted a recipe a few days ago for a yummy crockpot roast here, http://jujueatcake.blogspot.com/2013/02/easy-pot-roast.html#
    Thanks for inspiring me to use my crockpot! Also, your curry lentil recipe was the bomb! 🙂

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 5, 2013 at 10:09 am

      your recipes sound great! thanks for sharing!

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Trackbacks

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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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