Crock Pot Fun

Thanks to Alissa over at 33 Shades of Green for another fun round of Tasty Tuesday!

This week's Tasty Tuesday is about crock pots. Yes, I finally dived into the wonderful easy world of crock pot action. I've heard from other friends just how simple they are to use but never got around to cooking with one. Well, today I finally did! One of my roommate actually owns me that had never been used so we decided to break it in.

We had gone out last night for Ethiopian food and had plenty of fish leftovers so we thought it was smart to throw that in the crock pot and make some kind of a vegetable and fish stew.

Here's what we used:

1 fish head! : ) It adds flavor evidently!
numerous pieces of fish
4 whole carrots
2 large potatoes
4 celery stalks
1 whole onion
About 2 cups of vegetable broth
About 2 cups of water
Basil leaves
Thyme
Salt & Pepper
A variety of herbs and spices my roommate threw in...

Chop all the veggies into small bite size pieces and simply throw them into the crock pot, add the water and vegetable broth, then the meat and then sprinkle in your desired amounts of spices and extra flavors.

I know, I know, the fish head in there looks totally gross but I really did think it added a nice flavor! : )

Then turn the crock pot on and try very hard to walk away and leave it alone for up at 6 hours! Here we are staring at it waiting for something to happen.


For not using any kind of a recipe at all, I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised that our stew turned out very well. The only recommendation that I would have made is to add a stronger flavor into it. It tasted a little simple. Perhaps more salt and pepper in the end.... Not sure. Got any suggestions? Have you ever used a crock pot? What kinds of things have you made? Anything like what we did?

Oscar Party!

So, last night in honor of my birthday, my roommates and I threw a party. The Oscars were on tonight so we themed it "Oscars". Guests had to dress up in a costume from one of the movies nominated this year or come dressed in red carpet worthy attire. Gina and I dressed up as Avatars. They were awesome ensembles. We even made long blue tails and pointy ears. I am so glad that I bought a glue gun last year. Swati was a school girl from the movie, "An Education". Just about everyone dressed up for the occasion which was amazing. I think just about every film nominated for something was represented at the party. The pictures turned out great. I also had food to represent a few movies too. I made deviled eggs for "The Blind Side", mac and cheese for 'Precious", pitas and hummus for "The Hurt Locker", hot dog pastries for "Up", birthday cake for "An Education" and french onion dip and veggies for "Inglorious Basterds". I also made lots of popcorn, nachos and movie theater candy all around the house. The decorations were a big hit too-I had golden stars all over and even "red carpets" all around.

It was a great night and I am so glad that most of my LA friends could come. If you missed this party, no worries, the girls and I are bound to have another one.