These one-pot and grill meals from Trader Joe’s will definitely make your life easier
Summertime is all about ease, and meals shouldn’t be an exception! With a few favorites in your pantry, these Trader Joe’s dinner ideas come together almost effortlessly, leaving more time for you to enjoy those long days with your little ones. There’s a recipe in this list that’s guaranteed to please everyone, even the picky eaters at your table.
Mini Chicken Wonton Stir Fry
There’s pretty much nothing easier than a stir fry, can we agree? This one is a twist as it features the mini wontons that are everyone’s favorite. Cook them up according to the package directions and then sautee the broccoli slaw and garlicky cabbage when the wontons are done. Add a bit of stir fry sauce to bring it all together.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Anna Doogan
This salad is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a portable option for a picnic or potluck. Plus, it’s equally fantastic served warm or cold! Toss cooked pasta with a jar of Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa, black beans, chopped chicken, and a bit of creamy dressing, like the tasty Cilantro. Add a handful of your favorite veggies and shredded or cubed cheese to top it off.
Shawarma Chicken Bowls
Trader Joe’s
Fire up the grill and cook up these chicken thighs that are full of flavor. The base of this dish is brown rice that cooks in the microwave. Top with grilled chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts along with a drizzle of lemon and a dollop of garlic hummus. The pita bite crackers add a bit of crunch.
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
Anna Doogan
For a delicious veggie-centric summer dinner, stuffed peppers with quinoa and feta are hard to beat. Stuff a variety of peppers with a pre-made quinoa salad, sprinkle with feta and bake until warmed through. You’ll get a bright pop of color, a big boost of vitamins, and a whole lot of yumminess.
Easy Gyros & Mediterranean Salad
Karly Wood
Keep it cool and refreshing during the warmer months by whipping up easy gyros. Grab a box of fully cooked Trader Joe's Gyro Slices, naan bread, tomatoes, and creamy prepared Tzatziki sauce and pair it with a simple Greek salad made with greens, cucumber, and balsamic vinegar.
Greek Bowls
Trader Joe’s
All you have to prepare is the quinoa for this easy summer lunch or dinner. It packs a punch of protein so we love it as our base topped with pre-cooked chicken breasts, tomatoes, Greek chickpeas, and diced cucumbers. The vegan tzatziki dip brings it all together.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw
Anna Doogan
BBQ pork sandwiches are one of the quintessential backyard summer meals, and they're oh-so-simple with a few shortcuts. Pre-made shredded pork heats up in minutes, and the coleslaw mix can quickly be thrown together, leaving extra time for you to toss that frisbee with the kids a few more times.
Scallop Rolls
Anna Doogan
One of our favorite Trader Joe's dinner ideas? A twist on the classic lobster roll! Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, and saute in butter. Then tuck them into a squishy hot dog bun with some greens and a dollop of mayo or a tangy tartar sauce. You may not actually be lounging at the seashore, but with this recipe, at least you can pretend you are. Perfection.
Steak Tacos
Anna Doogan
Can’t decide what to have for dinner? A DIY taco bar is a fun and simple crowd-pleaser. While the meat’s cooking, set out tortillas, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives and any other toppings you can think of. Then let everyone go to town making their own creation!
Next-Level Ravioli
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's has a great selection of ravioli, but topping it with marinara can get old. By adding steamed spinach, peas and melted Boursin cheese, this pumpkin ravioli now has three veggies (and they all taste like cheese!).
Island Soyaki Rice Bowl with Meatballs
Anna Doogan
Get all the beach feels with a tropical-inspired rice bowl. Cook party-size frozen mini meatballs in Island Soyaki marinade, flavored with pineapple juice, garlic and ginger. Serve over cooked rice. Add sautéed red peppers and grilled pineapple chunks, and don’t forget to save a little sauce for drizzling on top.
Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
Anna Doogan
Pesto is the star of this easy pasta recipe that will definitely earn a spot in the summer dinner rotation. Mix your favorite cooked pasta with shrimp and garlicky pesto. Add chopped fresh basil and tomato with a sprinkling of grated parmesan for an extra blast of favorite summery flavors.
Carnitas Salad
The cilantro salad dressing at Trader Joe's is no joke, and it's delicious on more than just salads. Create a filling dinner salad or a tasty lunch by adding their pre-cooked carnitas, Mexican cheese, avocado, salsa, cilantro salad dressing and a small amount of sour cream to a bag of romaine lettuce.
Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's pulled pork can be made in the microwave in three minutes and makes a super-tasty base for these tacos. Add your favorite toppings, but don't skip the Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa, which adds some tang and spice.
Fun dessert alert! Did you know you can whip up your batch of ice cream right at home without any extra appliances? All you need are the right ingredients and plastic bags. Read on for the “scoop” on how to make homemade ice cream in a bag.
Ingredients for Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag:
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk (will make about one scoop of ice cream, can sub soy, coconut, or rice milk or use cream)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
6 tbsp. rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to Make Ice Cream at Home:
1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt.
2. Seal the bag.
3. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
4. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
5. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
6. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.
Insider Tips:
A 1/2 cup of milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don’t increase the proportions more than that—a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy. This ice cream won’t have quite the same consistency as a pint of store-bought, but you can control the ingredients so that’s a big win.
If there is a milk allergy, try this with fruit juice. Use straight pineapple juice—it’s a terrific fruit sorbet. OR rice/soy milk as the milk substitute.
This recipe for how to make homemade ice cream in a bag is courtesy of Yuumii, an online community founded by a San Francisco family who wanted to come up with creative ways to spend more quality time with their kids.
Nothing says summer like homemade popsicles. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of recipes for summer popsicles for kids—from fruit popsicles to creamsicles to homemade fudge pops that are full of flavor. These popsicle recipes are super easy, super refreshing, and a great project for young chefs. There are so many delicious frozen treats to beat the summer heat!
Your kiddos will go gaga for the out-of-this-world colors of these rainbow popsicles from The First Year Blog. There are a whopping seven layers and each sports a ton of fruit and flavor. The result looks like a truly tasty tie-dyed treat!
Oh, the thrill of being a kid and sipping a Shirley Temple! This idea from Candy Jar Chronicle takes that same classic taste and turns it into a frozen treat.
Need a great way to use up ripe (or slightly over-ripe) peaches? Bookmark these fruit popsicles, STAT! They're made from pureed fresh peaches and are basically summertime on a stick. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Get a taste of autumn any ol' time with popsicles that pack in the pumpkin flavor. They also include Greek yogurt and granola, which means you could even have a popsicle for breakfast. Get the recipe from Salt & Lavender.
You're gonna love these layers! Just picture this: creamy pineapple swirled with a fresh strawberry puree and no dyes or refined sugar. Best of all, they're the perfect combo of easy, pretty, and delicious. For the recipe, flow on over to One Lovely Life.
These beauties from One Lovely Life really pop with bright raspberry flavor! The kiddos will love covering them in chocolate magic shell and their fave toppings, but don't worry—they look fancy but are simple to whip up.
Are you ready to get refreshed? Boulder Locavore’s Coconut Water Pineapple Popsicles are the ultimate way to hydrate this summer. Along with the coconut water, these pops also have pineapple juice, lime juice, and a handful of raspberries. They’re vegan, tasty, and (literally) cool.
Nostalgia alert! If there’s a special place in your heart for melty, chocolatey fudgesicles, you need to try this recipe from Baker by Nature. These pops have that same taste you know and love, with a healthy twist.
Confession: we’re nuts about these homemade popsicles from Simple Vegan Blog. They include ingredients like banana, almond milk, and maple syrup; and as for the chocolate coating? Let’s just say once you make your own magic shell, you’ll never go back.
These cheerful funfetti creamsicles from Garlic My Soul are the perfect treat for a hot summer's day. Made with coconut cream, orange juice, honey, and of course, funfetti sprinkles, the creamy tanginess will be a hit.
A root beer float in popsicle form? We’re in! This popsicle recipe from Boulder Locavore is basically your fave soda-and-ice-cream treat, poured into your fave molds. Genius? We think so.
When you can’t grab the fam and head to Hawaii, the next best thing is one oofo these tropical popsicles from Recipe Runner. They’re the perfect combo of creamy and icy—perfect for higher temps and hungry tummies.
These chocolate peanut butter pops are the perfect deviation from fruit pops. Plus, they're the perfect treat for chocolate lovers to keep around! Try topping it off with some whipped cream or your favorite topping. You'll find this recipe at The Kitchen McCabe.
Any kid worth his salt knows that lemonade is pretty much a summer requirement. Add on the taste of fresh strawberries and tangy yogurt and you’ve got a refreshing match made in heaven. You can thank Pass the Sushi for this homemade popsicle inspiration.
What’s black and white and sweet all over? These Oreo-inspired popsicles from The View from Great Island! These fantabulous treats have honest-to-goodness whole cookies inside them, so every bite has the potential to be your favorite bite.
Here’s the scoop on paletas: they’re Latin American ice pops that are usually made from fresh fruit. That means they’re extra refreshing and extra easy to make yourself. These Triple Berry Paletas from Lola Cocina fit the bill, and they can be customized to your kid’s palate with different berry combinations.
Good news - these homemade popsicles are as yummy as they are pretty! Emily from One Lovely Life combines orange juice and strawberries to create these vibrant pops.
Just like the rocket pops from the ice cream truck, but way healthier, these patriotic popsicles will be a sure-fire hit at your summer BBQs. Get the recipe from Beth at Pass the Plants.
Kick up your popsicle game with these mango chili popsicles from Isabel Eats. Yummy, sweet mango meets its match in a touch of chili for a delicious take on these summer treats.
This classic flavor combo comes together in a refreshing homemade popsicle that's perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. Erin from Food Fanatic breaks down how easy this recipe really is!
Watermelon beverages, horchata ice cream, and a brand new Jangle have us ready for summer
Hot days and long pool stays are around the corner! When it comes to embracing the sweet sounds and tastes of summer, no one does it better than Trader Joe’s. The next time you head out to your favorite neighborhood market, make sure you pick up some of these seasonal Trader Joe’s summer items to make your sunny days all the tastier. You’ll find refreshing watermelon beverages, perfect picnic snacks, peony-scented candles, and bulk margaritas for your next party.
Enchanted Jangle
Like the holiday favorite Jingle Jangle, this version is guaranteed to be your kids’ favorite. In this mix, you’ll find lemon-yogurt-coated animal cookies; chocolate-coated pretzel nuggets; strawberry-yogurt-coated marshmallows; sweet, pink-and-orange-swirled confectionery chips; and savory, salted waffle pretzels.
Sparkling Watermelon Juice
We love this refreshing beverage for all those pool days.
Cold Brew Iced Tea
Skip the traditional cold brew coffee and go for this black tea and lemon version for a lighter summer sipper.
Donuts Forever Truffles
We love these cuties on a dessert plate for those summer soirees.
When it comes to Game Day parties, guests are focused on three key experiences: watching their favorite team face their opponent, enjoying comedic commercial breaks and, of course, chowing down on amazing food.
If it’s your turn to have friends and family corral around your living room TV this year, you’re likely feeling the pressure of how to deliver exactly that. Toss in having to find all the party supplies you need, creating an impressive food and drink menu and finding games that’ll keep your kiddos entertained throughout the event, and it can feel even more overwhelming.
Although there’s a lot to accomplish in one day, you can tackle the evening with a few simple steps. We’ve turned to the expert at Smithfield Foods for their planning tips on how to host a winning watch party.
Assign the Decorations to Your Kids
Have your children join in on the party preparation by assigning them the task of creating all themed decor. Not only will it keep your children entertained for hours, but it will also allow you the time to focus on the remaining items from your to-do list. Depending on which sports event you’ll be watching, ask your little ones to create construction paper cutouts of footballs and trophies, as well as banners with common scoring phrases like, “Touchdown” and “Slam Dunk.”
If you’d prefer to keep scissors out of the mix (we totally get it!), have your mini Picassos draw and color in their own masterpiece—dedicated to your home team, of course—on a disposable, paper tablecloth. You can spotlight their artwork while also keeping your tables stain-free.
Build a Snack Stadium
With a quick Google search or look at Pinterest, you’ll note that building a true snack stadium from scratch is tough work. You’ll need cardboard, wood or styrofoam for your stadium’s exterior and plenty of time and patience to set it up without it collapsing.
To keep lift levels low and easy, Smithfield Foods recommends grabbing a decorative tablecloth as your base and placing dips, like this jalapeño popper dog dip, the center of your table spread arena. Then surround your field with finger foods and bites for dipping, such as potato chips, nachos, veggies and crackers. Our favorite appetizers that are sure to please guests include these tasty sausage pretzel bites and Italian sausage nachos. Last by not least, your final stadium tier will feature disposable drinks, from canned sodas and water bottles to juice boxes.
Think: Drinks
Parties and drinks are practically synonymous. Create a large batch of one special, sports-themed cocktail to keep your guests happy and don’t forget to give it a clever name, like tailgate tea, sideline sangria or hail Mary margarita.
For an added layer of team spirit, incorporate ingredients into your recipe that’ll allow the hue of your cocktail to match your favorite team’s color. For instance, blue curacao is great to sport the color blue while pineapple juice is great for teams that don yellow.
Play Commercial-Break Games
While we can all agree, commercial breaks are one of the best parts of Game Day, it’s a good idea to incorporate small games that children can participate in. It’ll keep their interest going and get them involved.
A printable Super Bowl bingo allows for several rounds of fun and can even include small prizes for some friendly competition. For more goodies that kids can take home, play pass the helmet. Fill a helmet with candy and small toys and have youngsters pass the helmet around in a circle as music plays in the background. Once the tunes stop, the player holding the helmet can pick a treat.
Hand Out Swag Bags
Who said only kids love goodie bags? Create swag bags that both children and adults can take home filled with sweet treats. For a football viewing party, make your own goody bag that looks just like a football. Grab a pack of small, brown paper bags and cut up pieces of white painter’s tape to create the appearance of football stitches. Then, fill the bag with candy, popcorn or snacks.
In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time.
If you can’t get to the wonderful world of Disney just yet, but really want to enjoy their cult-favorite Disney Dole Whip treats, you’re in luck. Earlier this year, the company released a look-a-like recipe for the famous Pineapple Dole Whip called the “Frozen Pineapple Treat.” So what exactly do you need to make one at home? Keep reading to find out.
Disney Parks
According to the recipe, you’ll need one scoop of vanilla ice cream, 4 ounces of pineapple juice, and two cups of frozen pineapple. Then add all to a blender, blend until smooth, and then add to a piping bag before swirling out the delicious Disney Dole Whip treat—because it has to look like it came straight from the ice cream machine, right?
What do moms really want on Mother’s Day? In addition to spending time with family, kicking up her feet and avoiding the kitchen is probably high on that list! Celebrate mom by giving her day off with these local restaurants that are offering dining, delivery and special take out options for Mother’s Day brunch. Support our local restaurants and mom at the same time!
Bluestem Restaurant & Market has introduced a new make-at-home mix version of their legendary Brown Butter Cornbread with Honey Butter providing a fun-activity for budding new chefs to make with Mom for brunch on her special day.
$15 for mix online order or pick-up in market Tues-Sat 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Popular family-owned Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in South San Francisco will be open for Mother’s Day brunch to celebrate with mezze, kebabs and their entire a la carte menu. A number of Mother’s Day specials will also be on offer including: classic Eggs Benedict, Salmon & Prawns with Garlic Lemon Sauce or Grilled Lamb Chops.
Michael Mina & Ayesha Curry turn Mother’s Day into a weekend-long celebration, featuring two holiday specials alongside its a la carte dinner menu from May 6 – May 8. Specials include a Chicken & Waffle dish with crispy croquette, buttermilk waffle, pea tendrils and Sambal-maple syrup ($24) and an indulgent Maine Lobster Udon Carbonara with smoked pork belly, hen egg and parmesan ($42).
Both decadent and delectable, afternoon tea at the Westin St. Francis is an experience Mom won't forget any time soon! Artisan teas, sandwiches and scones are on the menu and she also takes home a beautiful bouquet of flowers. May 7 & 8, 12-2 p.m.
Enjoy seasonal appetizers, a choice of entrees, and delicious desserts for the table with options like Bay Shrimp Salad, Soft Scrambled Eggs & Caviar Company Trout Roe, Pineapple Cupcake, and, for the kids, a “Mini” Vault Burger.
Canela is offering moms the choice of being spoiled at home with offerings like its Savory Raclette Kit ($74) to delight mom throughout her special day and even a Mom's Night Off Dinner Meal kit ($195). Lunch and dinner are available for indoor and outdoor dining. Reservations can be made here.
La Mar Cebichería Peruana is a tribute to one of the cornerstones of Peruvian cuisine, cebiche, and the environment created to enjoy it in, the cebichería. Mother’s Day buffet this year ($109 per person) includes shared plates of Bandeja La Mar and Bandeja Caliente; main courses such as Camarones Picantes: jumbo shrimp and squid ink spaghetti stewed in turmeric-aji Amarillo sauce. For dessert, there's Bandeja de Postres: dulce de leche, chocolate mousse with caramelized quinoa and a purple corn pudding. The kid's menu is $29 and includes a panko crusted chicken with fried potatoes and Peruvian Chocolate Cake stuffed with dulce de leche, and vanilla ice cream.
Or purchase a La Mar at Home kit to cook at home! For $249, you can spoil mom with Cebiche Clasico, Empanada de Pollo, and Asado de Tira (bone-in short ribs slowly cooked in purple corn juice, aji panca and pineapple juice, accompanied with quinoa polenta, sautéed cabbage in olive oil and fried garlic).
Pier 1 1/2, The Embarcadero
East Bay
Lydia Daniller
Pomella | Oakland Pomella is creating special a la carte brunch dishes for Mother’s Day, including Babka French Toast, Beef Hash, Granola parfait, and zucchini pancakes. Babka & a Bouquet will also be available for preorder, featuring Mica’s homemade Chocolate Babka and festive bouquets from a local florist.
Alley & Vine | Alameda For Mother’s Day brunch (11:00am-2:30pm) on Sunday, May 8th, Alley & vine will offer a three-course menu with multiple options including a special kids menu to satisfy all the young ones in tow. Look for celebratory standouts like Dungeness Crab Cake served with a caper remoulade and frisee salad and Manjari Chocolate Pot de Creme. You can find the Mother’s Day brunch menu here ($55 per person) and kids Mother’s Day menu here ($25 per child).
Sobre Mesa | Oakland Indoor dining & outdoor dining
Chef Nelson German is cooking up unique dishes for mom, including a Braised Game Bird (similar to the dish he prepared on the first episode Top Chef Season 18), a specialty cocktail, and Mother’s Day macarons.
East meets West in this new opulent, Great Gatsby-like restaurant (be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind downstairs bathroom) and there are plenty of ways here to celebrate the special mom in your life! Moms can enjoy a time honored luxurious tea ceremony, relax in Juiba for a craft cocktail, take in a decadent prix fixe meal or, for the ultimate experience, be immersed in Silicon Valley's only virtual reality dining room where all the senses are indulged. A special lunch service offered only on Mother's Day by talented executive chef Eddie Lam includes iChina Sheng Jian Bao, Sizzled Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Crab Benedict, Seared Dayboat Scallops, Taiwanese Braised Beef Short Rib Pappardelle, Wagyu steak and Eggs and more.
Aurum | Los Altos Executive Chef Manish Tyagihas created a delicious four-course meal for Mother’s Day, which includes a Dahi Poor Mousse amuse bouche, Tandoori Duck Seekh Kebab, Fish Pollichathu, Roasted Lamb Loin, and Apple Jalebi Rabdi Parfait. The menu will be available at the restaurant for safe, onsite dining as well as for pickup and delivery. Moms dining at the restaurant will be welcomed with their choice of a mimosa or glass of bubbles. Reservations can be made here.
Celebrate mom over Wild Onion’s new brunch menu, featuring all of her favorite dishes like Fresh Berry Pancakes, Challah French Toast with Bailey Irish Creme Anglaise and Wild Onion’s Eggs Benedict.All of Chef Ray Garrow’s brunch entrees include a choice of Mimosas or Michelada - a treat not just for mom!
Christine Lai
Napa
Napa Valley Wine Train Treat mom to a scenic train ride filled with all the delights of a traditional tea service but with a wine country twist. Savor fine sips, delicious bites and glorious vineyard views on this elegant experience. Check out our review here.
h2hotel's signature restaurant is offering a special Mother's Day brunch menu complete with Dungeness crab benedict, wild Alaskan halibut, herb roasted scallops and more. Be sure to check out the whimsical water sculpture "Spoonfall" featuring 3,500 spoons!
If your little one’s favorite food group is chicken, you’re in luck! From green chicken chili to chicken parm to chicken tacos, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Crock Pot chicken recipes that even the pickiest of eaters will love. So put down the chicken nuggets and start clicking through the gallery to find your next easy meal.
This spicy chicken drumstick recipe from A Taste of Madness will be a crowd pleaser for the whole family. Try this recipe on a weeknight and you may be surprised by how easy it is.
We love this lightened-up version of classic buffalo wings from Domestic Superhero. Shredded chicken is bathed in a mouthwatering sauce, then wrapped in butter lettuce.
Your littles will love this dairy-free butter chicken from One Lovely Life. The creamy, flavorful sauce, paired with rice or quinoa, is sure to have the whole fam asking for seconds.
This simplified take on chicken parm from Baking & Creating with Avril is bound to be a hit with picky kiddos. It skips the breading process, making it a healthier and quicker version than the original.
Served over rice or pasta, this recipe adapted from Moms with Crockpots makes for a lightning-fast weeknight meal. It’s a smart way to use those cans of beans and tomatoes hanging out at the back of your pantry, too.
For an instant family fave, make this Asian-inspired recipe from Shared Appetite. Savory soy sauce and tart pineapple juice come together to make a super tasty sauce for the chicken. Drooling yet?
There's nothing quite like the combo of butternut squash and rosemary to make a meal seem less than ordinary. The secret to making this savory dish from GI 365, is adding a can of soup to make it both creamy and satisfying without a lot of extra work.
For a fun twist on chili, try this fantastic recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet. With salsa verde, fresh corn and white beans, it’s super hearty and delicious topped with sour cream or tortilla chips.
This filling dish is more prep than fuss thanks to this foolproof recipe from Sarah Olson’s cookbook. Served on top of mashed potatoes and bread, it doesn’t get much more comfort food than this.
Switch up your usual pasta dish by making this delish ragu from Whitney Bond. The sauce gets better and better as it simmers, making it the perfect slow cooker meal.
Pop some tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and chicken in the crockpot with a few herbs and you’ll come home to an amazingly hearty meal. We love this recipe from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, and chances are your family will feel the same way.
Chicken with Grapes
Dash
Chicken and grapes might sound like a strange combination, but this recipe from Dash marries the two perfectly. Add simmered tomatoes, chickpeas and butternut squash to the cumin-spiced chicken, and you’ve got a complex and delicious meal.
Put anything in a pita, and our kids are on board. This Greek-inspired recipe from Leah’s Thoughts is bound to be a hit. Topped with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and onion, you’ll be happy to come home to this meal.
If you’re planning to forego Easter brunch this weekend, then you’ll want to have a hearty dinner to nourish your little munchkins after a busy day of Easter egg hunting. This traditional Easter ham takes the hassle out of cooking. The brown sugar and maple syrup provide that great sweet taste, while the pineapple juice helps to relieve some of that overpowering saltiness of the ham. Plus, the meat will be nice and tender after it’s been stewing in the crock pot for a few hours. Prep this in the morning, head out for a few egg hunts, and by the time you come back, it’s ready to eat.
Ingredients
7-8 lb bone-in spiral-cut ham
1 c dark brown sugar
1/2 c all natural maple syrup
2 c pineapple juice
Method
1. Place ham, flat-side down in a 6-7 quart slow cooker.
2. Rub brown sugar on all sides.
3. Pour on maple syrup and pineapple juice.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. If desired, baste ham with collected juice from the bottom of the crock an hour or so before serving.
6. When ready, remove from crock pot and let rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Serves 10
What’s your fave way to cook ham? Tell us your recipe secrets in the comment section below.