Stocking the Cabin for the Weekend Meals

Crockpot Chocolate Cake  

I will admit, it takes a lot of organization to efficiently run a weekend home and you utilize those skills to the hilt when you are going to be entertaining guests.  Whether it's one individual or a group of family or friends, if you want to make it as easy on yourself as possible, remember these three words...

PLAN & MAKE LISTS!  

1.  Inventory what you have in your freezer, refrigerator and pantry so you know what you are working with

2.  Plan the meals you will be making for the time your guests are with you, make lists of the meals you will be preparing and  make a list of the ingredients you need to purchase.  If time allows, I will make as much of the foods ahead of time and transport them in coolers to our cabin.  If my schedule doesn't allow this, I use our grocery delivery service, Peapod, to bring my groceries right to my kitchen for me for a very minimal delivery service.  I can't tell you how Peapod has made my life easier when entertaining.  I have been a customer for 12 years and I often use them to order party trays, fabulous frozen side dishes, even holiday meals.  They offer very flexible delivery windows and the drivers are prompt and courteous.  They are currently delivering to parts of the Midwest and the East Coast.  Check it out!  

3.  I keep our bar area stocked with wine, spirits, mixers, and usually a regional beer or two.  New Glarus Brewing Company is a favorite and always have new seasonal beers. Our winter favorites right now are New Glarus Cabin Fever and Snowshoe Ale.  

4.  Coffee, coffee, coffee....always have good coffee, tea, and creamer. I keep a shelf with just coffee mugs and tea cups to help yourself.

5.  Make good use of your crock pot so you can enjoy the days activities without worrying about making the next meal.  I actually have two crock pots at the cabin and it allows you to make your main meal in one crock pot and a dessert in the other.  

Here is a great recipe for crock pot chocolate cake I found on Moms with Crock Pots.  What is your favorite recipe for the crock pot or slow cooker?


Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Spray crock pot with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla until well combined.  Whisk in the boiling water.  Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour the cake batter in to the prepared slow cooker.

Set the slow cooker to "low".  Cook until the cake has no wet spots on top and has pulled away from the sides of the crockpot.  About 3 hours.  Turn off the slow cooker and allow the cake to rest for 30 minutes before serving.  Sift powdered sugar on top before serving and you have Delicious!  
Have a great weekend and take a moment or two to enjoy the day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN ............

 LakehouseLyn