Finding Oven Space In a Small Kitchen

I have been very spoiled in past homes. I’ve had large kitchens that all had two ovens. Then a little over a year ago, I moved into my current home which only has one oven and it’s a small oven at that.

I love to entertain, love to cook and with only one small oven this can be a challenge. I’ve gotten creative and found ways around the one oven dilemma.

We own two crock-pots. It would be an understatement to say we love our crock-pots. Crock-pots can be used to make side dishes, desserts and even main courses. I’d like to share just a couple of my favorite crock-pot side dish recipes.

The first is a broccoli casserole. It’s just like the casserole you’d make in the oven, except we use the crock-pot to make it.

2 packages frozen chopped broccoli
1 can cream of celery soup (you can also use cream of broccoli soup)
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons minced onion (you can also mince up fresh onion)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 stick melted butter

Cook broccoli; drain and cool. Mix soup, mayonnaise, onion, egg, and cheese and add to cooled broccoli. Lightly grease 3 1/2-quart crock-pot and add mixture. Mix 1 sleeve Ritz crackers with melted margarine or butter. Sprinkle on top. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours.

If you like asparagus, try the exact same recipe except use asparagus instead of broccoli.

The other recipe is for a brownie cake that is delicious and can be served alone or with ice cream.

1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 1/2 cups brownie mix
1 egg
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon soft margarine
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Combine water, brown sugar, and cocoa in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. In the meantime, combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well. Spread the batter evenly in the bottom of a large lightly buttered Crock Pot. Pour boiling mixture over the batter. Cover and cook on high about 2 hours; turn heat off and let stand for about 30 minutes.

By making the side dish and dessert in the two crock-pots, I’m able to use the two shelves in my oven for making a main course and second side dish.
Try experimenting with different crock-pot recipes so that the next time you have company, you’ll be able to offer a nice meal prepared in your very small kitchen.

Audrey’s mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at www.recipe-barn.com

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