Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli

I have been using our crockpot a ton lately.  Saw this recipe and wanted to try it.  We have never been huge fans of things made with soy sauce but have been up for trying new things lately.  I couldn't believe how tasty this was, not to mention EASY!!!

Score when the family approves and kept asking for more!

ENJOY!!

Beef & Broccoli

Ingredients:

2 lb Flank Steak cut into strips, width-wise (this makes for easier shredding at the end!)
2 cups Fresh Broccoli, chopped
4 Scallions, sliced length-wise (optional)
1/2 C low sodium Beef Broth
2 Tbsp. Liquid Aminos
Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Ground Ginger
1 tsp. Onion Powder

Directions:

-  Spray crock pot with non-stick Olive oil spray.
-  Place flank steak in crock pot.
-  If using green onions, sprinkle on top of steak. 
-  Mix together beef broth, liquid aminos, garlic, and spices, and pour over meat.

-  Cook on low 6 1/2 hours. 

-  Shred beef using 2 forks and add broccoli**. 

-  Cook an additional 30 minutes, or until broccoli reaches desired tenderness.

** I actually roasted our broccoli in the oven with some red peppers and served that along side the beef with some brown rice.

Slow Cooker Granola

Slow cookers aren't just for dinner and I am learning that more and more everyday!

Do you love granola! I DO!!!!!  BUT, I have always been too nervous to make it on my own!  I always thought you needed all these expensive ingredients to make it; or it would take too long; or I would burn it in the oven and there would be perfectly fine granola wasted.

BUT, not anymore!  I saw this recipe in a group I was in recently and knew I HAD to try it.  Seriously it couldn't have been any easier and tasty, well that's just not the word for it!  Thank goodness I have it in my head to only eat what it is per day to fit in my meal plan!  Because honestly, it wouldn't be lasting very long otherwise!!!

Here you go!  Try it out sometime!!

Slow Cooker Granola

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cps. Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (organic or gluten free if preferred)
1/4 cp. Nuts, chopped (almonds, walnuts, etc. - I used 1/8 cp. walnuts & 1/8 cp. almonds)
1/8 tsp. Sea Salt
1/3 cp. Pure Honey - organic if possible
3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 cp. Peanut Butter (plain or chunky - your preference; organic if possible but not necessary)
1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon (could use a bit less if you don't like the taste of cinnamon)
1 3/4 tsp. Vanilla (could use a bit less if you don't like the taste of vanilla)
1/4 cp. dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc. I used 1/8 cp. of both)

Directions:

-  Coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray (I use olive oil spray). 

-  Pour in oats, nuts and salt into slow cooker.

-  In a glass bowl, combine the honey, coconut oil, and peanut butter. Microwave for about 30 seconds until melted and you can combine smoothly. You may need to microwave more depending on your microwave. 

-  Stir cinnamon and vanilla into melted mixture.

-  Pour mixture over the oats in the slow cooker. Mix well so everything the oats are thoroughly mixed and coated. 

-  Place lid on slow cooker, but keep it slightly vented. I put my lid on just slightly sideways so it wasn’t on tight. 

-  Cook on high for about 1.5 – 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes. It is important to stir it because it can burn a little if you don’t. The oats will be ready when they are moist but not wet.

-  Stir in dried fruit at the end. 

-  Spread granola out on a parchment lined baking sheet. Let the granola cool completely. The granola with actually harden a bit at this point and become that familiar granola texture.

-  Once cool, store in airtight container.

*There are so many possibilities you could mix in with this - sunflower seeds, dried apricots, apples, carob chips, etc.  You name it you could do it.  If you try this and try different mix-ins, let me know!  I would love to hear your feedback!

Thanks for stopping by and checking this out!  Have a great day!

~Sarah Strubhar

Independent Team Beachbody Ruby Coach