Frugal eating: 1chicken + 1 crockpot = 2 meals

Frugal eating is not something I'd say i excel in, however it is definitely something I STRIVE towards. My husband and i (and our kids, of course) don't often eat out, except when traveling. i TRY to make as many meals as possible, though i do fall back on a frozen pizza on occasion. I do like to think i probably cook more than the 'national average'... though that is in part just because i'm actually at home all the time, so have no good excuse ;)

i recently tried something a bit new. i roasted a chicken in my  crockpot. I know, this is NOT a new 'trick'. It is, however, new to me.

Crockpot Roast Chicken
1 smallish roasting chicken
celery
oil/cooking spray
broth or water
spices, as desired

i used a medium crock pot (about 5L, or 1 1/4 gal, approximately)
Defrost chicken at least halfway, if necessary. Stuff cavity with pieces of celery (adds to flavor)
oil inside of crock. place 2-3 pieces of celery on bottom to prevent chicken from sticking. stuff chicken into the crock. add 2-3tbs broth or water. sprinkle spices onto chicken skin (i used garlic powder and pepper)
Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Chicken will be very tender and tasty, though the skin will not be particularly crispy.

serve with potatoes or rice along with at least one vegetable choice.

 later that day, or the next morning:

Chicken stock
Cut all remaining meat from the bones, dicing it, then reserving it in the fridge for later. Dump all remaining bones, skin, celery bits, etc in a stock pot (or any large pot). add water to cover (use at least 1.5L) throw in:
1 bay leaf
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 onion, coarsely chopped,
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp thyme
salt and pepper to taste

bring to a boil, then simmer for at least an hour to extract all the chicken-y goodness!
strain to remove all the bits, keeping only the broth.
adjust seasoning as desired

Chicken crock soup
make up any chicken soup using the broth and stock you've reserved. i usually wing it. i would write down a recipe, but frankly, i don't remember exactly what i used. A decent  looking soup recipe is found here. Cook everything but the noodles and chicken for at least 3 hours on high, or 6 on low, before adding the chicken (which just has to reheat) and noodles (which will cook nearly as fast as the package directions!)
just remember: any noodles or other quick cooking items should be added shortly before serving, rather than at the beginning of the cooking time, and if using your broth for a recipe, DO NOT add water as well! Just substitute your broth for the whole fluid of the soup.

and when you're busy pulling apart that chicken, why not save the wishbone and get yourself a little extra luck?

Recipe and work in progress

here we are at the end of the week... update time!

works in progress..... well, i 'completed' the summer top i was working on... it's a pattern from lion brand. NOT pleased with the results... the model was an A cup. i am a D cup. and evidently my breasts are in a different location from hers, as my top did not fit as pictured.... too low, and very low on the sides even when adjusted. going to try to do some alterations to get it wearable... mostly adjusting the straps and adding a few rows to the sides under the armpit. will post a pic if i get it usable.

made myself a nice pair of slippers. fit really well. i will post the pattern, and a picture, when i get back home (i'm currently visiting my parents this weekend)

started a pattern for a crocheted cotton dish towel. it's a nice pattern, so we'll see how it looks when i finish it.

spending 'quality time' with my family is difficult these days, as it's either "TV" time.. and not quality time at all... or involves two preschoolers running around/over/through everything while screaming and shrieking at the top of their lungs.
not much a lovey-dovey valentines in this household, let me tell you. but it's okay... eventually the kids will get older... more mature..... maybe by the time they're twenty, if i'm lucky!

here's a great recipe from my mom's black box  (again, this is not attempting to be an obscure reference... she uses a black recipe box  too!)

mom says, " if you want to serve the sauce on rice or veggies, make sure to double the recipe" (everything but the chicken)

origin of this recipe is unknown. mom may have found it in a recipe book somewhere.

Soya Chicken Wings
ingredients:
1/2 cup liquid honey (if yours is solid or creamed, that's fine too)
1/2 cup soya sauce
2 tablespoons catsup (or ketchup, if you spell it that way!)
1 clove of garlic, or more to taste.
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
12 chicken wings, whole or seperated

combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl. place wings in a shallow baking dish. pour sauce over wings. bake at 375 F for 1 hour. baste and turn wings once to ensure coverage.

this recipe goes great with whole grain rice and steamed veggies. the chicken turns very dark from the sauce, nearly black! it makes a very sticky, finger-licking great sauce!

also noted in the recipe: may substitute spare ribs for wings

that's all for now folks. hope all you lovebirds got some extra snuggle time with your special people, and that you remember to call those family members and friends you love, but haven't seen in a while. 
take care!