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Top 10 Summer Crockpot Recipes

By , About.com Guide

These ten crockpot recipes are ideal for summer cooking. The crockpot doesn't emit much heat which makes it perfect for the summer kitchen. Side dishes like rich and creamy potatoes are perfect to serve with grilled steak or chicken. And preparing salad ingredients like rice, chicken, and sweet potatoes in the crockpot means you don't have to turn on the oven or heat up a pot of boiling water. Finally, chocolate sauce made in the crockpot is perfect over ice cream. Stay cool!

1. Crockpot Barley Black Bean Salad

Barley Black Bean SaladLinda Larsen
This nutritious and delicious vegetarian main dish salad is perfect for a summer lunch or even a picnic. Barley and black beans cook to perfection in the slow cooker until you're ready to assemble the salad.

2. Crockpot Chicken Orange Salad

The chicken and apples cook in the crockpot, until you're ready to add a few fresh ingredients, pasta, and a flavorful dressing. This one is really good.

3. Crockpot Snack Mix

For summer snacking, feeding hungry kids between lunch and dinner, or for a great party appetizer, this snack mix can't be beat.

4. BBQ Chicken Drummies

Chicken wings are always welcome as an appetizer. They're really delicious to serve while you're grilling, since everyone's appetite is whetted by flavors drifting off the grill.

5. Crockpot Mexican Turkey Wraps

Make a sandwich filling (or two) in the slow cooker, then you can just put out tortillas, lettuce leaves, and sandwich buns and let everyone make their own dinner.

6. Chicken Taco Crockpot Filling

I usually think of tacos as a winter food, but with this filling and some fresh ingredients from the garden, they would be excellent for entertaining or a family dinner.

7. Myron's Caramelized Onions

It's difficult to think of a better topping for grilled steak, fish, or chicken than caramelized onions. Made in the slow cooker, they're a snap.

8. Crockpot BBQ Pinto Beans

Barbecued beans are a classic side dish for grilled meats, especially ribs. This recipe is rich, with a wonderful depth of flavor.

9. Sour Cream Potatoes

Potatoes are always the best side dish for a juicy grilled steak. Cook them in the crockpot and all you have to do is dish them up and await the praise.

10. Crockpot Chocolate Sauce

Okay, this is a fondue recipe. But it also works really well as a topping for ice cream. Add some chopped brownies, a couple of fresh berries, and some whipped cream for a fabulous cool dessert with very little work.

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