Mother's Day meals made easy

1–2 tablespoons canola oil

1 16-ounce can pizza sauce

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Hot, cooked pasta

1. Dip chicken into beaten egg; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roll in bread crumbs.

2. In a skillet, heat oil on medium heat; brown chicken on each side for about 2 minutes.

3. Place chicken in slow-cooker. Pour pizza sauce over the top. Sprinkle with cheese.

4. Cover and cook on low for 3–5 hours.

5. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta.

Makes 6 servings.

— “365 Days of Slow-Cooking,” by Karen Petersen

*****

Dinner Side: Parmesan Potatoes

2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges

1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

Black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Layer potatoes, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, and butter in slow-cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low for 3–5 hours.

3. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

— “365 Days of Slow-Cooking,” by Karen Petersen

*****

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup flour

3 tablespoons cocoa

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1 3/4 cup boiling water

Vanilla ice cream

1. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup brown sugar, flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, butter, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Spread over the bottom of greased slow-cooker.

2. In a small bowl, mix 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa. Sprinkle over mixture in slow-cooker.

3. Pour boiling water over batter. Do not stir.

4. Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Serve sauce and cake warm with vanilla ice cream.

Makes 8 servings

— “365 Days of Slow-Cooking,” by Karen Petersen

Tips for using a slow-cooker

How it works

• The slow cooker uses an indirect heat and doesn’t scorch! You don’t need to stir, unless the recipe specifically states to do so.