South Carolina’s quick transition from the mildness of spring to the heat of summer makes many tasks challenging, especially cooking.
The kitchen becomes unbearably hot, and it’s not ideal to stand over a hot stove preparing meals.
This is why the host of “Mandy and the Making,” shares 3 crockpot recipes perfect for summer.
With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without adding to the heat.
Mandy kicks things off with her Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs.
For this recipe, you’ll need frozen meatballs, onions, pre-cut mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown gravy mix.
Start by slicing onions into rings and placing them at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the frozen meatballs and pre-cut mushrooms on top.
- Then, mix Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown gravy mix, and pour this mixture over the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Mandy suggests serving these meatballs over mashed potatoes with green beans and sourdough rolls.
The next recipe Mandy shares is Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs.
The ingredients for this dish include chicken thighs, chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, Italian herb seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, and butter.
Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot, mix the chicken broth with lemon zest and juice, and pour it over the chicken.
- Season with the herbs and spices, then top with minced garlic and butter pats.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Mandy recommends serving the chicken with rice and side salads made with fresh lettuce from the garden, garnished with parsley.
For a fun twist on taco night, Mandy presents her Queso Chicken Tacos.
You’ll need chicken breasts, taco seasoning, Rotel (hot), diced green chilies, and salsa con queso.
Place the chicken breasts in a smaller crockpot and add the taco seasoning, Rotel, and diced green chilies.
- Cook on low for about 4 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken and mix it with the salsa con queso.
- Prepare your favorite taco toppings, and be ready to have delicious tacos for your dinner.
Mandy highlights the benefits of using crockpots in the summer.
They prevent the kitchen from heating up, allowing you to prepare hearty meals without the additional heat.
She also advises using pre-made or frozen ingredients to save time and suggests adjusting cooking times based on your specific crockpot.
Customizing recipes by adding or removing ingredients to suit personal preferences is also encouraged.
What makes Mandy’s videos particularly engaging are the personal touches she adds.
She often shares personal anecdotes and involves her husband in the cooking process, making the experience relatable and fun.
Thanks to her candid videos, her audience finds her content much more approachable and welcoming.
A viewer said, “When I showed you the stove and I showed that I was making green beans, why did you not tell me hey Mandy, you need to start the potato?”
Such moments of humor and candidness make her videos more than just cooking tutorials; they become stories her audience can enjoy and relate to.
Another unique aspect of Mandy’s videos is the discussion of everyday kitchen habits and preferences.
For instance, she talks about taking off her glasses while eating because they fog up or slide down her nose.
These small details make her audience feel like they are part of her kitchen, sharing the cooking experience with her.
Mandy’s recipes and tips offer a great way to enjoy flavorful meals without the hassle of heating up the kitchen.
From Salisbury Steak Meatballs to Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Queso Chicken Tacos, her crockpot recipes are perfect for the summer.
These dishes are easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cooking.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual summer gathering, these recipes will keep you cool and satisfied.
See how to make these super simple and satisfying meals without cranking up the heat below!
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