Strategic Cooking 101

By this point, you are probably thinking I'm crazy trying to tackle all of these recipes for one meal. But really think about it. It's not like you need to do all your prep work on Easter. You could boil your eggs the day before. The biscuits can be baked 1-2 days ahead of time. You can pre slice vegetables. You could even bake desserts ahead of time.  Just in case you are not a whiz at juggling that much, here's a recipe that you literally get your ingredients together, drop them in the crock pot and let it go.  And, truthfully, it helps make your house smell really good as guests arrive! 

Just remember not to let it all overwhelm you. Truly, recipes are one step at a time!

Ranch Potatoes

Ingredients:
6 bacon strips, chopped                                2 1/2 lbs. small red potatoes, cubed        
8 oz. cream cheese, softened                      1 can cream of potato soup     
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix           1/4 c. milk  
3 tbsp. sliced green onions

Directions:

1. Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Drain drippings, reserving 1 tbsp. 
4. Place potatoes in slow cooker.
5. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, soup, milk, dressing mix and reserved drippings.
6. Stir into potatoes.
7. Sprinkle with bacon.
8. Cook, covered, on low 7-8 hours or until tender.
9. Top with green onion.