By Anna Grace Usery
Editor-in-Chief
anna.grace.usery@hottytoddy.com
Labor Day is one of those holidays, similar to the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving, that the fun part about it is usually snacking all day long.
Labor Day isn’t the time to “labor” over a hot stove and spend all day cooking. However, just because you’re in relaxation mode doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice eating well.
My favorite holiday snacking foods derive from a childhood spent around the Crockpot. I’ve always described the magical cooking device as the “mini-stove” and “mega-microwave.” In its essence, the Crockpot is a dependable vessel of heatwave technology that just turns food into delectable goodness. It’s truly indescribable, but you know when you entrust the Crockpot to work its magic your tastebuds will reap the reward.
Two recipes I undoubtedly entrust the Crockpot with are my cheese dip and “Lil Mokies.” If you’re worried about whether the cheese dip will have enough Velveeta in it, rest assured my southern comrade. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with “Lil Mokies” I can tell you they’re the same as “Lil Smokies.” That’s just what little Anna Grace called the tried-and-true smokies in the early 90s, and it’s stuck ever since.
If you’re up for snacking and relaxing this Labor Day holiday, remember both of these recipes “marinate” well in the Crockpot with little clean up. Yet, also remember to beware the Velveeta coma. It’s known to produce prolonged bouts of sleep and with urges of excessive Netflix binge watching.
Mama’s Velveeta Cheese Dip
1 lb. block of Velveeta cheese
1 can Rotel
1 lb. hamburger meat
1 roll hot sausage
Turn Crockpot on high. Brown sausage and hamburger meat in separate skillets. Drain. Slice entire block of Velveeta cheese into smaller blocks to ensure quicker melting. Mix all ingredients above in Crockpot and let marinate for an hour. Turn Crockpot on warm and enjoy for the rest of the day. Serve with tortilla chips.
Lil Mokies
1 package Hillshire Farms little smokies
1 package bacon
1 cup packed brown sugar
Toothpicks
Divide bacon strips into thirds and wrap bacon pieces around little smokies, securing with a toothpick. Place smokies in Crockpot and sprinkle with brown sugar. Let cook for an hour.
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