The day my slow cooker died on me, I nearly cried. After years of wondering how a slow cooker would work for me and being hesitant to use one fearing I’d burn down the house, I finally got one as a Christmas gift three years ago. I couldn’t believe I had waited so long! It helped me out so much in making dinner while away at work during the day.

After using it to cook many meals, it died on me one day. No reason, really, it just up and died and wouldn’t turn on. Life then happened and as many things go, I went a long while without a slow cooker. And then, days before I was about to purchase a new slow cooker, Walmart asked if we wanted to try out the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Cook and Carry. I’m not sure a person should be as excited over a Crock-Pot as I was, but I couldn’t wait for it to arrive.

Since then, and combined with my rice cooker, I’ve been able to effortlessly cook meals while working and tending to baby boy. I love that I can start it in the morning and not have to think about it until the afternoon. Though I am able to cook a variety of meals in the Crock-Pot, like ribs, pork chops, and chicken, one of my favorite recipes is turkey chili. It’s super easy to throw all the ingredients into the Crock-Pot and let it simmer throughout the day. Here’s the recipe I use, in case you want to try it.

Turkey Chili Slow Cooker Recipe

*Adapted from Rachael Ray’s Turkey Corn Chili and Gourmet Magazine’s Turkey Chili Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 – 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• chili powder
• ground cumin
• cayenne pepper
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• dried thyme
• oregano
• 1 (12-14.5 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced or stewed tomatoes with chiles
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth
• 1 (15-16 oz.) can red kidney beans (or black beans), drained and rinsed

Pour all ingredients into the slow cooker, stir and cook on low until turkey is well-cooked and sauce has thickened. You could also cook the chili on high for it to cook faster if you have less time. Stir occasionally, adjusting herbs and spices for taste, and serve with shredded cheese on top.

That’s it! Isn’t that super easy?

Want more? Check out these other slow cooker fans and their recipes:

• Latin Slow Cooker Recipes
• Cuban Ropa Vieja in a Crock-Pot
• A Year of Slow Cooking

What are some of your favorite slow cooker recipes? By the way, October is dubbed Crocktober and there are special sales going on, like this Amazon.com offer for $5 back on Crock-Pot slow cookers!

Disclosure: ModernMami.com and its owner, Melanie Edwards, is a member of the Walmart Moms program, resulting in compensation for this post. Affiliate Amazon link used.

Photo: Nathan Yergler/Flickr

Looking for some last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas for that special lady in your life? Here are a few suggestions for those busy working moms you know.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Working Mom

Workplace Flexibility: Realigning 20th-century Jobs for a 21st-century Workforce

Though I have not personally read this book, the woman who likes to read non-fiction and is interested in topics related to work-life balance may find it right up her alley. Workplace Flexibility brings together 16 essays authored by leading experts in economics, demography, political science, law, sociology, anthropology, and management. They examine existing business practices and public policy regarding flexibility in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Japan. The book presents a compelling argument for voluntary adoption of best flexibility practices that are a win-win for both the employer and the employee.

Slow Cooker

I know first-hand how hard it can be to put dinner on the table on busy weeknights, when you’ve had a long day at work and just want to relax yourself. I received a slow cooker for Christmas, and have found it useful on several occasions for cooking meals while away. Some women may not want a kitchen appliance as a gift, but there are those who will appreciate having a slow cooker in the house to help with the daily dinner rush.

Subscription to Working Mother Magazine

A good magazine subscription can make for a great gift. Many women enjoy browsing through magazines for new ideas, tips, and information. As the title indicates, this magazine is tailored for the working mother.

Smart Phone

Image from Volker on Mobile

Smart phones can be very useful for a working mother. She may find that she’s able to increase productivity using a smart phone and balance the home and work life better.

Wii Fit Plus

I love my Wii Fit Plus and use it to exercise, relax, and have fun. I like that I can use it in a variety of ways depending on my mood and that I can even play alongside my baby girl. This might actually become more of a family gift, but mom will appreciate it too.

Spa Gift Card

Photo by Thomas Wanhoff

Of course, you can never go wrong with a gift card so your special lady can get away for a bit and get some me time. Treat her to a massage, facial, or just some relax time with a spa gift card and she’ll definitely be happy!

What is your favorite Mother’s Day gift to give those special women in your life?

Disclosure: Links to products are Amazon.com affiliate links.