Slow Cooker Berry Bread Pudding

I took a chance during Hurricane Sandy to make a slow cooker meal on Monday!  Luckily I never lost power and I was able to make this slow cooker berry bread pudding.  I really liked this bread pudding but it was a little bit watery when I made it.  Next time I will probably use a little less milk and see how it turns out.   This is such a simple recipe and perfect when you don't want to bake something.  I have eaten this berry bread pudding for dessert and even breakfast already.  It's delicious!  Happy Halloween everyone! 

Slow Cooker Berry Bread Pudding

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 package of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (I used King’s brand, 12 count.)

2 ½ - 3 cups vanilla soy milk (You may use regular milk.)

4 eggs

¼ cup butter, melted

½ cup sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon vanilla

2 ½ - 3 cups berries (I used diced strawberries and blueberries.)

Directions

Tear sweet rolls into bite size cubes; I tore each sweet roll into 4 pieces.

Spray slow cooker with non stick cooking spray.  Place half the cube rolls into the bottom of the slow cooker.   Top with half the berries.

In a large bowl, whisk together butter, soymilk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.

Pour half the mixture over the bread cubes and berries.  Press bread down to ensure the mixture is being absorbed by the bread.

Layer with remaining bread cubes and berries.  Pour remaining mixture on top.  Press bread down gently.  (Optional – sprinkle some additional sugar on top.)

Cover and cook on low for 3-4  hours.  Turn on high for the last 30 minutes and leave the lid cracked up to let the steam escape.

It will be done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.   

Green Monster Smoothie

I have seen green monster smoothie recipes all over pinterest and blogs.  I actually used my food processor to make the smoothie because I don't have a blender.  It works just as well and I had no issues.  I was really apprehensive about this smoothie because you put spinach in it, but I honestly couldn't taste the spinach.  You mostly taste the banana and peanut butter.  I love how satisfying this green monster smoothie was and I could just drink it for breakfast.  I could see this as a quick lunch too if you are on the go somewhere.  I also tested freezing the leftovers and they still tasted great the next day.  You could even eat it like ice cream if you only defrost halfway so its more like a soft serve ice cream consistency.  If you have been afraid to make a green monster smoothie, you shouldn't be.  Try it!  Its green, really green, but delicious!

Note:  I tried using kale instead of spinach once and I thought it tasted too "green" so I'm sticking with spinach for all my green monster smoothies :)

Green Monster Smoothie

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

1 frozen banana, sliced  (Peel and slice before freezing.)

1 tablespoon peanut butter

½ cup vanilla soymilk

½ cup plain greek yogurt (I used Fage greek yogurt.)

Directions

Combine all ingredients into a blender (or food processor).

Serve immediately.

You also freeze leftovers in an airtight container.   Let defrost at room temperate for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.

Even Buddy and Ellie liked the green monster smoothie!  Don't worry I put the food processor bowl in the dishwasher aftewards :)  Also, I gave them a spoonful in their dog food of the kale green monster smoothie until I ran out since I wasn't a fan of it, but they sure were :)