Are you ready to lighten up the New Year? Slow cooker recipes are the ideal plan when it’s cold and dreary outside. They warm us from the inside and help keep us cozy when the days are short and the nights are long. You simply prep the ingredients in the morning, set them in your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.

Barley, Corn, and Black Bean Burritos
Serves 8

Instructions:

1. In your 3-to-4-quart slow cooker, add the corn, red onions, and diced tomatoes. Rinse the black beans in a colander, and add to the slow cooker. Add the cumin, chili powder, red pepper, garlic, and lime juice. Stir in barley, then cover evenly with vegetable broth. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
2. Cover, and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir in ¼ cup of cilantro.
3. Heat up each tortilla in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Using a tablespoon, spoon the mixture evenly down center of each tortilla, about 10 tablespoons each. Sprinkle each with 1½ tablespoons of cheese and ¼ cup of lettuce.
4. Fold each end just about 1 to 1½-inches over the point edge of the mixture. Then roll up the tortilla along the long edge. Plate, and top each tortilla with 1 tablespoon of salsa and 1 tablespoon of sour cream.

Nutritional Information (Estimated):
Calories: 289 | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 20g | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 15g

Pasta Primavera
Serves 6

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot halfway with water. Wait for the water to boil, then add pasta to the water, and stir with a long spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes, about half the suggested cooking time, and then drain.
2. While the pasta is cooking, finely dice the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, red pepper, and garlic, and combine them in a 3-to-4-quart slow cooker.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, milk, cornstarch, salt, and cheese.
4. Once the pasta is cooked halfway, add it to the slow cooker. Add the milk mixture, and stir well so all ingredients are combined. Cut 2 teaspoons of butter into small bits, and cover the top of the mixture with the pieces.
5. Cook on low for 3 or 4 hours, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir pasta again, and then spoon into 6 bowls. Each serving is about 1 to 1½ cups.

Nutritional Information (Estimated):
Calories: 306 | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 4g | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 17g