If you’re anything like me, you’ve made one of the following two resolutions: to eat healthier, and spend less time cooking — or both! I’ve got just the trick that will help you stay committed to your resolutions. Look no further than your slow cooker.

As a working mother I need all the help I can get. After a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. With two little ones, homework, afterschool activities, and the dreaded piles of laundry; I want a dinner that is delicious, healthy, and most of all, simple.

If you have never tried slow cooking before, I recommend you start. Be careful though, you might get addicted! When you get home the aroma will envelope you — Your family will think you slaved for hours. All you need to do is add a couple of side dishes and voila, a wonderful meal is ready. I love it; it takes all the stress out of cooking.

My secret is to put all the ingredients into the slow cooker the night before and let it marinate in the fridge overnight. If your family is anything like mine the minute the alarm goes off in the morning we hit the ground running. Setting up the slow cooker the night before is a major timesaver. The next day just plug it in and let it do all the work. One of my family’s favorite slow cooker recipes is shredded brisket tacos – The best part is you’ll have plenty of brisket for leftovers.

Try my tender smoky brisket tacos along with a colorful black bean salad as a side dish. Spice up the tacos with a simple salsa verde. The recipes are easy and use healthy and fresh ingredients, creating an authentic Mexican flavor. I guarantee your familia will beg you for a repeat performance.

Print the recipes and shop for all the easy-to-find ingredients at your local supermarket…Fácil! You will have a Mexican spread your familia will love.

Beef Brisket Tacos
Corn tortillas are a low-fat, low-sodium food and provide potassium, calcium, and fiber in less than sixty calories per serving. Contrary to popular belief, tortillas will not make you fat if they are part of an adequate diet.

Black Bean Salad
Black beans, like other beans, really pack a punch when it comes to protein and fiber.

Salsa Verde
Salsa is always a smart choice when watching your waistline. Most salsas have little to no fat in them and are low in calories.

Photography by Jeanine Thurston

Pssst…don’t forget to order the 2011 Muy Bueno Calendar here