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It is of no surprise that slow cooker recipes are among the most popular meals for families, couples, and singles alike. From the simplicity of their ingredients, no time to prep, and limited clean-up, these meals are an all-year-round type of deal. Yet, their true time to shine is during the cold and dry winter months. These shorter days have everyone wanting to just curl up on the couch with a warm plate in hand. Thankfully we have the recipes, the ingredients, and the utensils needed to make a delicious slow cooker dinner.

Try These Out:

French Onion Soup

A beefy broth loaded with caramelized onions, herbs, and Gruyere cheese.

Ingredients

  • 3 large white onions sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 64 oz Beef Broth 
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup dry sherry
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried Thyme)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 8 slices dry french bread
  • ¾ cup Gruyere cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Emmental cheese shredded
  • 6 tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large non-stick pan, cook onions, butter and brown sugar over medium low heat until golden and caramelized. (About 20 minutes).
  2. Once golden, add to the slow cooker along with remaining ingredients except bread and cheeses.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  4. Remove and discard bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with dry bread slices and cheeses. Broil 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.

Cranberry Pork Chops

A pretty dish capturing you with its mild sweet and sour taste.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1/2-inch thick (2 to 3 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion, from 1 small onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery, from 1 large celery rib
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth, or white wine — added to the slow cooker

 

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side. Immediately place them in the fridge or freezer to cool completely. (See Recipe Note and Tester’s Notes for thoughts on food safety and searing ahead.)
  2. ​​In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with the salt as it cooks. Set the mixture aside to cool completely.
  3. Place the cooled sautéed vegetables, cranberries, pork chops, pepper, thyme, and brown sugar into a 4-quart slow cooker and add 1/4 cup broth or wine. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork chops are cooked through.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy roasted marinated chicken chunks in a spiced curry sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 Tbsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp cumin 
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric 
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt 
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
  • Freshly cracked pepper 
  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs 
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil 
  • 1 yellow onion, diced 
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger 
  • 1 15oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

 

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, cayenne, and some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill). Sprinkle the spice mix over both sides of the chicken thighs, coating them liberally.
  2. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until well browned (the chicken does not need to be cooked through). Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and continue to cook until the onions are soft and slightly browned on the edges. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the onions to the slow cooker, then add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and stir to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Pour the water into the slow cooker.
  4. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker with the chicken and onion. Briefly stir, then place the lid on top, and turn the slow cooker on. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
  5. After 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Turn the slow cooker off, then add the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine the cream with the tomato sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
  6. To serve, spoon the chicken and tomato sauce over cooked rice and top with fresh cilantro.

 

Whole Foods Market has all of the ingredients you need to knock some of these recipes off your must-try list! From spices to meats and beans to rice, this is easily your one-stop for all your shopping needs. Plus, they have a delicious bakery to add a side loaf to your meals or even splurge on a sweet treat. Next up would be stocking up on your slow cooker accessories. Stop in Bed Bath and Beyond or Target for a number of cutting boards, hot pads, serving utensils, quality knives, can openers, measuring cups, and more – all that can fit your own unique style. You can even find plenty of food storage containers for all the (or lack thereof) leftovers and even giant freezer bags to pre-make some future meals!

Share your recipes with us! Post and tag @AnnapolisTownCenter on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured. And, be sure to stay up to date on all things Town Center by following us on social and checking our website.

What goes great with a seasonal wardrobe overhaul?!? A fresh new color palette of makeup picked perfectly to accentuate your favorite facial features. Gone are the days of light to barely-there make-up summer months and hello the bold, the beautiful, and the daring fall colors. Let the tenants at the Town Center get you ready for the cool season – from your head, face, and toes! 

Who knew Anthropologie would be one of your favorite make-up spots. From their Stila Matte ‘N Metal Eye Shadow Palette to Rose Gold Lip + Cheek Tint and Holiday Lip Gloss sets to brush sets that will help you perfect your desired look – you can’t beat their selection. 

Looking for the essentials? Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, and Whole Foods Market are a quick stop. Their aisles are filled with the well-known brands we all love. From Covergirl to Revlon and e.l.f. to Beauty Bakerie. If you know what you like and are just looking to stock up, they can easily take care of you. 

If you are looking to start fresh or truly have no idea where to begin, About Faces Day Spa & Salon has you covered with their expert make-up services. Learn all of the tips and tricks from their professional make-up artists as they personalize a look to bring out your best features for any occasion. This lesson will by far be the best investment you ever made!

Be sure to mark your calendars as well. Mary Davis Makeup will be “popping up” at the Town Center in collaboration with Mosa Boutique. On November 27 and December 5, stop by the Town Center to enjoy a free 10-minute makeover and have a chance to win some great prizes! Mary is an affiliate of Seint Beauty which promotes a customizable makeup compact that is affordable and very high quality. 

Share your looks with us! Post and tag @AnnapolisTownCenter on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured. And, be sure to stay up to date on all things Town Center by following us on social and checking our website.

Thanksgiving Day is full of fun, love, excitement, and immense pressure for certain individuals. Good thing the tenants at Annapolis Town Center can set you up for success, no matter if you are a host or a guest. Check out our best tips for either role you may play this holiday season.

For Hosts

Turkey Day is by far one of the most treasured holidays of the year, but for hosts – it can be one of the most stressful days as well. With so many moving parts, a stacked guest list, and the 21st-century expectations of table decor – your head could be spinning before you even begin! So, let’s start with the basics and break down which tenant should be your go-to stop. 

Table settings and decor can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preference. Get started with personalized invitations straight from Paper Source. When you start here you can streamline a look for the entire Thanksgiving experience. Liking pairing the invitations with day-of personalized napkins and place cards. Next, head to ArHaus for the perfect table runner and drink glasses to cheers the evening away. They pair beautifully with Smyth Jewelers’ timeless serving platters, knife sets, and salad bowls. Don’t sweat the small stuff with the help of Bed Bath & Beyond. Get your table accents like pumpkins, flowers, garland, and long-stemmed candles. You can even welcome your guests with a Thanksgiving-inspired outdoor welcome mat.

 

What is Thanksgiving without the food?! Most families create dishes of their past for the present. So, Whole Foods may be your only needed stop for the best variety in ingredients. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t start some new tasty traditions. Sop in True Food Kitchen to purchase their Recipe Book. Seasonally changing, this book may have just the missing dish to complete your table. Feeling a bit overwhelmed yet? Cheat the system and let our property restaurants take the reins. With a plethora of dining options for all palettes, you can easily order ahead of time and pick up just before guests arrive (giving you enough time to put the dishes in your own serving bowls and plates)! 

For Guests

If you are not hosting the dinner yourself, practicing your best guest etiquette should be your top priority. In most instances, guests are required to simply show up with an empty stomach. Though, it is always polite and recommended to bring something small to show your appreciation to the host. Maybe their favorite bottle of liquor or wine from Bin201. A seasonally fragranced candle from Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or one of the many home furnishings stores. You can even prep them for the next holiday with a wine-themed 12 Nights of Christmas advent calendar from Cooper’s Hawk. Or, grab the latest in accessory fashion fun! No matter your choice, our variety of tenants can provide you with what you need.

If you happen to take part in a potluck-style dinner hosted at someone else’s residence, then you know choosing the right dish to appease all in attendance is crucial. Start at Whole Foods where the ingredients are endless and the pre-made food can be the answer to your holiday prayers. From specialty appetizers in a variety of serving sizes to prepped charcuterie boards and aisles of delicious, healthy food options, Whole Foods can easily become your one-stop-shop. Be sure to pop in Target to help get those side dishes prepared the best way possible with the latest in cooking supplies, and looking fancy in their decorated serving dishes and side bowls. You will be sure to “wow” others with your Martha Stewart or Joanna Gaines-esque skills. 

So regardless if you are a host or guest, we have what you need to make this Thanksgiving Day special. Make sure to stay up to date on all things Town Center by following us on Instagram and Facebook (@AnnapolisTownCenter)!

Autumn is a time when you might notice that your hair, skin, and nails are in need of some extra attention. Annapolis Town Center has tons of options for expanding your care routine. If you’re planning on booking a spa day or creating a home routine, it’s important to find the best resources for your needs.

Out-Sourced TLC

About Faces

Take time for yourself with one of their many massage services. Whether you’re looking to relax, relieve stress and tension, or improve circulation and energy, About Faces has the right massage therapy for you. Or, go for something less ‘full body” and schedule a facial. Their specialists can recommend appropriate skin treatments and advise you on your professional home skincare routine.

PAINT Nail Bar

The Talk of the Town Mani (Luxe Service), at PAINT Nail Bar, is the height of luxury from start to finish. It includes nail maintenance and detailing hydrating cuticle care, and an aromatic, exfoliating sugar scrub from the tips of the digits to the base of the knee or elbow. It also includes a painless heel paraffin treatment and relaxing extended massage. Make sure to take home with you some PRIMERS that brings you clean, luxe, non-toxic lotion that will have your skin-loving you back.

Build Your Own Routine

Target

We know that Target has an extensive Beauty and Personal Care section, so we broke down where to find some of the best products for making a spa day for yourself at home. Starting with facemasks, make sure you get what’s right for your needs! Find Eye Bright under eye mask in aisle A29 or any of the Que Bella masks like their pore minimizer or revitalizing mask in aisle A32. Then, head over to aisle A44 and grab a Gua Sha stone, a derma plane set, and a face steamer for your daily routines. And, if you want to add the cherry on top, grab a bottle of some bubble bath or bath salts on the way out. 

Bed Bath and Beyond

Continue your search across the street to Bed Bath and Beyond. Make sure you get spa day apparel like a new bathrobe and towel turban. Then, you can splurge without splurging and check out their options for home foot spa baths and pair it with a massage pillow or seat. 

There are tons of options for you whether you’re looking to go out for a spa day or looking to have your own set up at home. The Annapolis Town Center is a great place to find a wide range of beauty services and products. 

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to turn colder, the leaves start to change color, and we begin decorating our houses for fall. So where is the best place to find the perfect garland, pumpkins, leaves, and all things to represent the season? Here is our yearly blog featuring the best places on the property to find your autumn decor.

Target

Let’s talk cozy. Target has the electric fireplace entertainment stands you’ve been seeing on Instagram to upgrade your living room for the ultimate cozy feeling. Then, pair that with some of their fall-colored throw blankets and your favorite autumn-scented candle or wax melt. Hello, new favorite place in your home.

Bed Bath Beyond

If you plan on hosting some holiday gatherings this season, there are a few ways you can spice up your dinner party game. Bed Bath and Beyond has a great selection of fall kitchen towels, as well as table runners to make sure you’re right on theme. Or, you can start before your guests even enter your home. Check out their wide collection of doormats and outdoor decor like pumpkins and outdoor pillows. 

Arhaus

If you’re looking to add luxury to your seasonal decor, you’ll want to stop into Arhaus. Greenery elements such as wreaths and garland are great ways to bring the outside world in.​​You can also find high-end decor like nutcrackers, 3-D Advent calendars, and menorahs. Or shop for more affordable gifts like ornaments or tea towels.

Z Gallerie

The best place to go if you’re looking for unique accents is Z Gallerie. With so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to load up! Elevate your table decor game with leaves, candle holders, and napkin rings. You can even refresh your rooms with some of their smaller pieces like candles, vases, and wall art.

Paper Source

Decor can come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is in the form of curtains and art decor, and sometimes it is a beautifully plated appetizer. Paper Source has cookbooks with exciting recipes that also will look great on your counter. Start the party by sending out personalized holiday invitations perfect for any Friendsgiving or Fall dinner parties. And, for the guests who love to stay after the party, be prepared with cute seasonal mugs for a classic, after-dinner coffee.

 

The Annapolis Town Center has great options to find the perfect way to elevate your holiday look.

Spring is here and it is time to say goodbye to those dark days of winter. Let the freshness of the season bloom throughout your home with some of the top fragrances and products around the property.

For The Living Space

Your living room is a direct reflection of you. It is the first impression you can make on your guests, and the space you spend the majority of your time in. It is important that this shared space sets the mood of the home. If you prefer a fresh and clean feel, fill your home with the smell of herbs and flowers. Anthropologie’s Floral Bouquet Ceramic Diffusers are a perfect fit. Sold in a variety of colors and styles, you can pair these adorable bottles with scent favorites like lavender, gardenia, citrus, and mint. Or, shop their wide selection of ceramic candles such as the Wood Wick Glass Candle in Peony & Melon or a set of three Voluspa Mini Glass Candles in Pink Roses.

 

For The Bathroom

There is nothing better than a clean space when having to use the restroom. Treat yourself and your guests to a bit of luxury – in the smell department that is. In this space, you want to be in as much control of the odors as possible. Something clean and strong, but not too powerful. Candles can enhance the ambiance, but you should also dive further into all of the scent offerings you can provide. Think hand soap, body creams, and lotions. And, for those overnight guests – shampoo & conditioner, bath bombs, and body scrubs! About Faces Spa & Salon offers an extensive array of products to fit everyone’s needs. From Lime & Patchouli Fine Liquid Hand Wash to Orange & Bergamot Body Lotion and Peachy Keen Sugar Scrub, you can create an authentic bathroom experience that is both refreshing and relaxing. Plus, shop the many Bath Teas, Milk Baths, and Bathing Salts from Lou Lou Boutiques. 

 

For The Bedroom

Studies have shown that adding a fragrance to your bedroom can induce sleep, calm nerves, and even increase your libido! Dabble in some aromatherapy by releasing some essential oils in the air or even directly misting your pillow with spray. Target has a variety of options that you can either spray or roll on. Choose from their Lavender Aromatherapy Essential Oil Mist Spray or a Pacifica Aromapower Stress Rehab Roll-On. Bed Bath and Beyond also offer a selection of essential oils, like their SpaRoom 8-pack set. 

 

Let Annapolis Town Center help you create the perfect combination of scents for your home this season. You can thank us later! Make sure to stay up to date on all things ATC by following us on Instagram and Facebook!