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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)!

The best part about warm weather is the plethora of opportunities to get outdoors and have fun with the people you love; especially when it comes to savoring your palate. In our opinion, the best form of outside dining is the DIY-styled feast – a picnic! Good thing Annapolis Town Center has all of the shops you need to stop in to create that perfect spread. 

First stop – Whole Foods. Their assortment of prepared foods, snacks, beverages, and essentials is sure to check a bunch off of your list. Visit the olive bar to pick some accompaniments for your thinly sliced prosciutto and aged sharp cheddar. Then, head to the veggies and fruit aisles for some fresh melon or strawberries and pre-cut vegetables to enjoy with a rich and creamy dip. Hot fried chicken with their famous BLT Pasta Salad or Mediterranean Crunch Salad is sure to be the perfect main course. Then finish with a delicious pie or fresh cookies. To eat, you must have the necessary flatware. Grab their compostable plates and cups. 

Next up – beverages from BIN201. Their associates put a great deal of care into finding well-balanced, great-tasting wines. Grab a few of their new arrivals like the Santa Barbara Winery Pinot Noir or the Prisma Sauvignon Blanc. Or, craft some cocktails with their beer, liquor, and mix assortment. It is the perfect catch-all location to suffice all of your thirsty needs!

Picnic basics are an absolute must. Head on over to Bed Bath & Beyond for the cliche basket, blanket, and don’t forget the tunes! They have all of the essentials and then some. From totes to cooler bags and bug sprays to decorative trays. You can even grab some cute napkins and place settings that can easily coordinate with your go-to outfit. Speaking of wardrobe. Shop stylish shirt dresses, crop tops, midi skirts, skinny jeans, maxi dresses, and picnic-inspired accessories from a number of our boutique row retailers like Anthropologie, J.Jill, Scout & Molly’s, and South Moon Under. You will be hitting the park in no time with some stylish looks!

Stay up to date with everything we have going on at the Annapolis Town Center by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Break out the fancy glasses and the colorful garnishes. We have the top drinks to try, buy, and make at Annapolis Town Center. All picture-perfect for poolside fun, lively get-togethers, or relaxing under a blanket made for two under the stars.

BIN201 

Beat the heat and please your palate with a number of refreshing wines at BIN201. Sip from a few best-selling brands like Bellevue, 99 Vines, Prisma, and Between the Vines. Can’t decide on the best option? Sign up for their Case Of The Month where they pick the top bottles to savor based on the season. You can even shop a collection of beer and liquor to make your own concoctions at home. Including Tres Agaves Margarita Mix, CANE Mixers Guava Tiki Punch, and Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic.

Whole Foods Market

Stay cool with Whole Foods’ assortment of wines, beer, and fresh ingredients. Enjoy some bubbles with their Deccolio Prosecco or check out Frey Agriculturist Organic Blanc if you are looking for a sweet white. You can even try your hands at mixing your own by getting creative with a few unexpected ingredients to make the perfect drink. Blend some cucumbers, cherries, pomegranate juice, and mint to make a refreshing cucumber cooler; just add ice and your favorite liquor. Make a refreshing soda with a summer staple – lemonade. Blend bottled lemonade with strawberries and top it off with some prosecco or sparkling wine. 

On-Property Restaurants

Fresh summer flavors have arrived at the Town Center. Visit the newly opened True Food Kitchen to enjoy a number of their hand-crafted cocktails built around seasonality, quality ingredients and simple preparations. A few fan favorites include their Dragon Fruit Margarita with organic tequila, dragon fruit, ginger, and lime. Or, The Monarch featuring organic gin, elderflower, butterfly pea flower, and tonic. Cooper’s Hawk boasts a wide selection of seasonal wines that are sure to please everyone. Sip on their Spritzy Rose or enjoy one of their refreshing sangrias like Raspberry, Peach, and Cranberry.

 

Stay up to date with everything we have going on at the Annapolis Town Center by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Warmer months are for the outdoors, for getting together, for fun in the sun. The best way to take full advantage of your summer is to ensure you are also taking care of yourself! Thankfully, Annapolis Town Center has a number of ways to help you take your wellness up a notch. From dining to fitness and treatments to creative expression – our tenants can enhance your sunny season.

Choose Healthy Eats

Nutritious meals are one of the keys to a healthier life. A balanced, colorful diet will nourish your body, mind, and soul. The property’s newest establishment, True Food Kitchen, operates on the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse, and that great tasting dishes and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as the foundation for a life well-lived. Their seasonal menus take you on a journey into a new way of eating where delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand-in-hand. You can even enjoy their nutrient-dense staples alfresco style on their airy and spacious patio. Need a faster option? Whole Foods is known for selling a wide variety of organic, quality products and sourcing only sustainably farmed produce and humanely-raised meats. They are the perfect choice for a quick meal, wholesome snack, and even meal prep necessities. 

Get Some Exercise

Warm weather and clear skies are the perfect excuses to get outdoors and stretch your legs. Visit Charm City Run to get fitted with the latest gear and accessories that will have you working out in style. They even host a number of events throughout the year that encourage you to step it out – whether running or walking. New to the property is Ruah Yoga. They offer a number of meditation and yoga sessions to help you along on your fitness journey.

Indulge In Self Care

Make it about you! Relax, recharge, and become your best self when you book a day or even 30 minutes of health and wellness. About Faces Day Spa & Salon has a number of treatments that cater to your specific needs and wants. Enjoy a body wrap, a facial or a deep-tissue massage. Looking for a little change? Head over to Salon Unlimited for a new haircut or color. Or, give your nails a fresh coat at Paint Nailbar. No matter how small or big of a change, it will be worth it!

Express Yourself

Creativity helps boost brain health, improves moods, and allows you to connect with who you are on a deeper level. Let your inner artist shine at Muse Paintbar. Whether on your own or with a friend, take a class or book a private event. Want to bring the fun home? Then Paper Source is your go-to. Pick-up some stationary for crafts, grab a few cute gifts to make your own gift basket or keep it simple and purchase one of their DIY kits. It is fun for the whole family!

 

Stop by Annapolis Town Center for a full day of wellness! Make sure to stay up to date on all things Town Center by following us on Instagram and Facebook!