Slow Cooker Cashew Nut Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 - 4 boneless chicken breasts (chopped into large chunks)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (this is optional - see below)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 garlic gloves minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger (less if not freshly grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup of cashews

Instructions

1. Optional: in ziplock bag put cornstarch and pepper and chicken and coat - then brown in skillet (about 2 minutes per side). If freezing this meal - skip this step (I don't do it in general but some people like it a little crispy and this will give you that texture).

2. Combine all ingredients except cornstarch and chicken. Mix well.
3. Put chicken in slow cooker (or in freezer bag) and pour mixture over.
4. Freeze or put in slow cooker for 4 hours on low (5 - 6 hours on low if frozen)

Note: Slow cooker times may vary depending on your slow cooker 

Woodland Themed Birthday

I found a variety of woodland animals this fall at the craft store and saved them for this day! The squirrel was hot glued to the sign! I just printed the sign at Walgreens and Used modge podge to attach it to canvas! 

We did easy food this year: pork and chicken BBQ sandwiches, baked mac and cheese, hickory and brown sugar baked beans, mini apples, and mixed berries! 

Mini apples are so fun for toddlers!

The dessert bar! We had chocolate cupcakes with vanilla marshmallow frosting and crystal "snow" (sprinkles). Hedgehog donut holes, extra large marshmallow s'more pops, "bear poop" (chocolate covered cranberries), and S'mores trail mix. 

The s'mores pops were so easy! Just melt dark and semisweet chocolate in a bowl and dip extra large marshmallows, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs! 

The hedgehog donut holes were so fun! Just make or buy plain donut holes, make a powdered sugar/milk "glue," and roll in chocolate sprinkles! Use an edible marker to draw eyes and a nose! 

Cupcake heaven! These are the easiest cupcakes! I used marshmallow / vanilla icing and then rolled them in white sprinkles. I made them a little messy when icing, so it would look like snow. The toppers are round wood cutouts from the craft store with hot glued toothpicks. Easy breezy! 

Fun straws and evergreen trees to continue the theme. 

Lots of woodland animals, pine cones, and moss to decorate.  It maybe took 10 minutes to decorate the table.