Crockpot. Slow cooker. Whatever you call it, this handy machine reigns as my all-time favorite kitchen gadget. Especially during the holidays.

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!

This time of year is so much fun, but jam-packed with parties, events and travel… leaving little time for home-cooked healthy meals. That’s why I had to make this Orange Honey Tilapia Slow Cooker RecipeI saw on @StephanieOdea‘s A Year of Slow Cooking site.

It was super-easy and a great way to use up frozen fish. I simply placed frozen tilapia on large piece of alumnium foil, added honey and balsamic vinegar (how can you go wrong with that combination?) and topped with canned mandarin oranges. After closing the foil to make a pouch, I cooked the fish about 2.5 hours until it was thoroughly cooked. I served alongside a mixed greens salad withcucumbers, tomatoes and white beans drizzled with a homemade olive oil-balsamic vinegar-honey dressing.

It was easy, festive and delicious. Even my kids gobbled up this dish, no surprise since they both love mandarin oranges. And since all I had to was plate the fish and toss together a quick salad, we had enough time to enjoy a nutritious meal AND the evening’s holiday festivities.

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and healthy New Year’s! See you in 2014.

-Posted by Rima Kleiner, MS, RD-