When I first graduated from college, almost FIVE years ago now, I thought for sure I'd do a short stint in St. Louis and then convince Ryan to move back to the Chicago suburbs, close to my family. I couldn't have been more wrong. I've fallen in love with St. Louis--we love our jobs, our house, our church community, our friends--that I can't even fathom moving away right now. Even better, two of my three siblings live within 10 minutes of me, meaning the thing I was most sad about leaving behind in Chicago is practically a nonissue. The problem, of course, is that missing brother and my parents...we're still working on changing their permanent address!
I was spoiled all summer long and into the fall, seeing my parents more times over the course of a few months than I had in the last year. We were in Chicago for multiple celebrations, they were in St. Louis for wedding planning and the event itself, and then we ran 200 miles and drank wine together in Napa. I returned home mid-September not really knowing when we'd be back in Chicago or they in St. Louis. What's one to do in this situation? Eat foods that remind them of home! These were previously featured on the blog but were in need of an updated picture and recent readers deserved a chance to hear about them. These remind me of home, as we ate these sandwiches many times growing up, never once complaining. They're a family favorite and now I know why my mom never denied our requests to have them--they couldn't be easier!
Throw the ingredients in the crockpot and forget about them! I had to speed the cooking up this time and put the slow cooker on high for a few hours but I recommend cooking longer at a lower heat if possible to maximize the tenderness of the meat. They're a great party food or, if you're more, a classic comfort food!

One Year Ago: Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread (one of the most viewed recipes on The Sweets Life!)
Two Years Ago: Peanut Butter Banana Panini
Three Years Ago: Caramel Corn
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients:
-2 1/2 - 3 lbs chuck roast
-1 package dried onion soup mix
-1/3 cup packed brown sugar
-3/4 cup ketchup

Directions:
1. Place meat in crockpot. Cover with soup mix, brown sugar, and ketchup.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until meat can be easily shredded.
3. Shred meat with 2 forks. Serve on buns.