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Once-a-Week Cooking

Slow Cooker(Crockpot) Help

25 years ago

I have recently bought a slow cooker thought it would make cooking a whole lot easier, and it does, but the problem is that my husband doesn't like anything FANCY. He also doesn't like ham or Roast beef. So I am wondering if any of you can share some SIMPLE family favorite with me.

Thanks

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Comments (13)

Sallyab
25 years ago
Hi Juliann,
I have a husband like that too, but he enjoys my cooking. I like to make cube steak( tenderized at the store), put in crock pot with sliced onion, can of cream of mushroom soup( no water added) and a 1/2 can of beef broth. Let it cook about 5 hrs.We like it over mashed potatoes, or rice, or noodles.

You could also cook off chicken in the crockpot, with some celery, and water, and make chicken and biscuits. Very easy, and deffinitely not fancy.
mzdee_excite_com
25 years ago
Juliann,
For me, its a lot easier in the winter. Soups, stews, they're all easy and delicious when simmered for a long time. You could do spaghetti sauce. I've even seen a recipe for crockpot lasagna. You can also do chicken in a simple sauce.
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There's a reason you cannot find a comparable cooker today. Those old cookers weren't safe. The problem is, those old cookers didn't get hot enough to cook food safely--so the newer ones are hotter to prevent the growth of bacteria. I don't think you're going to be able to find a new crockpot that cooks as slowly as those old ones do. And that's a good thing--your family's health is far more important. Look, why not adapt your crockpot recipes to FAST cooking. I haven't found a crock pot recipe yet that I can't convert into a 30 minute (or less) meal. The less time you run your appliances, the more energy $$$ you save. The faster you cook your food, the more nutrients and flavor you conserve. I'd rather cook 20-30 minutes in the evening, and serve my family healthy, fresh food, than save 5 minutes of my prep time and give them something that's been heating all day. Isn't that the complaint people generally have about cafeterias and other inexpensive restaurants? That the food has been sitting around and sitting around? If it's not good enough for you when you go out to eat, WHY would anyone consider that adequate for the family they love? Sorry, I get a little over-the-top about crockpots. It's such a wasteful (in so many ways) way to cook food, and I'm such a proponent of fresh, nutrient-packed dishes for my family, that I really become passionate when this topic comes up.
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RuthieG_mediaone_net
25 years ago
I think this time of the year is perfect for the crock pot cause it doesn't heat up the kitchen like the oven or range......
Juliann
Original Author
25 years ago
Thanks for the replies, Sallyab I will definately try the recipe you gave me that sounds wonderful.
Mzdee could you maybe share some of your fovorite soup and stew recipes, I also agree that now is a good time to use the crock pot because my kitchen doesn't heat up then.
Well tonight I made cabbage soup with groud beef in it that we will eat tomorrow for lunch....let's hope my husband likes that.
mamabirdx5_netzero_net
25 years ago
I recently "Barbequed" my chicken in the crockpot. All I did was put the chicken pieces in the crockpot and pour the Barbeque Sauce straight from the jar over the pieces and turned on the crockpot. Voila! Yum, yum!
mamabirdx5_netzero_net
25 years ago
Yes, I too love that it helps keep the kitchen cooler during the summer months. I also like to bake my potatoes in the crockpot. I make enough for dinner and also extras that I put in the fridge for the next day to make potatoe salad with. To bake the potatoes just wash carefully, leave the skins on, wipe excess water off but leave pototes dampened. Place in crockpot and cook. No need to prick and no need for foil.
voguevixen_hotmail_com
25 years ago
I'd love to bake potatoes that way! How long do you leave them in? (High/low, etc?)

Also, if you have a meat, and a sauce or liquid you're pretty much good to go with a crockpot. Similar to the BBQ chicken idea, I've done chicken with tomato sauce, onions, peppers and cumin served over rice, chicken with spaghetti sauce served with pasta, and one of our favorites is to put a whole chicken (skin removed) in with about half a can of Swanson's Roasted Garlic broth. Comes out delicious and falling off the bone. I use the rest of the can to make flavored rice or mashed potatoes. Very elegant but easy.
mamabirdx5_netzero_net
25 years ago
I learned how to bake the potatoes right here from the wonderful people in this message board. I've included the link below. Enjoy!

Here is a link that might be useful: Baked potatoes in the crockpot
Juliann
Original Author
25 years ago
Jane I was just wondering if you or anyone else knew if that recipe for barbeque chicken in the crockpot could be frozen or not. As well how long and temp do I put it in the crockpot for
mamabirdx5_netzero_net
25 years ago
Juliann,
I haven't tried freezing the barbequed chicken because we eat it all up each time I make it :) I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

Depending on when I need my meal is how I choose Low or High power to cook the chicken. I use Low for about 4-5 hours (like before going to church in the A.M. to have an early afternoon meal) or on High for 8-10 hours to cook all day while I am busy with the kiddos.

The crockpot is very forgiving just check it to see if it's done, if not continue cooking. If it is done earlier than you are it can stay there safely until you are ready.

As to how much barbeque sauce, just pour it on to coat the pieces you have, no need to measure.
SMoore8828_AOL_com
25 years ago
Here is a very good easy corn recipe for the crockpot.

Charlie's Creamy Corn

20 oz. frozen corn
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
3 Tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste

Put in crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours.
( I just put it all in the pot and wait until it is heated through and then stir to mix and finish heating. Hope your husband likes it)
JimiJosGal_aol_com
25 years ago
I was at the library and checked out this book: "Fix-It and Forget-It", by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good. Talk about reeeeeal recipes...this book is fantastic! It's only $13.95 and you better believe I'm buying a copy! =oD
lois_thegardner_sympatico_ca
25 years ago
Go into "search" and type in "Crock pot collection" and you'll find pages and pages of recipes. Just take your pick. There are some very excellent recipes here. Hope this helps

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