Slow Cooker

[PyreneesPlot]

I'm thinking one of these might be a good idea as we can use it on sunny days for free

I've always been reluctant before as my mum has one and despite being a very, very good cook could never produce anything but bland food out of it and finally gave up using it. Then last week we had a vat of stew cooked by a friend in her crockpot and it was delicious.

So, who uses one and any recommendations for models?

[Glutton4...]

There are many threads on the Vine extolling their virtues, PP. Have a quick search. They're fab!

[Thelma Sanders]

Bland food is caused by lack of tasting to correct the seasoning, no other way to put it, sorry!

The other thing is to not put too much liquid in, because there doesn't seem to be much evaporation.

IMO they're very good and my food isn't bland

[Mr Bones]

We were bought a Toscos one as a present, it seems a bit strange preparing the ingredients in the morning but coming in from the cold to tender-cooked meat in a curry or casserole is well worth it.

[JanieB]

I love my slow cooker. It's kept me fed over the last 6 weeks with no kitchen. And I agree with Thelma. I use the same recipes I'd use with a cooker but reduce the amount of liquid. It makes a fantastic chicken tandoori.

[vixylix]

I LOVE my slow cooker and havent had a bad meal from it - pulled pork or stew could not be better - just get lots of flavour in there up front!

Mine's morphy Richards, although I've used a few others over the years and they're much the same. I'd look at the size and the settings - do you want an automatic setting etc

You wont regret it

[Kirk]

Notice you say:

Then last week we had a vat of stew cooked by a friend in her crockpot and it was delicious.

There is make called Crockpot, they have a slightly fancy pot bit, looks nice but avoid. They are not easy to clean once used. Food sticks everywhere and not easy to get at it. The other aspect is the pot bit is ceramic and if you break it then it is simpler to buy another slow cooker. I somehow have not broken mine yet but dread everytime I try and clean the thing.

Suppose a cool wall one is better but not many around, they do not allow heat out to heat the kitchen so much.

[Bill HH]

I regularly make oxtail stew in mine, you get a better more gentle simmer with a slow cooker, when i use the cooker hob I am constantly having to adjust it. As for flavour,this stuff makes my toes curl.

[susieq100]

I bought a cheap and cheerful one from Aldi, ceramic dish type. I use it at least 2-3 times a week, more in the winter. Soups, curries, Moroccan chicken or lamb, put a gammon joint in with a little water and be amazed, and as for any casserole! Really, really good. Cheap to run and you can use the cheaper cuts of meat and get brilliant results. Veggie curry is also awesome as is 3 Bean chilli if you don't eat meat.

[Glutton4...]

We have the large sized one, same brand as previously mentioned. It has a brown glazed ceramic/earthenware pot and lid, and is very robust. (Apart from the melted controls when daft Hubby sat it on the hob, and turned the wrong ring on! He's killed a toaster that way too.)

Getting used to it, is rather like getting used to an A.ga - you learn to adapt your recipes to suit the cooking method, instead of the other way round.

I have a friend who puppy-sits for another friend, whilst they're at work. She always comes back saying she's hungry, because the puppy-owner has the slow-cooker going, and their dinner usually smalls delish!

[noviceveggrower]

I use our to make beef stew. I just put my veg in the bottom and meat on top. Then put a stock cube on top and then top up with water. I usually put it on a low cook programme but then an hour before I dish it up I put it on high and put some gravy granules in to thicken it up.
Think we got our from Tescos.

[PyreneesPlot]

Thanks guys - and how about veggie dishes as meat is an occasional treat here, slthough I have chicken stock from time to time?

That was probably the bland problem we had - I'd just gone veggie and mum wasn't able to rely on meat & meat stocks so it was probably all a bit watery. However well you season water, it is still water!

Um, thanks Kirk, I'd been looking at Crockpots as that was indeed the one my friend had. I was on cleaning duty and didn't see a problem with it, but admit to being a little hungover and bleary-eyed at the time

[muddled]

Okay...it's not just for stew you know...

Here's why I couldn't live without mine; (and mine has the ceramic pot inside)

Mulled wine.
Mulled wine made in the slow cooker is wonderful....almost zero evaporation, keeps warm all evening, makes the house smell all Krissmassie (for teetotallers mulled apple juice is lovely too)

Hot chocolate.
On snowdays we fill with hot chocolate (including actual chocolate and milk for superior flavour) on it goes...out we go.... hotty choccy waiting for us on our return yummy!

Steamed puddings.
Jam sponges, treacle sponges, spotted watsits and bread puddin'
No chance of them burning dry....no space taken in the oven when you're cooking your roast!

Veg at christmas.
Cook your veg...bung in the slow cooker, keeps everything warm and delicious and out of the way while you get everything together (no more clouds of steam...frizzy hair, flushed face flustered look when you dish up)

Slow cookers are, in my opinion, the absolute best invention for cooks since fire

[astraman1]

there brill i use mine for cooking rice making soups love butternut soup

would be interested in making a curry in it anyone have a good recipe

infact i love them that much i now have 2 slow cookers

[bramble]

I usually just do soups and stews in mine, slthough after reading the posts on here I will be more adventureous from now on.