What to do with a Slow Cooker?

[suziq]

mine has chicken and mushroom soup in it, had veg soup today and carrot and butternut squash yesterday :)

[paulapudding]

I have a 6ltr one and to be honest, if I didn't do large joints in it, a 3ltr would be plenty.

I attempted spag bol in it over the weekend and half me 6lt one cooked 4 batches for 2 adults.

Thanks NitWit:) I get more confused with more choices ! Round or oval, auto/lo/hi?, capacity, etc,etc :D

[suziq]

i have high low and warm
auto would be useful

[Floosy]

I have low, medium, high and off lol...

[paulapudding]

I have low, medium, high and off lol...

lol - my cooking techniques are currently switched off :D

[paulapudding]

I've inherited ! a cookworks sc1606 slow cooker :)
Just trying to find a manual for it :ohwell:

[Grace & Favour]

Just found this:
Free from: dairy, wheat, gluten, soya, egg and nuts Ingredients
1.5 kg/3lb 5oz pot roast of beef
9 small red onions, peeled but kept whole
1 head fennel, chopped roughly
6 small, whole beets, scrubbed, topped and tailed
¼ medium red cabbage, sliced
2 heaped tsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed
several stalks of fresh parsley
4 bay leaves
1 litre/35fl oz wheat-free & gluten-free stock
300ml/10fl oz red wine (optional - if you don't want to use wine, use an extra 300ml/10fl oz of stock)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve
baked potatoes
green vegetables of your choice

Method
1. Put the pot roast in the middle of a heavy casserole.
2. Surround it with the onions, fennel, beets and red cabbage. Sprinkle over the coriander seeds, add the parsley and bay leaves.
3. Pour in the stock and red wine, if you are using it.
4. Cover the pot and bring slowly to the boil. Turn down the heat and cook very slowly for 2-2½ hours. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker overnight.
5. Allow the meat to get cold and remove any extra fat.
6. Reheat gently.
7. To serve, place the pot roast in the middle of a platter and surround it with the vegetables.
8. Serve with baked potatoes and lots of extra green vegetables.

[paulapudding]

Is it normal for the lid to 'rattle' a bit, bubbling round the rim ? it was on high at the time ...

[Zaul]

Is it normal for the lid to 'rattle' a bit, bubbling round the rim ? it was on high at the time ...

Mine does that.Try to make sure the lip of the sc is relatively dry before putting the lid on.I dry round the edge with a bit kitchen towel before returning the lid if I need check on it/add stuff during cooking.Watch the fingers though as its hot

[paulapudding]

Mine does that.Try to make sure the lip of the sc is relatively dry before putting the lid on.I dry round the edge with a bit kitchen towel before returning the lid if I need check on it/add stuff during cooking.Watch the fingers though as its hot

Thanks for that :) It was tester day yesterday, whilst we were in, coz I daren't leave it on if we were out for the 1st time :rolleyes:

[Zaul]

Thanks for that :) It was tester day yesterday, whilst we were in, coz I daren't leave it on if we were out for the 1st time :rolleyes:

I'm still a bit of a novice with the sc compaired to others on here, but I always put mine on low or Auto when I go out.Happy to stand corrected if anyone thinks its ok to leave it on high though.

[paulapudding]

I'm still a bit of a novice with the sc compaired to others on here, but I always put mine on low or Auto when I go out.Happy to stand corrected if anyone thinks its ok to leave it on high though.

No, I agree for my next trial = low/auto ! It was only due to rushing about I did that :D;)

[suziq]

i have no idea what i have just put in it lol
i think perhaps it's chinese ribs, with tinned tomatoes, pasta and veg stock, watch this space

[daphne~sparkle]

Oooh excited!!
I bought a Topside of Water Buffalo today which I plan to cook in my S/C - according to the bumf its low in fat/cholesterol and high in Omega 3.

[suziq]

water buffalo
?
blimey

[Zaul]

(Guessing catering sized slow cooker:behindsofa::D)

[daphne~sparkle]

Ha ha - its a 1kg topside so a managable size.
It appears to be very healthy http://puddledubbuffalo.co.uk/images/Nutrition.jpg and is supposed to taste amazing - described as the way beef use to taste - I have high hopes!

ds x

[baffled]

I say chaps,
Mock ye not!

I'm working on a transition recipe to convert the North Lancashire traditional dish of 'Armadillo baked in clay' to a s/c compatible recipe.



[Having great trouble getting the drive to do a 'tripe cook', tho.].

B.. :)

[suziq]

is it farmed? and where?

[daphne~sparkle]

It is farmed at Aberchirder ~ North East Scotland ~ about 1/2 hour from me, our local fish shop are a stockist for them. They dont have a website but this farm does for further info, I notice they also deliver ~ http://www.puddledubbuffalo.co.uk/

HTH
ds x

[Mamzie]

I found this article with some good hints and tips I thought you all might like on meal savers. I've also signed up for the PDF receipes there.

Slow Cooking crock pot Receipes (http://www.mealsavers.co.uk/main/?page_id=2124#wpcf7-f6-p2124-o1)

[suziq]

reduced staek with whole onions, corgette and mushrooms with spud crust! :)
leftovers tommoz with added 10 bean mix, pasta mushrooms and celery :)
who did the cooked breaky in it? i tried at weekend, was a bit odd, need some help with that one lol

[Mamzie]

Had a wonderful leg of lamb from the sc. Amazed my parents, cooked it overnight with onion, carrots and rosemary added for flavour, soooo tender, and not greasy/clammy even when cold tonight with our fry up.

[Grace & Favour]

reduced staek with whole onions, corgette and mushrooms with spud crust! :)
leftovers tommoz with added 10 bean mix, pasta mushrooms and celery :)
who did the cooked breaky in it? i tried at weekend, was a bit odd, need some help with that one lol

Sounds interesting Suzi . . . .


What are the meals like in English???
(:D:D:D:D:D:D)

[paulapudding]

Thanks to all on here, I've made a few mean stews/casseroles - DH loves it that I'm venturing into the kitchen :D
Trying gammon tomorrow, got it soaking overnight - hope it's right !!
Is it best done in stock? I also have tinned pineapple ... um, not sure:confused:

[suziq]

those in the know say delia cooks gammon in coke and it's gorgy :)
not tried it myself
made soup at me sisters tho, tho missed the eating of it

[closemead]

those in the know say delia cooks gammon in coke and it's gorgy :)
not tried it myself
made soup at me sisters tho, tho missed the eating of it

Nigella cooks it in cherry coke and we cook ours in coke in the slow cooker it is delicious and doesn't taste of coke just slightly sweet and melt in your mouth.

[paulapudding]

Not sure if brave enough for coke yet :)

[dingaling]

Nigella cooks it in cherry coke and we cook ours in coke in the slow cooker it is delicious and doesn't taste of coke just slightly sweet and melt in your mouth.


OMG!! This is the only way to cook gammon! We absolutely love it! DD2 had it as her birthday dinner! MMMMMMMMMMMMM!!! And very very easy, just put the gammon in a big pot with one onion cut in half and 2 litres of fat coke/ fat cherry coke and cook! We tried the cherry coke and it didnt taste any different from normal coke. We are trying it with tesco own fat coke next. Oh once you take it out of the coke, cut of the fat, smear with black treacle, englich mustard powder and brown sugar and put in hot oven, mmmmmmmmmmmmm, oh dear drooling on my key board now...........:D

[paulapudding]

Think I've lead a sheltered life !! or will have to start watching cookery programs !!!
lol dingaling :)

[Mamzie]

Does it have to be fat coke, we only get the diet stuff here...

Roasted our beef in our sc for last Sunday, yummy...

[dingaling]

Does it have to be fat coke, we only get the diet stuff here...

Roasted our beef in it for last Sunday, yummy...
It has to be fat coke for the sugar content, the last lot we used for the coke points and got the free coke zero with the vouchers.

[pookienoodle]

if you do a search for recipes with coke you will find loads of really good ones,the Americans use it in loads of things,bbq ribs made with coke are great.

[penfold]

and I think Lidl have their gammon joints on offer this week for £2.49...think I might have just solved dinner for tomorrow!

[mhoc]

Just trawling through all the useful advice, up to page 16 already.

One problem I can think of. it looks like for beef, pork etc you can just chop and bung everything in.

But for chicken breasts and pieces they need browning which could be gross at 7 in the morning when I can barely see, more dead than alive and even the cats have to eat outside -the cat food smell makes me heave :D

And getting up a bit earlier to explore the fridge contents, peel and cut veggies up.

Also can you warm the cooker up before/as you are adding to it and can you add a few more veggies a bit later?

[suziq]

i dont brown the chicken, just pop it all in!
u can always put everything in the pot and leave in the fridge overnight then bang it in in the morning

[Unintended Muse]

I've never browned any meat I've cooked so far either and never had any problems. In fact I often chop up chicken breast fillets that I've bought reduced to clear and either chuck in whatever veg I have to hand with some stock, or if I have things like peppers and mushrooms, I may throw in a jar of some kind of sauce instead.

I find the slow cooker ideal for using up odds and ends. I'd defrosted some turkey steaks that had been bought for pennies, but then never managed to get out to buy veg, so threw in a tin each of sweetcorn and chick peas and handful of frozen peas, some shallots [also bought reduced] and a jar of Homepride Provencal Sauce [on BOGOF til 21st]. It was absolutely lovely!

[aniseed-ball]

I've just sat and read all 54 pages of ideas, and got some great ones :D I already use my slow cooker quite a bit, I did chocolate rice pudding yesterday. Off to put jacket potatoes in for tea :)

[suziq]

blimey ab, well done

[northantblue]

OH came home with a slow cooker for me this morning have read thro most of the thread the booklet that came with mine says to brown the meat first and some of the veg,am I right in thinking that the majority of you just throw uncooked ingredients in and plug in.
I work nights and was hoping to come in from work sort out my slow cooker then hop into bed and wake up later in the day to a wonderful meal.
Any help would be appreciated.

[tyroleandancer]

OH came home with a slow cooker for me this morning have read thro most of the thread the booklet that came with mine says to brown the meat first and some of the veg,am I right in thinking that the majority of you just throw uncooked ingredients in and plug in.
I work nights and was hoping to come in from work sort out my slow cooker then hop into bed and wake up later in the day to a wonderful meal.
Any help would be appreciated.

I just throw it in and pray :lol:

[Beacon]

Depending on what is going in the slow cooker, I do sometimes pop everything in a big pyrex bowl and microwave it for several minutes on high just to soften veg and 'warm things up', then put them in the slow cooker. Hope this helps.

[NitWit]

I recently chucked in some pork steaks on high, just seasoned and they came out fab. They fell apart and I have done them that way ever since.

[northantblue]

Thanks for all the advice will have a try with some pork tomorrow.

[carismacab]

Thinking about buying the Breville 4.5L slow cooker in argos sale at the moment it's half price @ £19.49 anyone know if any good?

Have enough nectar points to get another £5 off.

Thanks,

Graham

[hydro]

Only just found this thread and haven't read it all yet - just the last page. But I've been using a slow cooker for years and my tips are:

You can prepare the food before you go to bed, but don't refrigerate it, it takes too long to start cooking. With the long time it will cooked there is no prospect of food poisoning which seems to be a concern to some people.

Always add hot liquid not cold when you are about to start cooking.

Thicken 'sauce' at the end of cooking - corn flour is more successful than normal flour.

A head of garlic cloves, some shallots, a splash of while wine, a stock cube and some chicken legs make a meal that could be served in a restaurant!

Root vegetables take longer than meat - so cut them small and make sure they are submerged in liquid.

Brisket makes a lovely 'roast' and only need a little liquid.

Pearl Barley is lovely cooked with chicken or lamb and needs adding at the start.

These are just a few things that come to mind.

[yorkielass]

mine contains the bones from yesterday's chicken, some water, seasoning and a few veg.

Hey presto by the end of today I will have some lovely chicken stock!

[suziq]

nice one yorkie!


[ she bought me mine for xmas!]

[pookienoodle]

Only just found this thread and haven't read it all yet - just the last page. But I've been using a slow cooker for years and my tips are:

You can prepare the food before you go to bed, but don't refrigerate it, it takes too long to start cooking. With the long time it will cooked there is no prospect of food poisoning which seems to be a concern to some people.

Always add hot liquid not cold when you are about to start cooking.

Thicken 'sauce' at the end of cooking - corn flour is more successful than normal flour.

A head of garlic cloves, some shallots, a splash of while wine, a stock cube and some chicken legs make a meal that could be served in a restaurant!

Root vegetables take longer than meat - so cut them small and make sure they are submerged in liquid.

Brisket makes a lovely 'roast' and only need a little liquid.

Pearl Barley is lovely cooked with chicken or lamb and needs adding at the start.

These are just a few things that come to mind.

NOT true I am afraid.
Its not the bacteria you have to worry about in unrefridgerated food,its the spores and toxins that form.
these are NOT destroyed by the temperature found in a slowcooker,some are even capable of surviving the commercial canning process.
These toxins can make you very ill and in some cases kill.
certain strains of Ecoli are a perfect example of this.

[yorkielass]

update on yesterday:- chicken stock was drained at about 8pm - 3/4 will be frozen for future use.

The other 1/4 was thrown in a saucepan with the leftover gravy,an onion,2 carrots and 2 potatoes and left to it's own devices whilst i advised on the ongoing Geography project.

When oh came in from losing at cricket his tea was all ready for him...with the leftovers being my lunch today! So that's 6 good portions from a £2 chicken!

[pookienoodle]

update on yesterday:- chicken stock was drained at about 8pm - 3/4 will be frozen for future use.

The other 1/4 was thrown in a saucepan with the leftover gravy,an onion,2 carrots and 2 potatoes and left to it's own devices whilst i advised on the ongoing Geography project.

When oh came in from losing at cricket his tea was all ready for him...with the leftovers being my lunch today! So that's 6 good portions from a £2 chicken!

excellent,
just proves that with a little effort you can cook delicious food for very little.

[suziq]

yay nice one!

anyone made gaspachio? [sp] wonder what cold soup would be like

[RT7]

Just bumping this up for any new recipes.

[scrumpyjane]

Glad you have :). I use mine alot, had it a few years, it's a Morphy Richards brought from T's ages ago.

I'm normally organised and put stuff in it early enough. Today i put in chicken breasts and bunged a tin of Homepride white wine and cream sauce at around five and the chicken still looks a bit pink. Does anyone know if the inner part can go in the oven with foil over to finish it off please? Got know idea if it can as i've long lost the booklet! Getting beyond hungry now lol.

[RT7]

Glad you have :). I use mine alot, had it a few years, it's a Morphy Richards brought from T's ages ago.

I'm normally organised and put stuff in it early enough. Today i put in chicken breasts and bunged a tin of Homepride white wine and cream sauce at around five and the chicken still looks a bit pink. Does anyone know if the inner part can go in the oven with foil over to finish it off please? Got know idea if it can as i've long lost the booklet! Getting beyond hungry now lol.

I would stick it in the oven to be 100% sure.

[scrumpyjane]

Thanks RT7, but what i was wondering is the inner bit of the cooker, oven proof?. If it's not i'll transfer it into something else :).

[RT7]

Not sure if it is ovenproof, would put it in a pyrex dish.

[vikki]

The ceramic pot should be oven proof

[scrumpyjane]

Thanks, obviously the lids not because it's got a plastic knob :nono:, i'm not that daft, but thought the inner bit should be. I'm starving but oh has the footie on and is saying there's no rush :(

[Polo]

I'd just whip it out and dry fry it Scrumpy in frying pan, would be quicker than the oven?

[Polo]

I love my slow cooker but forgot to put mine on early enough the other day and nothing was cooked - even the carrots lol

[scrumpyjane]

Thanks Polo, i've decided if he's not bothered nor am i lol. If it gets cooked it gets eaten, in the meantime he's happy watching the footie, i'm happy on my lappy with a glass of wine so alls well :)

[scrooge]

Made a sort of potato bake in mine today - cheap and cheerful cos pay day tmrw!

Put chopped toms on bottom then layered potatoes, grated cheese, bit of bacon we had left, onion and more toms. Finished with potatoes then worried it would stick so put bit olive oil on top.
Prepared it last night and bunged it on low all day while at work.

Was tasty and cheap!

[Mamzie]

Did you have much liquid, it sounds yummy, but I always seem to make soups, stews or cover a roast with liquid with mine..

[thetrushells]

thoughtid pop this on here (not sure if its the right place)went to argos yesterday and they had the large cookworks cooker ,6.5l half price at £14.95.used to have 1 years ago and cant wait to start using it!!!

[scrooge]

Mamzie - not much liquid at all, started used tin and half of chopped toms but made it in huge 6.5l slow cooker and perhaps tablespoon olive oil.
Didn't stick and cleaned really easily:clap2:

[Mamzie]

thats sounds fabulous, thanks for that hun, xxx

[sunny]

Tesco have 2 bags of frozen casserole lamb for £5 at the moment.
Use one of these with a swartz morrocan lamb casserole mix (3 for £2 in morrisons) add some veggies (celery, carrots and onion) and some dried apricots and sultanas, some chopped tomatoes and water, slow-cook for the day.
Really yummy and the kids can't get enough of it as its quite sweet.

[frexy]

Sent for a Slow cooker recipe book from the Book People,will let you know if it is any good.
Good price at 3.99.

[Mamzie]

they had a couple in The Works bookshops in the summer hols.

[Unintended Muse]

I love my slow cooker. I've usually got diced turkey, chicken, beef or pork in the freezer - or something that can easily be diced. I throw the choice of meat in the slow cooker with whatever veg I have to hand and then often add a jar of Homepride sauce or Chicken Tonight - or maybe a Schwartz mix. A change of sauce makes the same old ingredients taste different and we never get bored. I always get my slow cooker on by 9:30am latest and then we eat around 6-7pm usually.

If using a jar of sauce, after emptying it into the crock, I just add a very small amount of water to the jar and swirl it around with the lid on, so that none goes to waste - plus its adds that bit more liquid. As my slow cooker is on all day, if I am using a sauce I do stir it a couple of times late afternoon/evening to sure everything is coated and the sauce doesn't stick around the sides too much.

I do make ordinary casseroles and stews - sometimes adding dumplings towards the end of cooking. If I am cooking a roast or gammon joint, I do cover them with liquid and its always melt in the mouth tender.

[frexy]

my books from the Book People arrived today, just 2 days after ordering, what a great buisness they are and the Slow cooker book looks great,cannot wait to try out some of the recipes, all for £3 99
Ordered another for a chrissie present.

[britchic4]

How long do dumplings need in the slow cooker?
I did a bolognaise sauce yesterday, just to see how it was really, and didn't like it, much preferred when I make it on the hob. The meat didn't taste very nice. Perhaps I overcooked it, but the sauce wasn't as thick as I would have liked it to be. Won't do that again.

[Beej]

Britchic dumplings will take 20 mins, put them in at the end of the cooking but make sure the contents are bubbling away first.

Re: your bolognaise did you add some cornflour mixed with water just before it was ready that should thicken up your sauce.

[suziq]

imade chutney last week then slow cooked a joint of pork with chutney was lush :)
i love my sc too

[britchic4]

Britchic dumplings will take 20 mins, put them in at the end of the cooking but make sure the contents are bubbling away first.

Re: your bolognaise did you add some cornflour mixed with water just before it was ready that should thicken up your sauce.

Thanks Beej. No I didn't add cornflour, but I don't really want cornflour in a ragu, I just want the reduced tomato. Will stick to the hob in future, am fussy about my bolognaise!

[suziq]

i'd do spag bol on the top. tis qwik no prob

[sunny]

Saw a slow cooker recipe book in John Lewis which had deserts cooked in it which I'd never considered before.
Anyone try any sweet recipes in theirs?
thanks.

[frexy]

Saw a slow cooker recipe book in John Lewis which had deserts cooked in it which I'd never considered before.
Anyone try any sweet recipes in theirs?
thanks.

Yes, great for steamed puds...Christmas pudds specially, also reheat your Christmas pud in slow cooker on Christmas day, no topping up , very little steam and frees up a ring on your cooker.
It makes the most lucious rice pudding too.
Done pears in red wine, plums in white wine, lots of desserts.

[Unintended Muse]

How long do dumplings need in the slow cooker?
I did a bolognaise sauce yesterday, just to see how it was really, and didn't like it, much preferred when I make it on the hob. The meat didn't taste very nice. Perhaps I overcooked it, but the sauce wasn't as thick as I would have liked it to be. Won't do that again.

I find dumplings need about half an hour, so you may find you need to experiment a little.

[britchic4]

I find dumplings need about half an hour, so you may find you need to experiment a little.

OK, DH & DS will have no objections at all to me experimenting with dumplings, they adore them!
Must try rice pudding too. Anyone know how long that takes?

[mhoc]

As part of the Marks 3 for £10 promotion I saw a little brisket joint which looked perfect for slow cookers with the usual veg etc

Yes or no?

[Gizmos]

wish could think of a way to compartmentise mine - wld love to do a curry in rice in it

[Maverick]

I find ragu great in the slow cooker, the key is to cook it slow then whack it up with the lid off at the end to thicken.
I use beef and pork mince, chicken livers, bacon, tomatoes, tom puree, garlic onions, basil and red wine, think thats it..... Make enough for about eight meals, I just use enough to coat the pasta. Its really rich and delicious.

[Grace & Favour]

wish could think of a way to compartmentise mine - wld love to do a curry in rice in it

Could you not get some og the 'triangular' separators that one sometimes finds in Billy cans?

[frexy]

Could you not get some og the 'triangular' separators that one sometimes finds in Billy cans?

they have them inside pressure cookers too

[Polo]

ooo never thought of seperators that would be good!

Has anyone made risotto in theirs? I'm loving risotto at the moment but don't quite know how I would make it!

[frexy]

ooo never thought of seperators that would be good!

Has anyone made risotto in theirs? I'm loving risotto at the moment but don't quite know how I would make it!

Havent made a risotto but a recipe in my latest cook book suggests to make it up to the point of adding the hotstock, bring back to the boil, pour into slow cooker cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

[sunflower]

Tesco have 2 bags of frozen casserole lamb for £5 at the moment.
Use one of these with a swartz morrocan lamb casserole mix (3 for £2 in morrisons) add some veggies (celery, carrots and onion) and some dried apricots and sultanas, some chopped tomatoes and water, slow-cook for the day.
Really yummy and the kids can't get enough of it as its quite sweet.

Tried your recipe today (without the celery)it was indeed delicious. Thanks

[Unintended Muse]

Tesco have 2 bags of frozen casserole lamb for £5 at the moment.
Use one of these with a swartz morrocan lamb casserole mix (3 for £2 in morrisons) add some veggies (celery, carrots and onion) and some dried apricots and sultanas, some chopped tomatoes and water, slow-cook for the day.
Really yummy and the kids can't get enough of it as its quite sweet.

Tried your recipe today (without the celery)it was indeed delicious. Thanks

This is also lovely using chicken, rather than lamb.

[pammy]

well I am going through another phase of using the SC :o, I get bored with it and stop using it, then start again.
I have chucked some browned mince and onion in it, with 2 tins of toms, carrots and peas.
I am wondering whether to boil some pots and then put them in with it before I pick the kids up as we havew swimming today. Or would it be best to have pasta with it, quickly done on the hob before serving?

Have also read and heard that sometimes things are better cooked, put in the fridge for a few days and then reheated for better flavour?

[Grace & Favour]

. . . . .
Have also read and heard that sometimes things are better cooked, put in the fridge for a few days and then reheated for better flavour?

The dishes that fall into this category are generally the stronger flavoured dishes - so beef / pork curries, Chilli con Carne, Shepherds pie I prefer to cook, and then either eat one/two days later - or freeze for a week or so - and then eat . .

Mind you - as some peeps know - I normally batch cook - and so freezing is an absolute must of course . . (though it still saves me a great deal of time and I avoid messing about(AKA 'cooking') every evening:)

[pammy]

thanks G&F, not sure how this one is going to turn out!

Am thinking in the new year to even grow herbs (go figure - me growing herbs :eek:)

[Grace & Favour]

thanks G&F, not sure how this one is going to turn out!

Am thinking in the new year to even grow herbs (go figure - me growing herbs :eek:)


I've been known to smoke "herb - - - " (but that's different from growing them!:nono:)

The best seed supplier for culinary herbs I've come across is Nicky's (http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/)

[tiger]

Pammy, herbs are very easy to grow. Many of them are also ornamental as well as having culinary uses, so you can grow them in tubs or baskets.
I love all the marjoram and oregano (same family) in green, gold or variegated forms, coloured sages, endless varieties of thyme and either upright or prostrate rosemary. Put one of each of those in a tub with some parsley and you not only have a useful source of herbs but something to look at too. If it's near the door then you get the fragrance also, especially when the sun is on it.

[pammy]

Think I might start with parsley, oregano, thyme and sage.
Can you sow them anytime of the year?
(sorry prob wrong thread lol)

[Grace & Favour]

Think I might start with parsley, oregano, thyme and sage.
Can you sow them anytime of the year?
(sorry prob wrong thread lol)


Voila (http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Growing%20Herbs.htm)

[pammy]

thats a great site, had a look round all the recipes.
well what turned out to be spag bol was really nice, normally my stuff turns out bland. Kids will take some getting used to as they prefer fish fingers and chips! But they will have to eat it or go hungry ;)
Am doing chicken chasseur tomorrow (found a mix in the cupboard) kids will prob turn there nose up at that as well!

[pammy]

right have emptied the rest into two tubs so have enough for another two meals :D really chuffed with that. the mince cost me £3 and if i had bought them ready made it would have cost me £6ish

A daft question, but how long does it have to cool down for before I put it in the fridge/freezer? will keep one out and freeze one. dont think the kids will want to live on it for a whole week but will have it again in a couple of days with jacket spud hmmmm :)

[Grace & Favour]

right have emptied the rest into two tubs so have enough for another two meals :D really chuffed with that. the mince cost me £3 and if i had bought them ready made it would have cost me £6ish

A daft question, but how long does it have to cool down for before I put it in the fridge/freezer? will keep one out and freeze one. dont think the kids will want to live on it for a whole week but will have it again in a couple of days with jacket spud hmmmm :)

Not daft at all.

You should always let food reach room temperature )or below) before you put it in the freezer . .

If you put hot food in the ;fridge or freezer, you are making the equipment work harder than it was designed for,. and also introducing heat to the food that's already in there!!!! (and increasing your 'leccy bill!)

If you are freezing in bulk - it is better to pack the products in 'thinner' containers rather than large cubes - they cool quicker and more efrfectively

[pammy]

thanks, i did put them in a thin container, the 8pk in poundshop :)
not sure what todays dinner will turn out like, we'll see :o

[smitheim]

Oo, I have a nice stew cooking in my sc now, I use the cheapest local stewing steak (£4.98/k) and it comes out really tender after a good 8 hours slow cooking. Might add some dumplings later after work ;)

[Grace & Favour]

thanks, i did put them in a thin container, the 8pk in poundshop :)
not sure what todays dinner will turn out like, we'll see :o


I can remember buying a pile of Tesco Value containers last year as disposable - - - -

And they are still going strong!


There are loads of sites that give useful information on specifically preparing meals for the freezer

and - - when you're feeling really adventurous - and want a really good read into the bargain . .

there's a great Blog that indexes many of the the really good Food Blogs . . .

(A Bloggers Guide to Food Blogs!) (http://www.foodblogblog.com/):D


Simply stunning ideas and recipes

[pammy]

me? adventurous cooking :eek: not quite :o

[newish2this]

Smart price mince beef 400g....... 40p:) (was 97p)

I've purchased this before and ok, I had to fry it first so I could drain all the fat (25%) but it was lovely.... turns out extra nice in the slow cooker:D

[pammy]

blimey that is a good price :)

[halojones]

Dumplings always turn out so well in the slow cooker....mine are usually like little rocks, but in the slow cooker they are light and fluffy.

I love my SC!!

[pammy]

my kids have never ever tried dumplings lol

[Polo]

I don't like dumplings, but have chucked some auntie bessie ones in on top of stew and apparently they were nice :)

[Deejay74uk]

can u put dry pasta in the sc with the bolonaise sauce ??

[Polo]

I don't know deejay, I've never tried but would be curious to see if it works, as always seems daft that the slow cooker is ready and then I have to faff about with pasta etc.

[pammy]

never thought of putting pasta in there, only takes 5 mins to do tho?

I have shepherds pie mince in there today and pots ready to boil later, not sure whether to just do pie and mince or whether to put it in a casserole dish once the pots are done or not

[britchic4]

Keep on bumping this thread guys to remind me to use mine! I bought a lovely looking slow cooker recipe book from the Book People too and I'm not sure I've even opened it. I think I need to allocate my time rather better.

[Deejay74uk]

Hi all , well i went for it put the dryed pasta in around 20 mins before serving and i can confirm it was lovely cooked no problem will definatley do it again as it saves on the washing up which is always a bonus :clap2:

[pammy]

oh thats good, will try that myself then, did you just mix it all in?

[Grace & Favour]

Hi all , well i went for it put the dryed pasta in around 20 mins before serving and i can confirm it was lovely cooked no problem will definatley do it again as it saves on the washing up which is always a bonus :clap2:


. . and, of course, you can include rice, Barley & other seeds in your recipes

[Deejay74uk]

oh thats good, will try that myself then, did you just mix it all in?

yeah pammy just chucked it in and gave it a quick stir !! was lovely too.

[Deejay74uk]

was'nt sure about cooking rice in SC G+F but think i will give it a whirl....thanks !!

[black cat]

Sorry as I know this will have been asked and I have skimmed through the thread and tried to search for it but can not find the answer...

I have a 750g bit of gammon I am going to do for us tonight and fancied trying the gammon in coke that I know people have raved about before. My question how long does it take to cook (my slow cooker only has one setting that I think is the equivalent of high). How much coke does it take, do you have to cover it totally?

Thanks

[Tuckerpoo]

Sorry as I know this will have been asked and I have skimmed through the thread and tried to search for it but can not find the answer...

I have a 750g bit of gammon I am going to do for us tonight and fancied trying the gammon in coke that I know people have raved about before. My question how long does it take to cook (my slow cooker only has one setting that I think is the equivalent of high). How much coke does it take, do you have to cover it totally?

Thanks

Yes totally submerge in coke and cook for about 10 hours If I remember correctly. Google it and you'll find Nigellas recipe which is lush:D

[black cat]

Just had the gammon done in coke and tbh I thought it was no different to doing it in water/stock - oh well, worth giving it a try.

Anyone got any suggestions for what I can do with salmon fillets in it - I have googled for some recipes but nothing grabs my attention. I am looking for something I can cook 4 or 5 meals at once and then freeze then for future meals so the recipes for poaching them etc is not really what I am after.

[dingaling]

Just had the gammon done in coke and tbh I thought it was no different to doing it in water/stock - oh well, worth giving it a try.

Anyone got any suggestions for what I can do with salmon fillets in it - I have googled for some recipes but nothing grabs my attention. I am looking for something I can cook 4 or 5 meals at once and then freeze then for future meals so the recipes for poaching them etc is not really what I am after.

We do the gammon in coke and it makes it alot sweeter, and super yummy with the black treacle/mustard combo!!! MMMMMMMMMM

You did use full fat coke didnt you??!!

[black cat]

You did use full fat coke didnt you??!!

It was full fat pepsi (cause it was cheaper) but I assumed they would all be similar??

[dingaling]

It was full fat pepsi (cause it was cheaper) but I assumed they would all be similar??

Oh I'd have thought so, its the sugar content you need. Did you roast it afterwards?

[black cat]

Oh I'd have thought so, its the sugar content you need. Did you roast it afterwards?

Yeah, there was nothing wrong with it, I just thought it was no different than when I have done it in water in the past.

[Tuckerpoo]

It's a shame you didn't think much of it BC. I have just got myself a reduced price gammon and am doing it in coke in my slow cooker. I love it:D Shame it won't be ready til about midnight!

[SuzyWoo]

I've got no hot water at the moment (no hoter water tank in fact!) so until Monday when (I hope!) a new one will be fitted I am using my slow cooker to keep 4 kettles worth of water hot to give me a head start on having a bath and washing my hair later! :D

[clh53]

I've got no hot water at the moment (no hoter water tank in fact!) so until Monday when (I hope!) a new one will be fitted I am using my slow cooker to keep 4 kettles worth of water hot to give me a head start on having a bath and washing my hair later! :D

poor you, i do feel sorry for you, its awful with no hot water and you realise how much you depend on it, roll on monday when it gets fixed

[jamsandwhich]

I have a very quick question regarding slow cookers please!

A few weeks ago I bought one of the large crockpot slow cookers at half price which has the stoneware bowl that can be used to brown stuff off in on the hob first. Have done a few things which have been lovely but - it bubbles quite dramatically on the low heat setting and doesn't seem to be any hotter on the high setting than on the low. I have just done a batch of steak and mushroom which was supposed to take 9 hours but was done in four and the tops of the meat and mushrooms were very well done - all stuff goes really runny as there is loads of condensation produced during cooking and it splatters so high that it hits the lid while cooking.

I did ring crockpot's technical help but after being on hold for 20 minutes I then got cut off - does anyone who is used to a slow cooker think this is cooking at too high a temperature on the low setting or do I need to get used to it.

As it is I wouldn't leave it on all day while out as I think anything in it may be an unidentifiable mush by the time I get back:o


TIA

[Mamzie]

mine kinda gently simmers both on low and slightly more on high. one of the recipe book I have said there was onbly 10'c difference between the settings. A rice pudding will take 3 hours in mine, and stew, soups, joints I leave overnight.Auto is my fave setting.

Re the condenstation, thats how slow cookers work, so you lose very little liquid (and hea), so you could either use less liquid, use a thickener or have the lid off at the end to reduce the sauce.

I can leave mine on for hours without worrying, so yours does sound a little hot to me.

[penfold]

I got one of those crockpot ones as well. Have only used it a few times but it behaves like a 'normal' slow cooker in that it bubbles very slowly on high and hardly at all on slow. Your's does sound a little energetic ! :o

[pookienoodle]

crockpots sometimes seem a little hotter than ordinary slowcookers because you have heated it on the hob first and it is designed to retain the heat.
have you tried cooking without using on the hob first? you may just need to quickly prebrown things in it.

[jamsandwhich]

Thanks Mamzie and Penfold - energetic, I like that:)

OK think I will take it back then, it really does wreck the food - I did a whole chicken which should have taken eight hours but it was just mush and all broken into bits after about 3 1/2!

[penfold]

crockpots sometimes seem a little hotter than ordinary slowcookers because you have heated it on the hob first and it is designed to retain the heat.
have you tried cooking without using on the hob first? you may just need to quickly prebrown things in it.

true....I've not used mine on the hob first so that could be something to do with it.

[jamsandwhich]

crockpots sometimes seem a little hotter than ordinary slowcookers because you have heated it on the hob first and it is designed to retain the heat.
have you tried cooking without using on the hob first? you may just need to quickly prebrown things in it.

Yes - when I did the chicken it was the first attempt and I forgot you could use the pot on the hob so did it in the pan first and just pre-heated it. When it is bubbling away the splatters from the bubbles go all over the lid - if you take the lid off it comes out of the pan - I had a white top on when I first did it and it splatted all over it:rolleyes:

[pookienoodle]

Yes - when I did the chicken it was the first attempt and I forgot you could use the pot on the hob so did it in the pan first and just pre-heated it. When it is bubbling away the splatters from the bubbles go all over the lid - if you take the lid off it comes out of the pan - I had a white top on when I first did it and it splatted all over it:rolleyes:

Its certainly not right then I would take it back.

[Deejay74uk]

Hi all do you think i could do Gammon steaks in the SC with a can of coke ?

[suziq]

dont see why not! i've got a small gammon joint just gone in the oven for browning :-)

[Polo]

I've got venison sauages on a bed of red cabbage cooking slowly in mine now :) Smells lush but I've now got to go pick up Dominic from miles away so hope it doesn't spoil in the meantime!

[suziq]

that does sound nice, never had venison
and mine was lush :D

[hotpot4]

I made leek, potato and bacon soup in mine today - OH very impressed (even more so the Leeks were 10p yellow stickered Organic from £1.7x ;)) . I have the Tesco slow cooker, was £10 before christmas, then saw it for £15 now £16.xx :eek:. Is very good and am pleased.

[jamsandwhich]

Well I have had a right old ding dong with slow cookers over the last month!!

Gave my Crockpot another couple of tries following some advice on here - not pre-cooking in the actual pot - and it seemed to get worse with use, tried it over four weeks and on the last meal my sausage casserole was unrecogniseable after only four hours on low - even changed sockets in case it was faulty wiring!

Took it back and got a refund, then got a breville from Argos - that was even worse:rolleyes: Did a beef casserole with thick sliced potato's layered on the top and had loads of liquid in - when I got home after work (started it cooking at 9am and got in at 5pm) there was no liquid left, the spuds had dissapeared and meat was just tiny bits, SIL had turned it off just after lunch as there was not a lot left and the outside was red hot. Took back for a refund - maybe it's me!!!

So, it seems that the larger the capacity the higher the wattage power output which from the reviews I have read have the most problems but I really need a 4.5 litre one to justify using it for the size of meals I need to do.

Am going to try the cheapie cookworks one from argos at just under £20 which is a 6.5 litre size but prestige do one which is £50 from lakeland and has a good review regarding it not overheating

Does anyone have any recommendations???

[Spottiswoode]

Well I have had a right old ding dong with slow cookers over the last month!!

Gave my Crockpot another couple of tries following some advice on here - not pre-cooking in the actual pot - and it seemed to get worse with use, tried it over four weeks and on the last meal my sausage casserole was unrecogniseable after only four hours on low - even changed sockets in case it was faulty wiring!

Took it back and got a refund, then got a breville from Argos - that was even worse:rolleyes: Did a beef casserole with thick sliced potato's layered on the top and had loads of liquid in - when I got home after work (started it cooking at 9am and got in at 5pm) there was no liquid left, the spuds had dissapeared and meat was just tiny bits, SIL had turned it off just after lunch as there was not a lot left and the outside was red hot. Took back for a refund - maybe it's me!!!

So, it seems that the larger the capacity the higher the wattage power output which from the reviews I have read have the most problems but I really need a 4.5 litre one to justify using it for the size of meals I need to do.

Am going to try the cheapie cookworks one from argos at just under £20 which is a 6.5 litre size but prestige do one which is £50 from lakeland and has a good review regarding it not overheating

Does anyone have any recommendations???

Thats the reason why my SC is still in box on top of kitchen cupboard as i am too scared to use it incase this happens.

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

i have the cheapy cookworks one from argos , cost about £12 i think, its just an ordinary slocooker
i use it twice a week, in today
25p chick cass mix asda
2 pork chops cut up
3 carrots
some cut up potatoes
shake of currypowder/salt/squeeze tom sauce
will do us 3 and is dead cheap
3 hours on high 4 hours on low (or sort of turn it off high onto low when i remember!)
forgot to add that that i throw in a handful of red lentils as well

[britchic4]

I got the Rachel Allen 6.5 litre one when it was reduced to silly money in Argos. I like it very much and the reviews are pretty good:
http://reviews.argos.co.uk/1493-en_gb/4228479/reviews.htm
Looks like it's £13.99 again there if you can get stock in your area.

[jamsandwhich]

Thanks all - will get either the cookworks or rachel allen one depending on stock. Will have a look at them when I get there and see which is the less bulky one!

Think I have had bad luck but it's getting silly!!!

[jamsandwhich]

Thanks all - will get either the cookworks or rachel allen one depending on stock. Will have a look at them when I get there and see which is the less bulky one!

Think I have had bad luck but it's getting silly!!!

Spoittiswood - you should give it a go, I had some lovely meals out of the crockpot before it went nuclear.

[Spottiswoode]

Thanks all - will get either the cookworks or rachel allen one depending on stock. Will have a look at them when I get there and see which is the less bulky one!

Think I have had bad luck but it's getting silly!!!

Spoittiswood - you should give it a go, I had some lovely meals out of the crockpot before it went nuclear.

I know, i should have go it out over weekend as i done nothing all weekend. Will look back this thread for a good recipe and try it this weekend.

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

i have the cheapy cookworks one from argos , cost about £12 i think, its just an ordinary slocooker
i use it twice a week, in today
25p chick cass mix asda
2 pork chops cut up
3 carrots
some cut up potatoes
shake of currypowder/salt/squeeze tom sauce
will do us 3 and is dead cheap
3 hours on high 4 hours on low (or sort of turn it off high onto low when i remember!)
forgot to add that that i throw in a handful of red lentils as well

i usually buy meat thats reduced and put it in the freezer then defrost the night before , the above reciepe is just for 3 of us and is nice but if you were doing for more you would need more cass mix or something i think, i don't add onions as the kids don't like them
this is my favourite

25p chick cass mix asda
half or whatevers left of tin of corn beef
3 carrots
some cut up potatoes
shake of currypowder/salt/squeeze tom sauce
hand ful red lentils thrown in

you get the idea , i am no cook but this is so cheap and nice. if i'm not as skint i like a tin of morrisons red wine or chassaur cooking sauce in instead of the asda dry mix

[Mamzie]

I have the Rachel Allen 6.5 one as well, its fab, and great for joints. I also have a 3.5 one for general use.

Maybe start with a recipe with loads of liquid to try first? Just a basic stew, or joint type?

[avstar]

I love reading everyone's slow cooker recipes.
I've had mine about a year now and to be honest I don't know what I'm doing wrong but everything is so bland in it - should I be adding tons more spices etc cos the liquid doesn't cook down IYSWIM?

Mine cooks v quick too so anything left for 8 hours even on low is just mush :eek:

[jamsandwhich]

This is the book that inspired me to get one, my neice has it and she said the meals were lovely - got it from the book people and it does have some lovely recipes in.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Slow-Cooker-Delicious-Recipes/dp/0600618951/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266843121&sr=8-2

I have always thought that cooking in a pot in the oven was as good which is why I have never got one before but it isn't the same and I find things much nicer. Even after having the hassle of taking two back I can't wait to get one that works properly!

The other day I did a meal out of what I had. Found a packet of colemans coq au vin in the cupboard and added; tin of cherry tomato's, chopped onion, four rashers of bacon diced, a dozen sausages and some sliced potato's on top - left it on low and even though it had cooked too high and fast it was still delicious.

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

if you go on mse , the old style board there is a thread called in my slow cooker today and its well worth reading
they have some fantastic ideas and are really helpful

[avstar]

Thanks Jamsandwich and Whiteguineapig.
I really don't ant to give up on the slowcooker so will give it another go, it's so much cheaper than cooking on the hob/oven. I've got one of the electricity counters now and it's scary to see how much the oven uses :eek:

It was the mse thread that inspired me to get a slowcooker but I've not read it for a while, I need a kick up the arse to go and have a look, at least its a friendly part of MSE!

[Unintended Muse]

I really just throw in whatever I have picked up cheap in the way of meat/poultry, in with whatever veg bargains I find, plus whatever casserole/sauce mix/jar of sauce that I picked up on offer - you get the idea? lol

Friday nights dinner was some of the chicken on offer in Co-op, with some shallots, swede, carrot and thinly sliced potato, plus a jar of Homepride roast chicken sauce, with extra water.

My slow cooker usually goes on around 8:30 for 1.5 hours each on high and medium if there is potato in it, and then low right round til around 6pm, though I stir it a couple of times in the afternoon. If its just a joint, or no potato, then usually just a max of an hour on medium and on low all day.

My dinner has never yet dried out or been burnt. Its a 3.5l Morphy Richards slow cooker and I love it.

If I use a jar of sauce, I usually add half as much again in water and always make packets of mix up to a pint, rather than half a pint.

Sausage casserole using the Schwartz mix is lovely, as is either chicken or lamb with the Schwartz Moroccan casserole mix.

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

and i pretty much do exactly the same as unintended muse does
i know some people on here are fantastic cooks but i'm not and it doesn't seem to matter with the slowcooker, i just put it all in
i have done a piece of pork on its own a couple of times and that works fine too , i am really surprised when someone says its hard work as i am pretty useles in the kitchen and have never even cooked a full chicken but even i do ok and everything comes out ok (and sometimes really yummy) and i now can't wait any longer my pork/chicken casserole stew thing smells fantastic so i'm going to dish up. (i put the other 2s into dishes as they won't be home till after 6 and the other about half past 7)

[jamsandwhich]

Well - I have purchased a Morphy Richards 3.5 litre one!!! The 6.5 litre Rachel Allen and Cookworks ones were HUGE and the recommendation is to use them full so went for the smaller one which seems as big as the 4.5 litre one strangely.

The pull on that one was that it was only 150 watt output and my Niece already has this model and it definately takes a long time. It has three setting low, med and high and the booklet reckons on 8-10 hours on low so ideal - if it works:D

[Unintended Muse]

I meant to add earlier, if I cook a joint, I always cover it completely in stock, so no fear of it drying out. Then about 20 minutes from serving up, I ladle out a good bit of the stock into a pan, boil it up, add some gravy granules and have the most fantastic tasty gravy.

I've also cooked gammon in cola in the slow cooker, but can't say I've found a use for the cola gravy, lol.

[Unintended Muse]

Well - I have purchased a Morphy Richards 3.5 litre one!!! The 6.5 litre Rachel Allen and Cookworks ones were HUGE and the recommendation is to use them full so went for the smaller one which seems as big as the 4.5 litre one strangely.

The pull on that one was that it was only 150 watt output and my Niece already has this model and it definately takes a long time. It has three setting low, med and high and the booklet reckons on 8-10 hours on low so ideal - if it works:D


I'm sure you'll be happy with the Morphy Richards slow cooker, cos I love mine.

SAddo that I am, I have the cream coloured one with grey handles, cos it matches my cream MR kettle and toaster. :o

Its fair to say that my slow cooker sees more use than the toaster.:D

[avstar]

I was thinking last night of ways to use my slowcooker. We get through lots of ham and cooked meats for sandwiches in our house, so was wondering if I can cook a ham in the slowcooker?
Hoping it would be cheaper than buying sliced ham, but does anyone know what to do?
What joint of meat do I buy (not very clever at different cuts of meat:eek:) and any tips on how to cook it in the SC?
Thanks lovelies :)

[jamsandwhich]

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Morphy Richards slow cooker, cos I love mine.

SAddo that I am, I have the cream coloured one with grey handles, cos it matches my cream MR kettle and toaster. :o

Its fair to say that my slow cooker sees more use than the toaster.:D

I am just cooking a beef casserole - braising beef, carrots a couple of onions, mushrooms, 2 tsp dijon mustard, a couple of desert spoonfuls of Heinz teryaki marinade, tsp soft brown sugar, half a carton of passatta and some beef stock - and so far so good!! :)

Went out this morning and left it on low and not a bubble in sight, came back in and put it on high for 2-3 hours to finish of and it is just nicely 'blobbing' around the edges (not bubbling but releasing pressure!).

Hopefully this is third time lucky - think going for a smaller one and filling right up is a better option for cooking all day.

I was thinking last night of ways to use my slowcooker. We get through lots of ham and cooked meats for sandwiches in our house, so was wondering if I can cook a ham in the slowcooker?
Hoping it would be cheaper than buying sliced ham, but does anyone know what to do?
What joint of meat do I buy (not very clever at different cuts of meat:eek:) and any tips on how to cook it in the SC?
Thanks lovelies :)


We get through lots of cooked meat too and I haven't yet cooked a gammonin the slow cooker but do it in the oven with brown sugar on the top and half full with water. I also stand the meat in water for a couple of hours before cooking to get rid of some salt.

I have been getting gammon from Tesco on 3 for £10 but the Co-op are doing gammon loints for either £3 or £4 - can't remember - which are a lot bigger.

I have also never done gammon in coke but am going to try - I would proababy use enough to cover the joint and put on medium in the pressure cooker.?

[Unintended Muse]

I am just cooking a beef casserole - braising beef, carrots a couple of onions, mushrooms, 2 tsp dijon mustard, a couple of desert spoonfuls of Heinz teryaki marinade, tsp soft brown sugar, half a carton of passatta and some beef stock - and so far so good!! :)

Went out this morning and left it on low and not a bubble in sight, came back in and put it on high for 2-3 hours to finish of and it is just nicely 'blobbing' around the edges (not bubbling but releasing pressure!).

Hopefully this is third time lucky - think going for a smaller one and filling right up is a better option for cooking all day.




We get through lots of cooked meat too and I haven't yet cooked a gammonin the slow cooker but do it in the oven with brown sugar on the top and half full with water. I also stand the meat in water for a couple of hours before cooking to get rid of some salt.

I have been getting gammon from Tesco on 3 for £10 but the Co-op are doing gammon loints for either £3 or £4 - can't remember - which are a lot bigger.

I have also never done gammon in coke but am going to try - I would proababy use enough to cover the joint and put on medium in the pressure cooker.?

I soak my gammon in water in the fridge over night, then cover it with cola and leave it in the slow cooker on low all day [approx 8am til 6pm]

Your dinner for tonight sounds lovely! :D

[avstar]

Thanks Jamsandwich and Unintendedmuse - will give the gammon joints ago (altho it's false economy in our house cos t'other half will prob scoff it all straight away! :o)

Tried to rep you both but I loves you too much already :D

[mum1964]

Well - I have purchased a Morphy Richards 3.5 litre one!!! The 6.5 litre Rachel Allen and Cookworks ones were HUGE and the recommendation is to use them full so went for the smaller one which seems as big as the 4.5 litre one strangely.

The pull on that one was that it was only 150 watt output and my Niece already has this model and it definately takes a long time. It has three setting low, med and high and the booklet reckons on 8-10 hours on low so ideal - if it works:D

I could not live without my slow cooker, soups, stews, etc etc, I have just bought the Rachel Allen one and am so impressed with it. I am feeding 3 very hungry men plus associated friends so its great for me.

[sunflower]

Mine is on for our dinner later - chicken thighs in a curry sauce - I had half a tin of coconut milk and new potatoes that needed using up so threw them in too.
I tend to put in whatever veggies and herbs I have in the fridge that need using and a tin of chopped tomatoes.
Lovely smell coming from the kitchen.

[wuzneme]

I've ordered a slow cooker from the tesco direct sale, the question is, what do I do with it?! :o

Any advice would be much appreciated :)

good for your cheaper tougher cuts of meat which need longer to cook. not for your usual party food cuts, sirloin steaks, fillets,loins, or chichen breasts.

[britchic4]

Mine is on for our dinner later - chicken thighs in a curry sauce - I had half a tin of coconut milk and new potatoes that needed using up so threw them in too.
I tend to put in whatever veggies and herbs I have in the fridge that need using and a tin of chopped tomatoes.
Lovely smell coming from the kitchen.

Ooh that sounds nice! Maybe for tomorrow.

[scrooge]

Love this slow cooker book and its only £2.48 delivered from Amazon at the mo
'Hamlyn All Colour 200 Slow Cooker Recipes'
Theres breakfast recipes that we put in on a fri or sat before bed, stews, hot pot, lamb and loads more.:)

[Deejay74uk]

Today i am attempting to do for the first time Gammon in coke i cant wait !! I such a dope tho as i realised at 9.30 i had'nt switched it on lol xx

[britchic4]

Today i am attempting to do for the first time Gammon in coke i cant wait !! I such a dope tho as i realised at 9.30 i had'nt switched it on lol xx

Me too!! I only just switched mine on though as I read on MSE it should only take 4 hrs on high.....

[vikki]

I did gammon at the weekend, half covered it with water and cooked all day on low. It was lovely and succulent but I finished it off in the oven for half an hour with honey and brown sugar which was a mistake as it went too dry. I did it in coke once but it wasn't really all that. I was a bit paranoid about all the sugar TBH, being a serial dieter :rolleyes:

[Deejay74uk]

Hi Guys tonight i am doing a curry ready for tonights match !! Not strictly a sc question but was wondering if you can cook rice in a steamer ?

[connorsmummy]

Hi Guys tonight i am doing a curry ready for tonights match !! Not strictly a sc question but was wondering if you can cook rice in a steamer ?

My steamer came with a dish that you put the rice in (which was promptly chewed to bits by the dog!)

Am assuming you could use any type of tupperware dish?

[Deejay74uk]

Yours must be posher than mine CM lol i didnt get one..... i'm gunna give it a go see what happens i have microwave rice in just in case !!

[markat]

I did the gammon in cola for the first time at the weekend, cooked it with carrots and onions on Saturday to be served cold for my guests watching the football.
Was a total success, served the cooked veg cold with a little of the cola sauce drizzled over them along with the gammon, salad and new potaoes. Was delicious.

[Poundsinbucks]

Just bumping this thread as I bought a Slow Cooker from Asda this week for just £7!! It's a 3 litre one, don't think I could fit a whole chicken in it but am looking forward to cooking some nice casseroles for the family :).

Poundsinbucks x ;)

[penfold]

Just bumping this thread as I bought a Slow Cooker from Asda this week for just £7!! It's a 3 litre one, don't think I could fit a whole chicken in it but am looking forward to cooking some nice casseroles for the family :).

Poundsinbucks x ;)

Good price :)

I've currently got a lamb casserole in my slow cooker atm (500g of frozen casserole lamb at MrT for £1.25)...going to top it later with some slice potato for hotpot. It is soooo autumnal (sp) up here today :(

[britchic4]

I did tomato & chilli chutney in the slow cooker yesterday and *ahem* the day before. It took SO long to thicken I won't be doing that again.

[Poundsinbucks]

It didn't come with any recipes, but was going to put in some stewing steak with carrots and parsnips, onions, passata etc, and see what happens ;). Do you guys put it on High or Low? If I put it all in about 10am it'll be stone cold, just wondering how long it takes to heat up the whole lot and start cooking?

Poundsinbucks x :)

[britchic4]

It didn't come with any recipes, but was going to put in some stewing steak with carrots and parsnips, onions, passata etc, and see what happens ;). Do you guys put it on High or Low? If I put it all in about 10am it'll be stone cold, just wondering how long it takes to heat up the whole lot and start cooking?

Poundsinbucks x :)

I usually start mine on high and then when it's had a good bubble turn it to low.
There's loads of recipes here:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4273

[markat]

Two chicken breasts tin of homepride white wine sauce two carrots chopped and two onions peeled and quartered. So simple and delicious. Flatmate working in London so was thrilled to come back to dinner ready.

[Gizmos]

anyone doing soups in it

am still warming my plates on the lid :)

[suziq]

i did soup with my finest ham bone, didnt have peas so used lentils, was yummy!

[Beej]

I made a gorgeous squash and carrot soup in mine at the weekend. My own recipe, 4 carrots, 2 onions, half a squash and garlic, just chopped up covered with water with a veg stock cube and a squidge of tomato puree. Delicious!

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

corn beef today
(on the cheap)
3 slices of corn beef, tin of condensed chicken soup, red lentils, potatoes and carrots, bit of salt and curry powder and bit of water
was lovely

[frexy]

Made my Christmas pudd today and it is simmering away in the slowcooker.

[connorsmummy]

Bumped this thread for 2 reasons- thought it would be useful for those who are on a moneysaving drive and also I had a question....

I read somewhere that you can put jacket potatoes in the sc wrapped in foil- does anyone know what setting they go on and for how long? Also, do they come out nice & crispy like the oven?

[uklego]

Just bought a slow cooker in ASDA's sale yesterday so will be watching this thread with keen interest :D

[Dolly Daydream]

Bumped this thread for 2 reasons- thought it would be useful for those who are on a moneysaving drive and also I had a question....

I read somewhere that you can put jacket potatoes in the sc wrapped in foil- does anyone know what setting they go on and for how long? Also, do they come out nice & crispy like the oven?

soz hun that's the only thing I haven't cooked in mine :rolleyes: hopefully someone will know and be along to tell us soon lol

[connorsmummy]

soz hun that's the only thing I haven't cooked in mine :rolleyes: hopefully someone will know and be along to tell us soon lol

I saw it mentioned on another forum a few days ago and asked the same questions but nobody came back and answered me- what can I say I'm impatient :D

[Made in Devon]

I have done them in the slow cooker before, they do not come out crispy, I suppose you could give them a blast in the oven or in the grill if you needed to?

[DIVA1977]

Bought a crock-pot in Tesco last week 1/2 off £17.49 and made it up to £20 so could use a £5 off home and dine i had.
Just bunged in earlier mixed beans, braising or stewing steak ( i forgotten), tin of toms, carrots, post onions and stock. Be ready sometime after 8pm later than i intended by my nap overrun lol

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-1034.aspx

this is what i got as had excellent reviews too

[Clairog]

It is great Diva - love mine. I've only just found this thread so it could take a while to read!!!!

PS 've just bought a Pressure cooker if anyone knows any good recipes for it?

[numpty]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs078.snc6/168862_488398289374_526594374_5617088_3627003_n.jp g

now am I on high or low, just dug this out of the cupboard!

[S.K.]

I'd say low by the looks of that. lol numptz, you're as bad as me! :)

xx

[DIVA1977]

well first attempt was bad cept i found it too tomato-eey
OH wants to try ribs and rice pud next both no-no for diabectics

I think i shall do a chicken stew

[jolver]

I have used a slow cooker for a couple of years now and find it really good. I do a lot of recipes from Delia cheat book and the only thing I do different is to put less liquid in (about half). I go on the timing as follows: 6-8 hours on high or 8+ hours on low. There are some good slow cooker books around so you can get to grips with the balance of liquid/ingrediants. Hope this helps. Julie

[numpty]

I'd say low by the looks of that. lol numptz, you're as bad as me! :)

xx

thankx old machine and I couldn't work it out! derrrrr!:der: btw thankies rep was me! xx

[bibbly]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs078.snc6/168862_488398289374_526594374_5617088_3627003_n.jp g

now am I on high or low, just dug this out of the cupboard!

Same slow cooker as mine - yonks old lol! Still works a treat just doesn't look as swizzy as some of the newer ones!

That's definitely on low btw :)

Bibbly x

[numpty]

Same slow cooker as mine - yonks old lol! Still works a treat just doesn't look as swizzy as some of the newer ones!

That's definitely on low btw :)

Bibbly x

Thankx hun, I looked at power sockets and the the slow cooker and couldn't work out which was which! :love:

i know its old, I tried to find a instruction book for it on internet, no one's heard of it!
Been at back of cupboard for a long while, given it a good clean up and going to start to use it!

[markat]

I can recommend Hamlyn All Colour 200 Slow Cooker Recipes - nicely illustrated and now £2.69 on Amazon.

Link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hamlyn-Colour-Cooker-Recipes-Cookbooks/dp/0600620697/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294403227&sr=1-1)

[cazzarooni]

Have just orderd book! Thank you :)

[uklego]

Have just orderd book! Thank you :)

That makes two of us - thx Markat xxx

[markat]

Going to try some chicken thighs in T value curry sauce with some extra chilli flakes tomorrow. Think thighs will be better than breast that shrunk a fair bit when I used them before.

[britchic4]

Going to try some chicken thighs in T value curry sauce with some extra chilli flakes tomorrow. Think thighs will be better than breast that shrunk a fair bit when I used them before.

Thighs are MUCh better in a slow cooker or any dish that needs long cooking. Breasts go a bit dry.
Have been reading the MSE O/S thread on feeding a family of 4 for a month on £20 and feel inspired to bulk out mince in a slow cooker with oats and red lentils for various meals.

[markat]

Thanks BC. The thighs were not cheap but look good quality and very meaty. As money is a bit tight right now thought would give the value curry sauce at 8p a tin a try in the slow cooker.

[markat]

Just unrolled the six thighs and there is a lot of meat there indeed. Layered them in base of slow cooker added one roughly cut red onion and one can value curry sauce and spinkled with chilli flakes in fridge ready to slow cook tomorrow.

[britchic4]

Thanks BC. The thighs were not cheap but look good quality and very meaty. As money is a bit tight right now thought would give the value curry sauce at 8p a tin a try in the slow cooker.

Made a curry with the M&S Tikka Masala sauce (half price) with thighs the other day and was absolutely delicious..

[markat]

Well it was delicious. Prefer something with more kick than value curry sauce and the chilli flakes did the job. The thighs were perfect.

[Poundsinbucks]

I did a casserole type thingy in my SC the other day with chicken thighs, celery, onion, carrot, stock and ended up adding some pearl barley to thicken it up, really worked, was yummy.

Markat, if money is a bit tight at the mo, Asda still do Quorn mince and/or chicken pieces for £1 a bag (frozen) which are great value and perfect to use with cook-in sauces from jars. HTH. :D

Poundsinbucks x

[markat]

Thank you. Asda too far me to trek to sadly.

[walter2003]

PS 've just bought a Pressure cooker if anyone knows any good recipes for it?

http://www.pressurecookerrecipes.net/

[Clairog]

thanks very much Walter - for some reason I can't rep you?????

[markat]

Got a whole chicken in mine right now with chicken stock and a halved lemon. Am feeling like a domestic god lol. Veg all preped for tonight and frozen roasties in the freezer. Also discovered bake in the tray stuffing mix just add boiling water to the box and oven bake. First attempt at roast dinner ever. OH better be impressed later lol.

[penfold]

OH better be impressed later lol.

and I'll bet he'll enjoy dinner as well ;)

Seriously though, sounds lovely. My chicken is in the oven, I always managed to over cook it in the SC. :o Going to do honey roast parsnips and spring onion mash (got a bit of a glut of spring onions in the garden :p) OH made some mini devils food cakes yesterday with dd's so we'll have these with soft fruits handed in from the farm next door ...yuum :)

[markat]

Thick chicken breasts and chicken tonight honey and mustard sauce in mine. Veg prepped so tomorrows dinner sorted. OH out with work so time to kill !

[madline]

hey guys, bought a slow cooker from argos sale the other day £11.99 for a 6.2L which i thought was good (almost bought it last year when it was £15) so i'm ploughing my way through this thread and trying to pluck up the courage to use it! sorry if this has been asked (i'm only on page 4) do you put fresh broccoli etc in at the same time as the meat or will it go soggy?

[markat]

As per this link

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1431982

I would reckon it would only need to go in for the last hour or so.

[madline]

:confused:As per this link

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1431982

I would reckon it would only need to go in for the last hour or so.


cheers markat
on page 8 now!!!!!!!!!!!! some peeps have said about just chucking everything together, wonder what veg they are using? i remember years ago my sis said you have to put the potatoes underneath.
omg this is a whole new way of cooking to learn and i'm worried about under/over cooking stuff!

[markat]

I would not worry too much, it's pretty hard to mess up trust me !
I tend to do the veg seperately myself as we both work full time but have done carrots and onion with gammon and left them in from the start with no problems.

[M123]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet; Marks and Spencer sale have a slow cooker recipie book in the sale for £2.:love::love:

[markat]

Basic question lol - can you put frozen meat straight into a slow cooker with a sauce ?

[Gizmos]

Basic question lol - can you put frozen meat straight into a slow cooker with a sauce ?

ive done it with half used sausages before and left it on hight for about 6 hours and was ok - depends on thickness / cut off meat i guess

[Poundsinbucks]

I've done it with the frozen BBQ range from Sainsburys, chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks. Start on high for an hour then low for another 3 or 4, and we're all still here ;).

Poundsinbucks x

[Polo]

I haven't done it, but would think it'll be fine - just make sure its piping hot right in the middle, which the slowy is good at doing, so you'll be fine :)