What to do with a Slow Cooker?

[Angel]

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 :)

[zoot]

must have been a really good bargain to order it without knowing what you were going to use it for!
Stews and casseroles are very good slow cooked.

[Gizmos]

casseroles, soups, stews

dont have one but keep thinking it would be great to have a warm satisfying meal ready to go when I get in from work.

Bung all prepared meat, veg, stock in it - go to work - come homw 10 hours later - voila ready - though I guess some expermimenting might be in order

[Angel]

Am I right in thinking that stock is a substitute for gravy or other sauces?

Can you cook meat in a slow cooker without sauce, for example lamb or duck on its own?

[Gizmos]

Am I right in thinking that stock is a substitute for gravy or other sauces?

Can you cook meat in a slow cooker without sauce, for example lamb or duck on its own?

not sure - depends on how "greasy/fat" it was otherwise it could dry out

[Angel]

must have been a really good bargain to order it without knowing what you were going to use it for!
Stews and casseroles are very good slow cooked.

It was half price!

[Angel]

not sure - depends on how "greasy/fat" it was otherwise it could dry out

What do you mean by 'dry out'? :o

Are slow cookers also energy efficient?

[Gizmos]

What do you mean by 'dry out'? :o

Are slow cookers also energy efficient?

dry out - lose its succlenence/moisture - be less appetising

[Angel]

dry out - lose its succlenence/moisture - be less appetising

Thanks Gizmos :)

Not a good idea then!

[Angel]

I hope the slow cooker comes with good instructions ..........

[zoot]

it will probably have a simple recipe book withit.

[Angel]

it will probably have a simple recipe book withit.

Do you find that your slow cooker is energy efficient?

[zoot]

My mom has one - she says its supposed to use the same amount of energy as a lightbulb. (you heat everything up to boiling first before you put it in and then it slowly simmers it for as long as you like)

[Angel]

Thanks zoot I think I'm in for some fun experimenting ;)

[gobbyash]

I've ordered a slow cooker from the tesco direct sale,

The problem is it will take 8 weeks to deliver. BUM BUM

gobby


PS We made turkey soup in ours and it was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S

[whamfanuk]

i use mine every day, do chickens, joints of beef, pork, chilli, curry, corned beef hash, soup, casserole

[Angel]

i use mine every day, do chickens, joints of beef, pork, chilli, curry, corned beef hash, soup, casserole

Do you cook dry meat e.g. roast chicken without sauce? Can you recommend a good recipe website or book?

[sandhabibi]

There are a few recipes on this site to give you some more ideas....
http://www.tastycrockpotrecipes.net/

[whamfanuk]

Do you cook dry meat e.g. roast chicken without sauce? Can you recommend a good recipe website or book?


i dry cook a whole chicken and it doesnt dry at all, with joints of beef or pork i put in about a pint of water, this makes good stock for gravy


i dont use a book, just experiment, also when i put a chicken in i place whole potatoes round it , they are yummy

[LoveABargain]

i dry cook a whole chicken and it doesnt dry at all, with joints of beef or pork i put in about a pint of water, this makes good stock for gravy


i dont use a book, just experiment, also when i put a chicken in i place whole potatoes round it , they are yummy

really, I fancy one too but I thought you had to cut everything really small no bigger than 1 inch, I didn't know you could but in whole cuts of meat?

[dawnb]

I bought myself one for my birthday last month and have used it about three times a week. I got a recipe idea book from the library and got three books for christmas. Most people tell me it does good rice puddings and stuffed apples but I haven't done this yet. I liked liver bacon sausage with root veggies the best so far. Hope you enjoy yours.

[juliecliffleeds]

I cook in it 3 times a week, it is great to come home to a hot meal all ready to eat, you can buy the cheapest cuts of meat and they are always tender and delicious.

[Angel]

The problem is it will take 8 weeks to deliver. BUM BUM

gobby


PS We made turkey soup in ours and it was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S

I think you may be right, it did not arrive yesterday as it was supposed to :rolleyes:

[Angel]

There are a few recipes on this site to give you some more ideas....
http://www.tastycrockpotrecipes.net/

Thanks, no doubt it will come in useful :)

[Angel]

I cook in it 3 times a week, it is great to come home to a hot meal all ready to eat, you can buy the cheapest cuts of meat and they are always tender and delicious.

I quite like lamb, but its not the cheapest meat you can buy! So what cuts of lamb would you get?

[Angel]

I have just turned gold :cheer2:

[tiger]

Angel,
Freckles posted some links for slow cooker recipes here

http://www.paidtoshop.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1016&page=5


And Floosy posted a recipe for cooking a whole chicken here

http://www.paidtoshop.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1016&page=5

[Angel]

Thanks tiger :)

[Freckles]

Angel, i love my slow cooker, its fantastic!
My favourite at the moment is red wine, beef and chestnut casserole, and i usually stick some dumplings in for the last 1/2 hr too.
I'll post the recipe if you want, its really simple.
You can cook practically anything in a slow cooker, its good for curries, sauces, casseroles, stews, soups, whole joints, bolognese type sauces. I don't use any slow cooker recipe books but either adapt normal recipes or just make my own.
Have fun!

[Triker]

following on from the 'what's your favourite gadget' thread, I fished out my slowcooker today.

Before I went to work I plonked in a whole chicken and a jar of korma sauce.

Came home, tired and hungry, as ever, but the house smelled lovely and I zapped some rice in the microwave.

Result - tea on table for tired Mum and kids in 5 minutes.

Brilliant.

Going to use it again tomorrow. I need to fish around the freezer to see what we have in.:D

I'd forgotten how great slowcookers are.;)

[Polo]

Well done Triker!

I love my slowy, its fab, been doing chilli's, ham, beef casseroles and things in mine.

I tend to chop two nights worth of veg too, so saves loads of time!

[Littlemissjojo]

Sounds good!

We dont have a slowcooker, but I'm starting to think it might be a good investment!

When you say "plonked in a whole chicken", do you really mean a whole chicken, bones & all, or chopped up?!

[Triker]

Well done Triker!

I love my slowy, its fab, been doing chilli's, ham, beef casseroles and things in mine.

I tend to chop two nights worth of veg too, so saves loads of time!

I neglected the poor thing for a few weeks after we got our cooker connected.

It's just soooo nice not to have to think what to do for tea and stand looking in the cupboards for ages.

It was just lovely to walk in the door with the kids and we all said, 'mmm, something smells nice'.

Got working Mother guilt so little things like this mean a lot.;)

[Triker]

Sounds good!

We dont have a slowcooker, but I'm starting to think it might be a good investment!

When you say "plonked in a whole chicken", do you really mean a whole chicken, bones & all, or chopped up?!

Yup, the whole chicken, I cooked it on medium for about 5 hours, the chicken meat just literally falls off the bones.

I fished (I seem to like the word 'fish tonight for some reason) it out with a couple of big spoons, pulled the meat from the breast and legs off, it literally slides away from the bones. Remixed the meat with the sauce and zapped the rice and Robert's your mother's brother.

You can slow cook whole joints of beef, pork, turkey or chicken. It cooks in its own juices but is incredibly moist meat.

Easy way to do a sunday roast if you can't be bothered roasting in the oven.

If you are looking for one I'd recommend the Morphy Richards, I've tried other brands but they don't do it like Morphy.:D;):p:D

[Polo]

Duck! I did duck a few weeks ago, and I stuck the rise in for the last 45 mins or so - it was fab!!! (Mind you I've not managed to get the rice bit right since then)

I'm hungry now....

[Triker]

Duck! I did duck a few weeks ago, and I stuck the rise in for the last 45 mins or so - it was fab!!! (Mind you I've not managed to get the rice bit right since then)

I'm hungry now....

Mmmm sounds lovely, would this do for the pancake thingys like the chinese. Every time I've tried to cook duck before, legs or breast, it's turned out really dry and stringy tough.

My OH loves duck pancakes.

[flookie]

Saw a slow cooker tonight in tesco it was reduced from about £40 to £20,i didnt pay much attention other than thinking it was a good price,but now i think i should have got one!!

[Gizmos]

shall I find the slow cooker thread and emrge you may got more ideas?

[Triker]

shall I find the slow cooker thread and emrge you may got more ideas?

Ooh yes please, I didn't know there was a slowcooker thread. :D

[Polo]

I didn't either! And its so long!!!!!

(This is where I read back and discover I posted on page 4 or something!!!)

[Polo]

Oh we are on page 4, not as long as I thought.


(Polo feels a bit silly)

[scrumpyjane]

I use mine alot especially in the winter for casseroles. I do normally heat a frying pan and just quickly brown the meat, especially chicken before i put it in the cooker. If i haven't time to make a stock i use tins and jars, honey and mustard is good with the chicken and a red wine sauce is nice with beef.

When i cook a joint of beef in it i normally put boiling water upto a quarter of the way up the joint and add chopped veg. I often cook my beef overnight, take it out, then i haven't got to worry about it, and the fat rises to the top of the cooker when its cold so i can skim off the fat put it in a pan add gravey granules to make a really tasty gravy. Lamb shanks are great cooked in a slow cooker too.

I've never cooked a chicken in it but after reading about it i will give it a go and also read some of the recipe links. :)

[Gizmos]

Oh we are on page 4, not as long as I thought.


(Polo feels a bit silly)

I thought it was longer as well

<<us girls are all the same ;-)>>

[Triker]

I thought it was longer as well

<<us girls are all the same ;-)>>


:eek::p:D:rolleyes::confused::(:D

[nixx]

There's loads of threads on MSE for slow cooker cooking. Must dig mine out :-)

[diane woodcock]

you can cook anything in it put the meet in the bottom and then the potatoes and then the veg . because it as a lid on, it will steam all the veg and potatoes and the meat will be in the stock at the bottom and you can drain it out and make good gray with it but be carefull not to over cook as it would all drop and end up like stew

[Angel]

I find that lamb breast in stock works well in a slow cooker. It is the cheapest cut of lamb, but very tasty when slow cooked.

[KAgirl]

Slow cook a gammon joint just cover with boiling water (or add what you want) for 5-6 hours on low, delicious!

[pollyanna_11]

Bung in your beef joint, cover it with a large jar of Dolmio red lasagne sauce mixes with a quarter of a bottle of red wine mixed together, put in your prepared veg (pots, carrots whatever else you like) put on the lid and then leave for the day....its gorgeous and so easy!

[Triker]

I'm putting a bit of cubed lamb in today, whatever veg I have in and some stock.

Just don't want to have to think about doing tea when I get in tonight.

[flookie]

Ok so i gave in and went and bought the one i saw in tesco the other day.It was £34 down to £23 and i used a £3 off mailing voucher i had and 150 points on homewares so not a bad buy.So now the question is what do i cook first???

[Angel]

Lamb breast or shoulder in vegetable stock (I use Tesco Value which is good enough), with new potatoes mashed?

This has got to be my favourite meal at the moment!

[Unintended Muse]

I have a brisket of beef and a slow cooker that has yet to be used - can anyone give me advice on how long to cook, setting, stock to add, etc, please?

I've never cooked brisket before, but it was reduced, I'm trying to save money.... and decided it was time my slow cooker got an outing at last. :o

[Polo]

Hi unintended muse!

I like beef in red wine, stick the meat in the cooker, with a cup or so of red wine, one beef stock cube - I also normally pile up onions round the joint too - whack it on low heat and about 4-5hrs later it should be done.

I always cook mine slowly on low, and then remove the meat to rest before carving, and put the heat up to high to make the juices into gravy. (Normally too runny so needs thickening).

Hope this helps, and what time shall I come round ?

[Maverick]

I have bunged loadsof stuff in the slow cooker this morning and am hoping for the best, had some cranberries so put them in with some beef, stock and veggies.

Brisket


Recipe as follows:
3lb piece of brisket of beef
butter/oil
1 Lg onion finely chopped
1 Lg carrot finely chopped
1/2pt beef stock
1 bay leaf
Flour or cornflour to thicken

Season meat well & brown in oil. Transfer to slow cooker. Add onion and carrot to pan until onion is translucent. Add stock and bay leaf and bring to boil. Pour round meat and cook for 6-8 hours on high. After this time remove the meat and keep hot. Strain the stock into a saucepan and add the flour/cornflour mixed to a paste in water to thicken. Bring to boil and adjust the seasoning. slice meat and serve with the gravey.

This has a marvellous flavour and smells fantastic when cooking!

[Triker]

I've got pea and ham soup in mine, house smells lovely.

My little DD wanted to know what I was cooking because she said 'the house smells delicious'.:D

Re the brisket, I'm a lazy cook so don't bother browning, just stick it in, pour water over, maybe a crumbled stock cube, maybe chop onions and carrots and fling them in, I don't bother pre frying, turn to low for 6/8 hours or medium to high for 5/6 hours and away you go.

The meat just falls apart, so you'll need to carefully lift it out the pot with 2 large spoons or something similar.

The gravy that the stock makes is the best gravy I've ever made and a darker brown than usual.

Good luck, let us know how you get on. xx

[Floosy]

I've got pea and ham soup in mine, house smells lovely.

My little DD wanted to know what I was cooking because she said 'the house smells delicious'.:D

Re the brisket, I'm a lazy cook so don't bother browning, just stick it in, pour water over, maybe a crumbled stock cube, maybe chop onions and carrots and fling them in, I don't bother pre frying, turn to low for 6/8 hours or medium to high for 5/6 hours and away you go.

The meat just falls apart, so you'll need to carefully lift it out the pot with 2 large spoons or something similar.

The gravy that the stock makes is the best gravy I've ever made and a darker brown than usual.

Good luck, let us know how you get on. xx


Do you have the recipe to the pea and ham soup please?

[Polo]

Oh, I don't brown mine either, don't seem the point of pre-cooking it, the only thing I have started to lightly brown is mince, as otherwise it seems to go to mush.

Mav - I forgot cranberries, I chuck them in with my beef sometimes too, and redcurrents and sometimes I'll sort of glaze the top with redcurrent/cranberry jelly - yum yum.

Pea and Ham soup sounds nice too - come on Triker, give us the recipe...

I'm hungry, I've got to leave this thread now and see what I can find :rolleyes:

[Unintended Muse]

Hi unintended muse!

I like beef in red wine, stick the meat in the cooker, with a cup or so of red wine, one beef stock cube - I also normally pile up onions round the joint too - whack it on low heat and about 4-5hrs later it should be done.

I always cook mine slowly on low, and then remove the meat to rest before carving, and put the heat up to high to make the juices into gravy. (Normally too runny so needs thickening).

Hope this helps, and what time shall I come round ?

I have bunged loadsof stuff in the slow cooker this morning and am hoping for the best, had some cranberries so put them in with some beef, stock and veggies.

Brisket


Recipe as follows:
3lb piece of brisket of beef
butter/oil
1 Lg onion finely chopped
1 Lg carrot finely chopped
1/2pt beef stock
1 bay leaf
Flour or cornflour to thicken

Season meat well & brown in oil. Transfer to slow cooker. Add onion and carrot to pan until onion is translucent. Add stock and bay leaf and bring to boil. Pour round meat and cook for 6-8 hours on high. After this time remove the meat and keep hot. Strain the stock into a saucepan and add the flour/cornflour mixed to a paste in water to thicken. Bring to boil and adjust the seasoning. slice meat and serve with the gravey.

This has a marvellous flavour and smells fantastic when cooking!

I've got pea and ham soup in mine, house smells lovely.

My little DD wanted to know what I was cooking because she said 'the house smells delicious'.:D

Re the brisket, I'm a lazy cook so don't bother browning, just stick it in, pour water over, maybe a crumbled stock cube, maybe chop onions and carrots and fling them in, I don't bother pre frying, turn to low for 6/8 hours or medium to high for 5/6 hours and away you go.

The meat just falls apart, so you'll need to carefully lift it out the pot with 2 large spoons or something similar.

The gravy that the stock makes is the best gravy I've ever made and a darker brown than usual.

Good luck, let us know how you get on. xx

Thanks so much to all of you for your help. I'll be defrosting the brisket and making good use of it tomorrow - my mouth is already watering! :D

PS Hi Polo - long time no "chat" - hope all is well with you.

[Polo]

PS Hi Polo - long time no "chat" - hope all is well with you.

:wave: I'm back with avengence :) Did you see the length of last weeks chat thread :D I'm good sweets, just busy with assignments at the moment!

Anyway, I best not hijack this thread or I'll be told off! Pop along to chat if you can!

:focus:

[Triker]

Oopsy, sorry guys, been mooching over on MSE.

Recipe


Pea and Ham soup.

Gammon or ham hock.

split yellow peas

water/stock

veg, onions, carrots, celery

Soaked some yellow split peas last night but apparently you don't need to if your slowcooking, you can just bung them in.:)

I'm using gammon that I slowcooked yesterday.

Reserved the stock after scooping out the fat.

Chopped up gammon.

Bunged into gammon stock and water, yellow split peas, onion, carrot and celery that needed using up, gammon.

If you don't have stock, water will do it.

I also added some passata with mixed herbs in (it was the pizza sauce for the home made pizza's we had on saturday).

Had it on high for about an hour then I've put it to low which I'll keep on for about 6 hours.

Then will blend it up and eat.

If you don't have gammon then ham hocks are just as good and cheap. Ask at the butcher or Morrissons apparently have them usually around £1.50 each.

Slow cook them, retain liquid, strain off fat.
Remove fat from ham hock, take meat from bone and then start from top of recipe.

Enjoy.

[SuzyWoo]

LOL Triker just been reading a post of yours on a SW thread on MSE! Am I unintenionally stalking you?!

[Triker]

LOL Triker just been reading a post of yours on a SW thread on MSE! Am I unintenionally stalking you?!


Nope I'm stalking you....now :D

[SuzyWoo]

LOL!! ;)

[postiepaula]

used mine for a BIG chololate fondue once


and also when we had l9oads of people for breakfast used it to keep the baked beans warm

[molly316]

yesterday.... Roast beef and soup.....one pan!

roughly cut 4 carrots, 2 sticks celery, large onion, add small new potatoes & 4 whole cloves garlic with skins on

Browned boneless joint of beef (reduced) on all sides in hot dry pan (my slowcooker pan goes on the hob & oven & microwave, so only one pan to wash!)

Remove beef and add water to deglaze pan, add veggies for a few mins, you could add 1/2 stock cube, or wine, I didnt bother. Ensure enough liquid to cover

Add meat so it sits on top of veggies and cook on high for a couple of hours, turn to low for another few hours and the beef was cooked to perfection! Remove from stock and cool.

Drain liquid from stock and keep to one side, remove garlic cloves and squeeze cooked garlic into veggies -discard skin. Blend veggies, re add stock to desired texture... perfect soup

Served the beef thinly sliced cold today with salad (raw sliced pak choi, spinach, red peppers, caulli florets, cucumber, cherry toms, sunflower seeds, and dressed with a little lemon juice) for dinner and got the soup ready for lunch tomorrow

Low fat, cheap and healthy! Even Dd can eat it

[Unintended Muse]

Thanks once again to all the lovely folk who gave advice, recipes and suggestions for cooking my piece of brisket.

I cooked it with red onion and carrots in plenty of stock and by the time we sat down to eat it with mash potato and cabbage, its fair to say that I was starving, having enjoyed the aroma of it cooking all day long..... and it was lovely! Even OH, who is not really a beef lover, really enjoyed his.

No prizes for guessing that my slow cooker will see plenty of use now.

[jordsbabe]

After reading all these posts i've got to get myself a slow cooker! NOW!

[molly316]

couldnt do without mine, must have had it since the mid 80s and I can use the pan on the hob/ oven too, so when its not getting used in the slow cooker Im still using the pan

I keep looking at it, thinking it looks a little tatty now... but im not gonna part with it till it breaks.. lol

Soups are just so great to leave in so the kids can always come in and have something good to eat

[Parsnip]

used mine for a BIG chololate fondue once


and also when we had l9oads of people for breakfast used it to keep the baked beans warm
omg i have used it for choc fondue aswell :p

[frexy]

I have 2, one small great for every day and the large one for big pieces of gammon.

Also make chutney in mine,put it on in the outhouse so no chutney smell.
Cook seville oranges for Marmalade, the colour is wonderful.

Also a must for doing Christmas puddings, both the precooking and reheating on the day...frees up the cooker!

[jacijim]

if your going to put potatoes in its best to cook them seperately as they stay hard in a slow cooker. i use mine for boiling gammon,its lovely.also stews, makes great rice puddingsb but you should get a recipe book with it. hope i have been of some help.:hippie:

[Triker]

I've got a soup on, full of all leftovers and 'on the turn' veg.:)

I want to get a piece of meat for tomoorows sunday lunch. I'm intending to do a car boot so it would be lovely to not have to worry about doing dinner as well.

[tiger]

if your going to put potatoes in its best to cook them seperately as they stay hard in a slow cooker. i use mine for boiling gammon,its lovely.also stews, makes great rice puddingsb but you should get a recipe book with it. hope i have been of some help.:hippie:

I put potatoes in mine, but either slice or dice them and they cook through. I agree though that large pieces don't cook through.

[Triker]

Mmmm re potatoes saw on MSE oldstyle ages ago that someone wrapped up whole potatoes in foil, placed them on top of their roast chicken/joint or whatever and had baked spuds.

Not tried it myself yet.:D

[penfold]

Mmmm re potatoes saw on MSE oldstyle ages ago that someone wrapped up whole potatoes in foil, placed them on top of their roast chicken/joint or whatever and had baked spuds.

Not tried it myself yet.:D

Oh that sounds a great idea. :)

Took my slow cooker out this week and have been searching for inspiration. Got some braising steak reduced to 10p :eek: the other night and made a lovely steak and ale casserole, enough for about 10 portions :)

Have not used it to full potential though but have vowed to use it more in an effort to save money and make healthier tastier grub...yum yum (hopefully :p)

[Unintended Muse]

With the cost of food going up all of the time, I'm really hoping to make good use of my slow cooker as a way of saving money... I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for bargains like yours Penfold.

[Polo]

oh Triker the pots idea sounds good, mine never seem to cook through like you say - I think I'll try that tomorrow as I'm entertaining :D Well kind of, BIL is coming round and him and hubby are out all day, so if I can just chuck something in and leave it, that would be perfect then I'm not worrying about what time they'll get back.

Frexy - any chance of some recipes/guidelines, I'd like to make some chutneys and things, sounds good!

Well done on yr bargain penfold, I need to look for some bits like that I think!

[Triker]

oh Triker the pots idea sounds good, mine never seem to cook through like you say - I think I'll try that tomorrow as I'm entertaining :D Well kind of, BIL is coming round and him and hubby are out all day, so if I can just chuck something in and leave it, that would be perfect then I'm not worrying about what time they'll get back.

Frexy - any chance of some recipes/guidelines, I'd like to make some chutneys and things, sounds good!

Well done on yr bargain penfold, I need to look for some bits like that I think!


Great aren't they, my slow cooker is like the mother I never had.:D

[frexy]

oh Triker the pots idea sounds good, mine never seem to cook through like you say - I think I'll try that tomorrow as I'm entertaining :D Well kind of, BIL is coming round and him and hubby are out all day, so if I can just chuck something in and leave it, that would be perfect then I'm not worrying about what time they'll get back.

Frexy - any chance of some recipes/guidelines, I'd like to make some chutneys and things, sounds good!

Well done on yr bargain penfold, I need to look for some bits like that I think!

Will have a think about what I did recentley....think it was Rhubarb and Fig jam, much nicer than it sounds and certainly gets you going in the morning:eek:

[tiger]

Oh that sounds a great idea. :)

Took my slow cooker out this week and have been searching for inspiration. Got some braising steak reduced to 10 :eek: the other night and made a lovely steak and ale casserole, enough for about 10 portions :)

Have not used it to full potential though but have vowed to use it more in an effort to save money and make healthier tastier grub...yum yum (hopefully :p)

There are never good reductions like that at our store. 25% off normal price seems about the best I have seen.
I think whoever does it could do with being sent to your store, for retraining, Penfold. :D
DH said he was chatting to a man recently and thought he looked familiar and he said he does the reductions at Tesco. I told DH he should have told him he didn't reduce them by enough!

[el4ine]

you should get sum recipes in a booklet that should come with it

i use mine for cooking chicken breasts in sauces

i do sausage casserole, roast lamb/beef (i put in about an inch deep of water with sum veg ie onion carrot turnip)

u could do bolognaise in it but i dont like the texture of it done in there

[flookie]

Just had my tea,lovely piece of beef,new pots and carrots,then an amazing tasting gravy with the stock from the beef.All put in at 8am before we set off to birmingham and ready when we got back.Oh my god i love my slow cooker,dont know why i didnt get one before.

[Triker]

Just had my tea,lovely piece of beef,new pots and carrots,then an amazing tasting gravy with the stock from the beef.All put in at 8am before we set off to birmingham and ready when we got back.Oh my god i love my slow cooker,dont know why i didnt get one before.


Just great aren't they. I love the gravy too, its darker than gravy granules.

I just love the smell in the house when you walk in.

Here's a little poem I just made up.

I love you
you make stew
what I like the most
is that you can also roast
some chicken or some pork
which falls right off the fork
and also off the knife
I want to be your wife.:love:

Fangyouverymuch g'night.:humble:

[Polo]

Triker.....have you been drinking again?


Can't rep you again, but that made me giggle! Thanks :D

[Triker]

Triker.....have you been drinking again?


Can't rep you again, but that made me giggle! Thanks :D



not yet, just feeling creative.:D

[flookie]

I bought a good slow cooking book today in the garden centre,i will try and post some of the recipes later if i get 5 mins.It looks like there are quite a few good recipes in it so i will have to give some of them a go.

[molly316]

Last night, chopped up some organic potatoes, carrots, celery, onion & 4 garlic cloves skin on. Placed them at the bottom of the cooker and unrolled and de-fatted a pork boneless joint. Poured over enough water to cover the veggies and left it on auto (one hour on high then goes to low).

Its perfect to eat now :) Quick easy healthy and cheap so thats sunday dinner sorted & whatevers left will make soup for lunch tomorrow.

[pammy]

I have had my slow cooker for about a year and have STILL never used it. I dont like cooking at the best of times but am thinking that i should really start. Could put it all on in the morning before school and it will be nice and ready when we get home. I am just a bit nervous as i am rubiish at cooking but it seems straight forward enough. I worry that the meat wont have cooked properly or something.
I need to get a step by step book LOL But i should definitely start using it.
I saw there was a reciped guide on mse a while back and I think i added it to my favourites, will see if i can find it again. (see the thought was there to use it, now need to put it into practice!)

[pammy]

moneysavingexpert link (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=490232&postcount=9) with some recipes i might look at trying later this week

[molly316]

Nice post Pammy... a few more.. though looking at that there maybe some duplication

busycooks (http://busycooks.about.com/library/recipes/blcrocksoup.htm)

Slow Cooking recipes (http://allrecipes.com/Info/Living/Everyday-Cooking/Slow-Cooker/Main.aspx)

lowfat crockpot recipes (http://www.healthycookingrecipes.com/crockpotrecipes/lowfat-crockpot-recipes.htm)

just slow cooking (http://www.justslowcooking.com/index.html)

southern food crockpot chicken soups (http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotchickensoups/r/r80105i.htm)

[Parsnip]

tonight in mine, we have strips of chicken breast, red, yellow, orange peppers, red onion and 5 mexican oxo cubes, cooked on low for 4 hours

very spicy, will be served in warm wraps with salsa and garlic mayo

[Polo]

ooo thanks all, I love my slowy and am always looking for new things to do in it!

[pammy]

right i want something really easy to start with, my kids are quite fussy and dont do spicy.

I would like something even I wont mess up, a dumbo guide is neccessary!
We like chicken so was thinking of just doing some veg (put in the bottom) and putting some thighs in with a oxo chicken stock cube and maybe some cubed potatoes (would these go in the bottom as well?)
Told you i dont cook! LOL

If i put this in at 8.30 on low would this be ready for 4.30?

[penfold]

tonight in mine, we have strips of chicken breast, red, yellow, orange peppers, red onion and 5 mexican oxo cubes, cooked on low for 4 hours

very spicy, will be served in warm wraps with salsa and garlic mayo

Now that sounds lovely......do you add any water to it at all???? :)

[Polo]

right i want something really easy to start with, my kids are quite fussy and dont do spicy.

I would like something even I wont mess up, a dumbo guide is neccessary!
We like chicken so was thinking of just doing some veg (put in the bottom) and putting some thighs in with a oxo chicken stock cube and maybe some cubed potatoes (would these go in the bottom as well?)
Told you i dont cook! LOL

If i put this in at 8.30 on low would this be ready for 4.30?

Sounds good pammy - you can brown the meat first if you prefer (I don't always) - personally I wouldn't do the pots though, they always seem hard. I cut the thighs into pieces and normally stick some sort of sauce in with them too?

[ninja_ang]

Sorry to appear stupid, but why the need to brown meat first, what does it do?
Trying out my slow cooker for first time tomorrow or tues!
xxx

[Floosy]

Browning the meat seals it

[molly316]

.... doing some veg (put in the bottom) and putting some thighs in with a oxo chicken stock cube and maybe some cubed potatoes (would these go in the bottom as well?).....If i put this in at 8.30 on low would this be ready for 4.30?

Thats pretty much how I do mine... you can pan fry first just to brown, but I dont bother. I would skin the chicken though, as I dont eat it anyway, even if it is crispy. It also gets rid of the fat that sits under the skin.

Ive used mine for 20 odd years now and found pots come out ok, but I slice / chop mine thickly if Im leaving it on overnight. If I start mine before I go to bed, its ready for lunchtime so breakfast to tea time sounds about right.

If you have an auto setting, that cooks on high for an hour and then goes to low for the rest of the time, otherwise you can manually do that? If youre in a real hurry, set it on high.

this post (http://www.paidtoshop.co.uk/showpost.php?p=600843&postcount=88) is typically how I use mine, just vary the meat/ veggies I throw in. Remember any sauce will thin a little as the steam condenses on the lid and waters the sauce, so you may need to thicken it.

You could take out some of the veggies - potatoes are good for this, blend (or mash) and re add, that will work or whisk some cornflour in a little cold water, add some of the stock from the dish, stir smooth and then re add to the stock, that will also thicken, or cheat and use a little gravy granules.

Have fun with it, there arent really many rules.. its much harder to burn things and you dont have to stand there browning and stirring.. AND its only one pan to wash up :)

Hi Ang :love: if I cook beef or mince it just seals it in and gives it a nice colour, you can use the meat juices from the bottom of the pan to add to the stock and it gives it a lovely deep colour

[ninja_ang]

Thanks Molly :love: good to hear from you!
xxx

[pammy]

thanks molly, will give it a nervous go tomorrow! Let you know how i get on.
think i will cut the potatoes up small so they should be alright. what sauces could I add, or could i just add gravy granules instead?

[polo-rolo]

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 :)

I cook chicken in mine, plact ut in the morning then when i come home from work just need to do veg.

Gammon is nice but need to cover that with boiling water as it dries out just need to do veg when get home.

Stews are nice i always boil the carrots and spuds for 10 mins in micro first and then place them in with meat and gravy, nice stew when i get home from work.

I use it a lot,

if i can be of any more assistance juat pm me

[pammy]

silly question but do you do the gravy hot or cold when you put it in?

told ya I should go on cant cook wont cook!

[flookie]

The piece of beef i did yesterday i did with just an oxo cube,marmite and hot water then when it was all cooked i drained off the juice and added some bisto to it,and it was lovely.

[flookie]

Meant to say,i have done spuds in mine every time so far and they have all been fine,not hard at all.Always half or quater them though not whole.

[Floosy]

OMG that was the best lamb I ever had

[penfold]

Thanks all for the inspiration. And to think I only thought you could make stews or soups in it :o

Have spent ages looking through the recipes in the links molly and pammy provided (ta girls :)) and just felt like going out to tesco tonight to stock up on ingredients...but that kind of defeats the money saving aspect. So had a good tidy of my cupboards and found I had most things I need already :whistle:

Now, what to cook first :rolleyes:

[Parsnip]

Now that sounds lovely......do you add any water to it at all???? :)nope no water, just eaten it and it was lovely

[pammy]

The piece of beef i did yesterday i did with just an oxo cube,marmite and hot water then when it was all cooked i drained off the juice and added some bisto to it,and it was lovely.

how much water? (she says dusting off the slow cooker :D)

[flookie]

I put in the pots and carrots with the piece of beef in the middle then filled the cooker with oxo/water to the top of the beef,just covering it.I just mixed one stock cube and a teaspoon of marmite with the hot water.

[penfold]

nope no water, just eaten it and it was lovely

don't, you're making me jealous :p

will have to try this very soon, thank you!!!

[flookie]

The first few things i 'slow cooked' were just meat with jar sauces covering them and they were great too.The first was chicken wings/thighs with a jar of dolmio bolognese sause and a jar of passata sauce,cooked all day on low.When we came to eat it i had to fish the chicken out with a strainer cus it was so tender it all just dropped off the bone.The second was a sausage casserole with a jar of homepride mix on bogof from mr t's,a pack of sausages and some veg.Very tasty! Then i made a stew,never done one before cus my mum makes such good stew i have never dared make one but i was really chuffed with how it turned out.

[pammy]

you are all getting me in the mood to start it. will definitely go shopping tomorrow and get some healthy things. my kids will probably turn there nose up at it LOL

[pammy]

so what is everyone cooking in there slow cooker today?
full instructions please :D

[ninja_ang]

I've cheated today as it's my first attempt.
Layered bottom with carrots and new potato, cut into small chunks, then sliced onion, placed 4 chicken breasts on top and then bunged a jar of chasseur sauce on!
Cooking on low for 8 hours!
xx

[pammy]

think i may do similar!

[flookie]

I have put in a piece of lamb just now with some pots,onions and carrots and a garlic stock.

[pammy]

well my first attempt is beef with some carrots, onions, pots and gravy. havent put any other flavourings in. hope it doesnt come out too bland! I only have low, med or high settings on mine so have put it on med for 5 hours. do you think thats ok?

[tiger]

If you are going to be around for a little while, it might be worth putting it on high until you can see it's simmering and then turning it down.

You can always add a stock cube and a little pepper before you serve it if it needs some more flavour.

[pammy]

I am just about to go out again but only for about an hour, shall i put it on high until i get back then do you think?

i am so crap at this!

[tiger]

It might be worth it rather than risk it not being cooked in time. It depends on your slow cooker. You'll soon get used to it and the timings.
I know with mine that I would need to get it simmering before turning it down or else cook it for longer.

[Polo]

I just whack mine in and leave it - I normally use low heat, and cook as long as possible.

Gonna do a chicken casserole tomorrow, will put it on as I leave at about 7.30am on low and leave it all day until I get home, hopefully about 6pm.....to a delicous smell...

[scrumpyjane]

Can i just clarify something please? Got a whole chicken (organic), want to put it in the slow cooker, now do i just put it in on it's own or do i need to add some water? I've never cooked a whole chicken in it before. Also what setting and what time should i put it on if i want it ready for around 5.30? Is there anything else i should be asking? Thanks

[Triker]

Can i just clarify something please? Got a whole chicken (organic), want to put it in the slow cooker, now do i just put it in on it's own or do i need to add some water? I've never cooked a whole chicken in it before. Also what setting and what time should i put it on if i want it ready for around 5.30? Is there anything else i should be asking? Thanks


I would put about half inch of water in with it (makes lovely gravy stock) and put it on low for 8/9 hours. Maybe plonk half a lemon inside.

[Maverick]

I put a small amount of water in the bottom with the whole chicken.

[scrumpyjane]

Thanks Triker for that. I've cooked joints of beef etc with some liquid and casseroles in it loads but never a whole bird and when reading back the thread i could'nt see any mention of water, and i thought i'd best check before i ruined a lovely chicken or burnt the house down :eek:. I'll put it in around 8.30 before i go out.

[scrumpyjane]

Thanks Maverick too :).

[Unintended Muse]

I've discovered a real draw back to my slow cooker...

I'm cooking a casserole today; diced game [bought reduced of course], red onion, 2 cloves of garlic, leek, thinly sliced carrots and Jersey Royals [also reduced -37p!] plus stock.

The draw back is - it smells lovely and I am ravenous! Only 3 hours to wait....:o

[Triker]

I'm not using my slowcooker today, only because I cannot cram the turkey that I've defrosted from Chrimbo into it. :o

It feeds 10.:shocked:

There are 4 of us, one small one so she won't eat much, OH can't eat anything as he'd had 3 teeth out.........so its turkey for the next three weeks.

What on earth was I thinking.:der:

[scrumpyjane]

That's the sort of thing i do triker! My chicken is coming along nicely, the smell is driving the dog crazy :D

[pammy]

i put a lamb o yesterday at 8am and it was gorgeous by 5.30 but the potatoes were still slightly hard even after all that time. i think I may have to amend and put it on medium all day instead. Wish I had the auto one people have spoke about that can go on high for an hour then turns itself down.
am not using it today, thought I would give the kids a break from it (plus I have no meat to put in it LOL)

[molly316]

time for soup then Pammy, lol

well done on your success yesterday.. some folks seem to have trouble with pots.... maybe cut them smaller? As for auto, yes its dead handy, I only have auto, low and high, lol, so you could always put it onto high for an hour when you get up and remember to knock it down as you go out the door?

mmm the smell is lovely to come back to isnt it... or make you feel hungry!

I have a beef joint to go in mine later ready for tomorrow, will leave it on over night, so nice and slow and its ready for dd to take to work with her in the morning and make soup/ stock with the veggies.

M x

[Unintended Muse]

I've sliced my potatoes very thinly, so hoping they will be ok. Mine has had an hour on high, then been on low since around 11am... still smelling lovely.. mmmm...:)

It funny reading that Pammy mourns not having the auto setting. I have that, but wish I had a medium setting. I guess we're always hankering after what we haven't got.. :D

[Polo]

My stew was delish yesterday! Chunks of chicken, canned toms, onions, sweetcorn, carrots, courgettes, mushrooms and a splash of red wine. Oh ..... and I quartered some new pots - and they cooked lovely, mind you they were small...

Left on low from about 7.30am until 8.30pm... mind you I didn't eat mine til about 10.30pm after my internet problems!

[KAgirl]

I picked up one last weekend for £2 from our local fete on the bric-a-brac stall, I have a larger deep slow cooker and now have a shallow one too. Hubby not yet noticed it on top of the cupboard!

[pammy]

See I love tomatoes but my kids dont so thats a bummer. might do one for me and DS1 but dont really want to get into the habit of cooking different meals!

[Maverick]

Just chopped up some bits to bung in chicken and veg loads of paprika,some potatoes and tomatoes.

[flookie]

I did my weight watchers no point stew earlier and i have to admit it was loads easier than how i normally do it in the wok.I tend to make enough for a few days cus it is 'free'(if you know ww you know what i mean)and i can have some any time i feel hungry.Its so simple too,all it is is tinned chopped toms,fine beans,peppers,onions,carrotts,garlic,and basically any other no point veg chucked in and cooked till soft.Smells great tastes better!! If you really want you can blend it to make soup but i like it chunky so it actually feels like im 'eating' something.

[molly316]

See I love tomatoes but my kids dont so thats a bummer. might do one for me and DS1 but dont really want to get into the habit of cooking different meals!

You could always make extra, freeze the spare and when you fancy the tomato dish, its already cooked for you? Zip bags are great... take up less space in the freezer than awkward shaped boxes.. Im a recent convert and must admit to washing them out and reusing sometimes! Keeps in with the grocery challenge and the healthy eating plan as no waste and less electrifery to cook. You might even get a non cook day where its your own ready meals you're eating? That is a massive plus!

That sounds lush Flookie :)

I just bunged me beef in for 2m.. omg it smells lush! browned the beef in the red hot pan on all sides, lifted it out, hoyed in the stock veg for a few mins, stirred, added a bit of water & deglazed the pan. Return the meat, lid on, auto.. bish bosh dinner done!

Mmmm great thread :)

[penfold]

Made a low fat chilli last night with 2 packs of quorn (reduced to 24p a pack), loads of seasoning, tabasco, pasatta, tinned kidney beans, reduced toms, a HUGE red pepper, some onions and a egg cup full of lentils......cooked it overnight. Yum and very low in calories and fat.

Made 10 portions.. for pennies each :eek:. I think I am starting to love my slow cooker :love:

[Maverick]

Was that quorn mince? Good price I got some reduced to 60p I normally chill mine as its a bit bland.
Does it taste better done in the slow cooker?

[penfold]

Was that quorn mince? Good price I got some reduced to 60p I normally chill mine as its a bit bland.
Does it taste better done in the slow cooker?

Quorn mince yes. Tasted really nice. Did have LOTS of garlic and tabasco though so poss just overwhelmed :)

I have used it a few times as bolog but found the texture left a lot to be desired. This time you really couldn't tell the difference. I didn't actually tell OH and he never realised it was quorn ...and he can be so fussy :D

Will def look out again for it now. So low in calories and fat!

[Unintended Muse]

OK, looking for advice again, please.

I did my diced game casserole today and it was soooooo yummy. Now I have quite a lot of left over stock/gravy - suggestions please, as I don't want to waste it and also trying to save money. If making soup - do you do anything to it other than warm it up? ie thicken it, add extras or whatever?

[molly316]

OK, looking for advice again, please.

I did my diced game casserole today and it was soooooo yummy. Now I have quite a lot of left over stock/gravy - suggestions please, as I don't want to waste it and also trying to save money. If making soup - do you do anything to it other than warm it up? ie thicken it, add extras or whatever?

Good result hun, well done!

well.... Ive been playing with exactly that lately.... how long have you got, lol! Ive just done a batch cook of some soups for the freezer.. and not had to use a single stock cube! I dont have an exact answer, but Im happy to share what I have been doing?

If Im not planning on making soup I freeze the stock (zipbag) and get it out next time I use the slow cooker for a similar meal, so no need for stock cube. If its only small amounts you can fill ice cube trays so you can add it as you go along. Once theyre frozen you can just pop them out into a zip bag ready to refill. Either drain the liquid and keep that as a stock (feed the veggies to the dog), or blend the whole lot and keep that as a soup base till you have something ready to go with it.

To thicken it, either remove some of the veggies - pots are great for this or butternut squash or carrots or peas etc will work similarly - and blend/ mash then add the stock to the "mash" till its the right texture. When you're happy with the texture, re add the remaining veggies... = big soup!

Or remove all the veggies, blend them and add stock to the texture you want.

If you want a totally smooth soup, pass the blended soup through a fine sieve. (thats ideal for asparagus soup btw as you can use the whole lot including the peelings and the stems and the sieving gets rid of the yucky stringy fibres)

When happy with the texture..... you can add cooked pasta/ noodles / rice to it? Either strain the stock and add the pasta/ noodles to make a thin clear but very tasty soup or add to the blended soup to make a filling meal?

If its fine as it is, a little tom puree will thicken it a bit & reheat.

Or if it needs a bit more thickening, but you want to leave it as it is, blend a little cornflour in a cup with a little cold water to form a paste, then add a little stock to the cup, stir and then re add to the soup, stir when warming through and it will thicken. If it needs more thickening, repeat. Cornflour is easier to use as it is less likely to go lumpy.

Other alternatives are.. add lentils? mashed frozen peas or beans (pre cooked kidney/ butter/ any other kind) but mashed butter beans will make it lovely and creamy and you'd think it had dairy in it - lovely in a chicken soup.

You can always add whatever left overs are in the fridge/ freezer... slices of gammon/ bacon cubed and cooked till crispy...etc etc

I love soups... its just so easy to be creative and Im really enjoying experimenting. Its not hours slaving in the kitchen, its roast (or boil) veggies, blend & add stock ....bish bosh!

Tonight I roasted half a peeled butternut squash cut into 2" pieces in a red hot oven with garlic and olive oil, blended with some roasted red peppers (cooked same but seperately) and added home made stock to taste. At the same time I roasted 3 large courgettes, same way ready to blend with some peas and stock and used up the bits that I had in. Into ziplock bags, labled and ready for anyone to re heat. Meanwhile I had beef in the SC and the gravy off that is mmmmm, so I'll strain & freeze that and use it for a beef casserole base later.

Simple easy cheap tasty additive free (organic meat and veg) and diet friendly! Sorry... got carried away.. hope that helps and isnt info overload.. !

[Triker]

Also another trick to thicken soups if you can't be bothered to blend is to add powered mashed potato into it and keep stirring, thickens it up a treat.

[Unintended Muse]

Wow! Thanks for all of that Molly, its really appreciated, hun x
Its looking good for soup this evening :D

I'm really short on freezer space right now - been grabbing bargains, but will look into these ziplock bags, as my freezer isn't all that big and using freezer boxes [ok, empty carte d'or boxes :D] takes up so much space.

[Unintended Muse]

Also another trick to thicken soups if you can't be bothered to blend is to add powered mashed potato into it and keep stirring, thickens it up a treat.

That sounds like a good idea too, thanks Triker.

[molly316]

yw.. I couldnt sleep so it was written as if I was talking to you! They sell the freezer bags in tescos and the pound shop! Food storage bags I think they call them, you can get different sizes, the more in the box the smaller they are. I only have an underbench freezer and they really help to stack, I take meat out of the box and pack it in them too.

Trikers idea is much easier, well done!

[Triker]

yw.. I couldnt sleep so it was written as if I was talking to you! They sell the freezer bags in tescos and the pound shop! Food storage bags I think they call them, you can get different sizes, the more in the box the smaller they are. I only have an underbench freezer and they really help to stack, I take meat out of the box and pack it in them too.

Trikers idea is much easier, well done!


Ta hun, I do blend myself its just sometimes I like to look for easier options. Got the tip from MSE but forget who originally posted it.xx

[molly316]

stock.... stock guide (http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/get_cooking/cooks_guide/stocks.shtml)

[Unintended Muse]

I thickened my soup up with some cornflour tonight and it was lovely - another slow cooker success.

I am worried though. I got a few meat related bargains tonight and spent some time chopping up braising steaks ready for casseroles..as soon as I saw there was meat being reduced, I was thinking "What have they got that can go in my slow cooker?" Its gradually taking over my life.:D

[Triker]

I thickened my soup up with some cornflour tonight and it was lovely - another slow cooker success.

I am worried though. I got a few meat related bargains tonight and spent some time chopping up braising steaks ready for casseroles..as soon as I saw there was meat being reduced, I was thinking "What have they got that can go in my slow cooker?" Its gradually taking over my life.:D

Well if you think thats bad, I'm getting a little obsessed with chutney recipes.:shocked::whistle::der:

[Unintended Muse]

Well if you think thats bad, I'm getting a little obsessed with chutney recipes.:shocked::whistle::der:

A couple of years ago we had a tomoto glut - we ended up with Tomato chutney coming out of our ears. There were jars of it everywhere - some red and some green tomato. Plus I had loads liquidised plum tomatoes in the freezer to use in Spag Bol.

[molly316]

..as soon as I saw there was meat being reduced, I was thinking "What have they got that can go in my slow cooker?" Its gradually taking over my life.:D

Lol well done on ya bargains gal :) Come over and join in the grocery challenge!

In the slow cooker tonight....

Neck of lamb (bone in) from the reduced counter in the co op the other day. Cut the fat off the lamb & dry fry the fat ... take out and give to dog, pouring away most of the fat.

Heat the pan and brown the lamb till sealed on all sides, take out and toss in the chopped onions, & veggies (its leeks & shredded white cabbage today cos thats what needed using up) and stir. When hot, add a little water & stir to release the juices from the pan (deglaze) you could add wine. Re add everything to pan till warmed through and add 4 unpeeled garlic cloves & half a grated turnip (to thicken) and a sprinkling of paprika. Stir & cover with sufficient water & pop pan in slow cooker.

When ready to serve, squeeze out the garlic from the cloves into the soup/ gravy to give a more subtle flavouring. Keep the unused stock in the freezer ready to use as a base for the next soup / casserole?

I could have added thinly sliced potatoes in layers to make it into hotpot or carrots, but thats what I had in, the meat was £2.30 and a few veggies thrown in, no stock cubes, nothing processed low in fat and all cooked from scratch in minutes.

[Unintended Muse]

Sounds lovely Molly.

We'll be having some of my diced up braising steak cooked in the slow cooker on Thursday, with whatever veg I have that needs using.

I got a couple more bargains today.. including a £5.83 piece of Topside for £2.91. A couple of days ago I paid £4.32 for £10.57 of Rump Roast, which was chopped in 2. All of these ar emost likely going to get cooked in the slow cooker.

BTW Molly, I found large resealable freezer/food bags reduced from about 99p to 63p tonight - I think its cos they have been replaced by the new white packaged ones. It might be worth you having a look for them - they are in cream coloured packaging.

I'm the queen of reductions lately: Lots of reduced tinned fruit, well in date, for Smoothies; tinned sardines and mackerel also well in date - lines being phased out?; had lots of really cheap, posh chutneys etc a little while ago and got the reduced calories Seafood Sauce cheap tonight cos the front label was missing, plus my freezer is full.

I have set myself the challenge of reducing grocery outlay considerably and had spent next to nothing last week, before finding so many bargains, but they will reduce the cost of other weeks, as I can keep raiding the freezer now.

[molly316]

Brilliant gal, well done :) I never thought of using tinned fruits in smoothies, thats a brilliant idea :love: and I sometimes add the random chutneys to soups & sauces to give a little extra depth so good spot there too!

I'll look out for the zip bags, Im due to do a mr T shop to use some points up, they defo save loads of room in my little freezer and dd can just take a bag of soup frozen to work and defrost it there. Omg.... the beetroot soup leaked once... her whites were pink!

[Unintended Muse]

Just in case anyone is interested. I popped into Poundstretcher looking for cheap large flwoer pots and while I was there I had a bit of a look around. I discovered some Oxo cubes that Tesco don't sell - Indian Spice, Chinese and Mexican. They're packs of 6 at only 29p and I thought they'd make for some variety in casseroles, etc. I plan to try the Mexican one with tomorrows braising steak.

[Triker]

I've got a ham shank in mine today. Going to have the ham and make soup with the stock.

[Zaul]

Even tried liver and sausages done in it?Lovely-especially as I'm not keen on liver normally.;)

[Unintended Muse]

I did last Sundays joint over night as we had to have dinner early to go rellie visiting. It was out of this world wonderful!

I have another joint for tomorrow that will cook during the day, so that we can eat tomorrwo evening.. and I can't wait.

I cooked the joint with onion and used it to make a wonderful onion gravy to go with our dinner...

[Triker]

I got some beef tonight which I'm about to plonk in after getting the ham out.

The beef can cook with some water onions and carrots and hopefully when we've finished the car boot I can come home to most of my sunday dinner done.:D

[pammy]

how many hours is that on for then?

[Unintended Muse]

I cooked my little joint of beef today with a red onion, half of one of the little bottles of red wine [other half went in yesterdays spag bol] and also made up some Bisto gravy granules for stock. I put in on high for an hour at 7:30 this morning, then turned it down to low and we had it at 6pm tonight.

Even if I do say so myself it was sooooo lovely.. and the red wine onion gravy was gorgeous. I've saved the the rest of the stock to make soup with tomorrow.

[Triker]

how many hours is that on for then?

I put mine on low at 5 am this morning and we ate it at 8pm tonight.

Lovely. xx

[Polo]

I had little chickens in mine tonight. 2 for £4 in tescos!

Stuck it on about midday on low and ate at about 9.30pm.

Put in half a bottle of white wine mixed with a chicken stock cube and glazed the chickens with apple chutney. Was delicous - meat just fell off the bone so tender!

[Triker]

I had little chickens in mine tonight. 2 for £4 in tescos!

Stuck it on about midday on low and ate at about 9.30pm.

Put in half a bottle of white wine mixed with a chicken stock cube and glazed the chickens with apple chutney. Was delicous - meat just fell off the bone so tender!


Sounds lovely. mmmmmm.:D

[Unintended Muse]

I had little chickens in mine tonight. 2 for £4 in tescos!

Stuck it on about midday on low and ate at about 9.30pm.

Put in half a bottle of white wine mixed with a chicken stock cube and glazed the chickens with apple chutney. Was delicous - meat just fell off the bone so tender!

That does sound lovely..

I love the way the beef just melts in your mouth when its been in the slow cooker - I don't think I would ever just roast a joint in the oven again now.

[kedger25]

Ive cooked stuffed peppers in mine today,they smell gourgous,espcially as i cant be bothered to cook now ive come home soaked after the school run!

[Polo]

ooo what did you stuff them with?

Any chance of the recipe?

[Ladyshopper]

Ive cooked stuffed peppers in mine today,they smell gourgous,espcially as i cant be bothered to cook now ive come home soaked after the school run!

I'm not a fan of stuffed peppers, but do you or anyone else have any good veggie recipies.

In very easy language, telling me exactly what to do.

Got brand new slow cooker still in box, nearly 2 years old. Too scared to use it! :D

[Grace & Favour]

I'm not a fan of stuffed peppers, but do you or anyone else have any good veggie recipies.

In very easy language, telling me exactly what to do.

Got brand new slow cooker still in box, nearly 2 years old. Too scared to use it! :D


Hi LS . .

Have a look on here (http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/showthread.php?t=82031), an American site - but loads of recipes and links to other slow cooker (http://www.crock-pot-recipes.info/) sites

[penfold]

bought a reduced large shoulder of lamb last night, took all the meat off it (bones to dog..very happy dog!) browned the lamb in curry seasoning and then cooked curry overnight.

Just had it and must say...to die for!!!!

with plenty left in the freezer as well :clap2:

[kedger25]

ooo what did you stuff them with?

Any chance of the recipe?

No probs hun,i use any colour pepper,cut the tops of and de-seed.
I then mix whatever mince i have,ive used beef,pork,turkey and also quorn as ive made it for veggie friends!
In a bowl place ure mince,a chopped onion,1 garlic clove chopped or minced,2 handfulls of rice,
1 teaspoons of -
sweet paprika,
paprika,
vegeta (its a herby thing with carrots,onions etc in,u can buy it from polish shops,its very nice and i use it in everything,even mash as it saves me adding butter!)
1 egg beaten,pepper.
Mix the mixture together until combined evenly,divide into the peppers.
Add to slowcooker with a jar/carton of passata(with or without garlic,basil etc) and an inch of water if needed,u can cover the peppers in the sauce if u want as this infuses with the meat,cook for around 4-5hrs depending on setting,i serve it with mash and veg or its nice to eat with just bread!Enjoy! x

[Polo]

Oooo sounds lovely - and easy that even I can make them :D

I love stuffed peppers, but never thought of doing them in the slowy!

Thanks Kedger!

[molly316]

Oooo sounds lovely - and easy that even I can make them :D

I love stuffed peppers, but never thought of doing them in the slowy!

Thanks Kedger!

+1 :clap2:

Thanks :)

[kedger25]

Ure welcome!They are lush and very easy lol xx

[Unintended Muse]

OK, I'd like some advice from all you slow cooker experts, please.

Sitting in my freezer is a pack of chicken thighs. In the cupboard there are a few tins of Farmers Market Woodland Mushroom soup that need using by the end of August. I'm thinking it must be possible to combine some of the soup with the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, but.. on what setting and for how long should I cook it? And would I need to brown the chicken for this, or can I just throw it all in the slow cooker and leave it to get on with it?

Any ideas please?

[cyberbob1uk]

With chicken, no matter what Im putting with it, it usually goes into the slow cooker on low no later than 10:00 and its ready to eat anytime after 1700.

[Polo]

Agree with cyberbob, sometimes I brown it, depends on time!

Might be really nice with some bacon chucked in too.....

[cyberbob1uk]

A little thing I do when 'browning' is heat a little oil in the pan, add a crumbled stock cube and chuck in the meat for a few minutes.

The flavours get into the meat really well this way

[Unintended Muse]

I did fianlly get around to cooking the chicken thighs in the soup - plus bacon as suggested by Polo. It was lovely, so thanks to you both for your help.

I cooked my joint of Silverside [reduced of course] in it today, with stock, minced onion [reduced] cranberries [also reduced] and finely chopped home grown cayenne pepper. It was sooooo yummy with roast potates, broccoli and mashed carrot and swede. The beef was melt in the mouth tender..

[ohsobusy]

Just thought I'd give this thread a little bump as I've just dusted off the slow cooker that I got for Christmas last year :eek: After reading this thread I'm ashamed to say that I always thought slow cookers were limited to beef cassaroles lol but am ready to be creative.

Anyway, has anyone ever tried cooking rice in a slow cooker. My mum used to make a lovely fruity chicken and rice dish. She used chicken thighs, rice, condensed tomato soup and other veggies (I can't think what fruit, unless she meant the tomaotes but she always called it "fruity" lol) Anyway, i think the trick with this is to get the rice to a point where is absorbs all the liquid but doesn't become stodgy. Does anyone have any idea as to what quantity liquid you need to get the rice just right and how long to give it? I'm worried that if I go out an leave it and the liquid has all gone then it might burn or turn to stodge. Thanks. :)

[nettie_b]

i did google this
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/index.php?option=com_resource&controller=article&category_id=181&article=18549

but i do lots of stuff in the slow cooker - the meat is always v tender. my friend recently did a curry and i asked her how she cooked hte meet. she said it was brisket done in the slow cooker and cut up! delicious!

and yes - ur better to cover the meat with water with an added stock for flavour.

[ohsobusy]

thanks for the link nettie, rep on the way :) It did say one cup of water for one cup of rice. That doesn't sound like enough water to me. I thought it was more of 3:1 on water to rice.

[Gizmos]

can anyone recommend one? just ate tea now and if wed had slow cooker could have had it earlier if we'd prepped before we went out

[scrumpyjane]

There was a sainsburys one posted on HDUK the other day, half price at £9.99, i got my mum one and it looked good, nice size and has auto, low and high settings which is all you need.

[SimonJB]

Was one on offeroftheday the other day from Asda, a shade over £7 but was £7 delivery so didn't bother

[SimonJB]

Lots on www.offeroftheday.co.uk :)

[baffled]

Y'know,
'Way back when' there was a cooking aid called a 'hay box'.
And that's all it was - an insulated box, to surround yr. casserole, with the hay being the insulation.
Simply prep. yr. dish and oven cook for a couple of hours. Oven off and into box to slow cook o/night and thru. next day.

@ tea time, back in the oven for 20mins. and serve.

The hay box can now be [modern times] substituted for wide necked 'thermos' flasks.

All yr. trad. and exotics can be done this way.
Whilst it's back in the oven, all U have to faff with is the pasta or rice or paratha or tortilla or mash or chips or .............

B..

[Gizmos]

flask of soup for work tomorrow - thanks for reminding Baffled

[gwillymsarah]

anyone got a good recipe for chicken soup. i kept the stock from yesterdays chicken ( which i done in the slow cooker for first time) and was thinking of trying chicken soup for the kids. thanks sarah

[tiger]

Giz, if you are getting a slow cooker it might be worth considering a large one even though there are only two of you. You can then cook a chicken or joint or a batch of something for the freezer.


Sarah, I often make soup but don't have a recipe as such. It's just a matter of adding what veg I have to the stock together with some black pepper and herbs. Chopped onion, carrot & swede and diced potatoes, cook until soft. If you want a smooth soup then use a liquidiser or serve as a chunky soup. If you have any left over pieces of chicken then add them towards the end of the cooking.
Taste it before serving, depending on how much you make it may be worth adding a stock cube if it needs more flavour.

[Gizmos]

yup it would be a large one - the deep fat fryer is going

[Deedee]

anyone got a good recipe for chicken soup. i kept the stock from yesterdays chicken ( which i done in the slow cooker for first time) and was thinking of trying chicken soup for the kids. thanks sarah


Sarah, what did you cook in with the Chicken?

[Ragtimeplayer]

I am newish to slow cooking but have had it for a while now. I have done quite a few stews in it and also did a roast beef joint on Sunday which just melted in my mouth, yum!

What I wanted to ask is this:


After cooking any meat with fat on, lamb/beef/pork etc and after adding some stock to cook it in, how do you get rid of the fat in the gravy thats left so you can use it as gravy for the same meal?

I also would like to know how you can cook a chicken in the slow cooker with other veg etc and yet avoid all the chicken fat covering whatever else is in the slow cooker with it?

Basically, I am trying to eat low fat but can't see how it can be done with the fatty meats :)

[Deedee]

You could cut the meat fat off before you cook it! That would reduce the amount floating around a lot! failing that, it's a case of skimming it off at the end.

[scrumpyjane]

To make the gravy i normally tip some of the stock into a jug about an hour before i need it, put it in the fridge and when it cools the fat has solidified at the top so can be scrapped off. Then it's just a case of pouring the rest in a saucepan and heating and adding gravy granules.

[Ragtimeplayer]

You could cut the meat fat off before you cook it! That would reduce the amount floating around a lot! failing that, it's a case of skimming it off at the end.


Thanks Deedee but what about when you cook chicken?

[Deedee]

skin it, before it goes in the pan!

[gwillymsarah]

i just put the chicken in with a bit of water and potatoes. it was nice and moist i always roast chicken for to long and they get a bit dry. i think i'll use the slow cooker for chicken again.

i haven't done anything with the stock yet. how long will it keep for in the fridge?

[britchic4]

Ooh I'm after a slow cooker too, wonder if my Tesco has them.

[Gizmos]

found some on amazon - got some vouchers to use up from work so might use them on there

[nettie_b]

I seem to be using my slow cooker about 3 or 4 times a week at the moment - i think due to the credit crunch!! Just bought some pork chops reduced from £3.19 to .49p so will put them in tomorrow and even though they only take 20 mins to grill the kids just prefer any meat done in the slow cooker.

have done a chicken curry and a soup this week. For the soup I use tesco's value bag £0.99p - all ready chopped, stock and tin of toms and any left over veg from the fridge + garlic and ginger. Takes 5 mins, come home from work and blend - and the kids love it.

oh and gwillymsarah I love the chicken done in the slow cooker - just falls off the bone!

can anyone tell i've had no tea!! :p

[Gizmos]

OK what size in L do I need to get to fit a chicken in

[nettie_b]

mine's an oval one. apparently its 5.28-quart!! which google says is 5 litres!

[baffled]

I am newish to slow cooking but have had it for a while now. I have done quite a few stews in it and also did a roast beef joint on Sunday which just melted in my mouth, yum!

What I wanted to ask is this:


After cooking any meat with fat on, lamb/beef/pork etc and after adding some stock to cook it in, how do you get rid of the fat in the gravy thats left so you can use it as gravy for the same meal?

I also would like to know how you can cook a chicken in the slow cooker with other veg etc and yet avoid all the chicken fat covering whatever else is in the slow cooker with it?

Basically, I am trying to eat low fat but can't see how it can be done with the fatty meats :)


Hi,

After washing out the cavity ........

i). Amputate the 'parsons nose'.

ii) Peep inside and U will see two skin-flaps which will have about 50grammes of pure fat adjacent. Haul these out.
That's about 85% of the fat gone.
Skin it if U wish to lose another 5%..

Floating fat can be removed either by 'skimming' with a spoon, or with kitchen towel and/or, as mentioned above, by fridging it then lifting away.

[If U skin it, don't bin the skin ....... put it in the oven on a non-stick or foil. Crisp it and the [any] fat will run out. Dead tasty [fat-free] garnish].

B..

[Ragtimeplayer]

Hi,

After washing out the cavity ........

i). Amputate the 'parsons nose'.

ii) Peep inside and U will see two skin-flaps which will have about 50grammes of pure fat adjacent. Haul these out.
That's about 85% of the fat gone.
Skin it if U wish to lose another 5%..

Floating fat can be removed either by 'skimming' with a spoon, or with kitchen towel and/or, as mentioned above, by fridging it then lifting away.

[If U skin it, don't bin the skin ....... put it in the oven on a non-stick or foil. Crisp it and the [any] fat will run out. Dead tasty [fat-free] garnish].

B..

Thanks for that, its a great help!

[baffled]

There's a "big one" available Sunday.
[Looks well ok too provided the crock is removeable].
Also, there's an arguement for having two. A smaller one for lesser meals.
[If you do 2litres in a six litre pot there is less of the liquid in contact with the crock].
Can result in a 'burnt on ring' and the meal p'raps under or over cooked.
Depends where the heating element is located.



Aldi Sun. 5th., ====>

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_7409.htm

[nettie_b]

Aldi Sun. 5th.
====>
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_7409.htm


looks a good one! cheers

[Polo]

I'm sure I read about using the slowy to do chutneys and preserve type things, anyone got any easy recipes that I can't do wrong please?

Gonna sell some for our charity day at work, if I can find some :)

Thanks in advance

[baffled]

I'm sure I read about using the slowy to do chutneys and preserve type things, anyone got any easy recipes that I can't do wrong please?

Gonna sell some for our charity day at work, if I can find some :)

Thanks in advance


What ingredients have you got lots of?

[Polo]

I haven't any....probably apples....think the rest of the fruits gone now....

[baffled]

If short of ingredients / time & money ====>

http://www.paidtoshop.co.uk/showpost.php?p=784596&postcount=473

B..

[Polo]

Oooo thanks Baff, might see if I can find that, but do fancy making some myself too :)

[Gizmos]

just remove the labels etc and pour into own jar with wonky handmade stickers

[Unintended Muse]

just remove the labels etc and pour into own jar with wonky handmade stickers

:spit:

Like it ;)

[baffled]

just remove the labels etc and pour into own jar with wonky handmade stickers


Box of Ritz Crackers and a jam spoon to hand [so punters can taste the product pre-purchase].



Buying stuff off a woman U don't know [even if she looks like Glenn Close] ................ can't be too careful!!

B..







Where's me rabbit gone?

[baffled]

Aldi Sun. 5th., ====>

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_7409.htm


Although this link still takes us to the product, it is no longer displayed on the 'specials' listing for Sunday 5th..

B..

[JamesP]

At Tesco Online (Grocery Store) Slow Cookers are £9.96 at the moment. Might be the same price in store

[baffled]

At Tesco Online (Grocery Store) Slow Cookers are £9.96 at the moment. Might be the same price in store

Just btw., These are 'small' size @ 3.5Ltr..

The large ones @ 6.5Ltr. are £19.99 ALDI ........... £32.97 TESCO. item 100-1403.

Best,

B..

[Gizmos]

well to see how get on bought the £10 smallone from Tesco - after using a few MOCs it didnt really cst anything IYSWIM - going to do chicken on Monday morning - dont finish work till 6 so will be great - have a later start so means have tme to prep it

[baffled]

well to see how get on bought the £10 smallone from Tesco - after using a few MOCs it didnt really cst anything IYSWIM - going to do chicken on Monday morning - dont finish work till 6 so will be great - have a later start so means have tme to prep it

If yr. doing a 'spicy' dish [Mex., Carrib., Eskimo, West Hartlepool, Asian etc.] only add say, 70% of the spice at the start. These will infuse and 'soften' [nicely] during cooking.
Wop the other 30% in for the last half-hour to frisk it up.

B..

[kerryo]

thinking of poppint out to aldi tomorrow to see if they have some of the 6.5 litre ones for 19.99, was tempted to get the 9.99 one in tesco but thought with my lot it prob will not be big enough:)

[Unintended Muse]

There is a 3.5l Russell Hobbs slowcooker in the House of Fraser Sale for £19.99
Also a Morphy Richards 6.5l for £27.99

Free delivery at the moment and 7% through Quidco [plus £10 off 1st online order of £50 or more]

House of Fraser have a 70% sale on at the moment so there could be a few bargains to be found. While in store I noticed a Viners pan set reduced from £120 to £40 and Viners 16pc Dinner services from £49.99 to £15.

[baffled]

thinking of poppint out to aldi tomorrow to see if they have some of the 6.5 litre ones for 19.99, was tempted to get the 9.99 one in tesco but thought with my lot it prob will not be big enough:)

There's a good arguement for having two.

Same as breadmakers.

S/cooks
----- a big one ------- One cook will do a meal for today and one for the freezer.

-----a small one ------- One cook feeds today and a bit left over.

All depends of course on appetites and numbers.

Tis good fun!

Best,

B..

[kerryo]

cheers:)

[avstar]

Hmm thinky my new slow cooker from Tesco is going to be popular in our house.

Left a lamb joint (reduced of course!) in there this morning with some onion, tomato, stock, bay leaf and hot pepper sauce ....for our tea after work today...other half gets home early and has just emailed me to say it smelt so good he's just scoffed half of it already ! :nono:

I'll have to slap his legs tonight....altho that might just encourage him more :D

[Ragtimeplayer]

Just had a lovely pork casserole in mine!

Had some reduced in price pork steaks for 87p to use up so popped them in with a casserole mix and some onions and button mushrooms, it tasted lovely and could smell it cooking all day :)

[flookie]

I left a chicken casserole bubbling away in mine this morning,when i came home an hour ago the dogs were doing their nut at the smell it was giving off.Kobi kept jumping up at the kitchen unit and sniffing,thats the only problem now he is getting so big,he can actually reach the units! Note to self-put all food to the back of the worktop not on the edge!!! lol

[WHITEGUINEAPIG]

if anyone uses this in their slow cooker it is 85p bogof at morrisons, a real bargain, homepride cook in sauce in a tin, there is, chasseur, red wine, white wine, barbeque, curry and sweet and sour. i have chasseur with sausages and potatoes in mine today

[JamesP]

At Tesco Online (Grocery Store) Slow Cookers are £9.96 at the moment. Might be the same price in store

well to see how get on bought the £10 smallone from Tesco - after using a few MOCs it didnt really cst anything IYSWIM - going to do chicken on Monday morning - dont finish work till 6 so will be great - have a later start so means have tme to prep it

I copied Giz and got a slow cooker £10 one too :D Or Giz copied me if she bought it after Saturday :rolleyes:

Mum's just taken it out the box and read instructions

Low is meant for reheating food

High is for cooking food for 7-8 hours

This doesn't sound right to me. I thought you were meant to turn it onto Low for 7 -8 hours for a meal with meat in not high. :confused:

[Gizmos]

15 mins on high this morning -then rest on low from 9am to 6pm - chicken thoroughly cooked

[JamesP]

Thanks Giz! Well I wont be cooking so it doesn't affect me to much :D

[Unintended Muse]

Its the spuds and carrots that need to spend some time on high, I find, as they take longer to cook than meat.

We had a beef casserole today with baising steak [bought for pennies], carrot, potato, onion, swede and peas cooked in red wine, and stock made with an oxo cube. It was Lovely. The only trouble is, I have been home all after with the smell of that cooking, plus dds veggie casserole in the over and the bread maker on... all those lovely smells meant I was ravenous all afternoon.

[avstar]

I copied Giz and got a slow cooker £10 one too :D Or Giz copied me if she bought it after Saturday :rolleyes:

Mum's just taken it out the box and read instructions

Low is meant for reheating food

High is for cooking food for 7-8 hours

This doesn't sound right to me. I thought you were meant to turn it onto Low for 7 -8 hours for a meal with meat in not high. :confused:

I was a bit worried about these instructions but I found that on the high setting the casserole was bubbling alot, so I turned it to low and it simmered nice a slowly.

I'm v pleased with my Tesco £10'er!

[nettie_b]

Yep, if left all day high setting does bubble! Mine has auto which reduces itself after a certain amount of time - which is the same as what Giz does. though this morning i've done a chicken curry on low cos we're out till late.

[newish2this]

I've just bought one of these £9.97 ones too:D
Never owned one before so I have no idea how to use it:o
I'm glad I did a search on here and found this thread. I'm going to make myself a nice cup of coffee and have a good read of it:)

[beckieboop]

mine arrived and its sat in the box on the side in the kitchen lol
ive just done my online shoplist and have put everythin i need in it to do casseroles etc...love the curry idea, i mujst try that!

[Trolley Dash]

Hi,

After washing out the cavity ........

i). Amputate the 'parsons nose'.

ii) Peep inside and U will see two skin-flaps which will have about 50grammes of pure fat adjacent. Haul these out.
That's about 85% of the fat gone.
Skin it if U wish to lose another 5%..

Floating fat can be removed either by 'skimming' with a spoon, or with kitchen towel and/or, as mentioned above, by fridging it then lifting away.

[If U skin it, don't bin the skin ....... put it in the oven on a non-stick or foil. Crisp it and the [any] fat will run out. Dead tasty [fat-free] garnish].

B..

great post - love your sense of humour

[bluetimone97]

Ok guys need help please, got a slow cooker this week and thought I would be clever as I am out tomorrow all day with the boy's football.
So anyway got meat and veg all chopped up for a beef casserole added water, stock, herbs etc and it is sat in the fridge ready to turn on in the morning BUT my mum just text me to say I need to use boiling water, is that right?
If so does that mean I have messed up already?

[molly316]

hmm, sorry this might be a bit late for you, but I never used boiling water.

When I was working ft, Id cook that nights meal and prep the next days for the sc at the same time (just meant chopping double veg etc so not that hard) & pop the next days meal in the fridge in the sc pot. Next morning, take it out and pop it straight in the sc on auto (hour high then turns itself to low), so I only had to cook every other day. No boiling water - often straight out the fridge and did that for years without problems. Ive been using a sc since the mid 80s and love it :D

[avstar]

I've used my Tesco slowcooker about 4 times now and yes the meat is very tender, but I am struggling with the greasy'ness of the food - I think I've got so used to grilling/Baby George/roasting on a rack type cooking that I'm struggling with the idea and taste of food cooked in it's own juices. T'other half isn't too concerned cos he moans constantly about my obsession with low fat but me and teenage DD are weight worriers:D

For example a sausage casserole, when I cook sausages I grill them and there's tons of fat in the bottom of the grill pan - it's putting me off thinking that this is in the slow cooker:shocked:


Any idea how to get round this, or low fat recipes, or best cuts of meat for the slow cooker?

I did a veggie/bean mix and that was v good, no meat so not greasy, but T'other half is a carnivore and "won't eat none of that vegetarian sh*te"....!

[Betty Boo]

If you buy sausages with a high meat content they are a lot less greasy than the cheapy sausages. i like the black farmer ones in Tesco. they are 90% meat.
Take the skin off of the chicken before it goes in or buy lean meat such as steak mince which is only 12% fat as opposed to the 20% in normal mince.

The only other way would be to let it cool down then take the fat off before you reheat it.

[baffled]

T'other half is a carnivore and "won't eat none of that vegetarian sh*te"....!


Good man! [imo].

However, moving swiftly on,


Over 'ere =======>

Liposuction_and_the_art_of_slow_cooking_for_'fuss-pots' (http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=cDNRHs_f5P8C&pg=PA17&lpg=PA17&dq=slow+cooker+removing+fat&source=web&ots=cLwYbghwUd&sig=8cxub0BLz5DQt23DhKZpZsE-lSE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA17,M1)

:eyebrows: B..

[avstar]

Good man! [imo].

However, moving swiftly on,


Over 'ere =======>

Liposuction_and_the_art_of_slow_cooking_for_'fuss-pots' (http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=cDNRHs_f5P8C&pg=PA17&lpg=PA17&dq=slow+cooker+removing+fat&source=web&ots=cLwYbghwUd&sig=8cxub0BLz5DQt23DhKZpZsE-lSE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA17,M1)

:eyebrows: B..

Baffled, you cheeky hound!:D

Thanks for the link - looks marvellous....I'm such a dimbat tho I actually thought that was the title - I'd certainly buy a book called that :rofl:

Me and my lardy thighs thank you:p

[Gizmos]

guys - bit of advice
always seem short of time in a morning - if chop all the veg tonight and put it in the crockpot with the meat (chicken) and the stock and then cover it up and refrigerate - do yu think that would be ok so long as all the veg was coated in liquid etc?

[baffled]

Personally,
I'd keep the prepped veg. in water o/night, then drain and add meat and stock first thing the morrow.

B..

[beckieboop]

i put it all in the pot ready the nite before and shove it in the fridge, seems ok to me lol.

[Gizmos]

I guess I could do one for the meat andstock and one forthe veg ....

[Unintended Muse]

I sometimes do what baffled suggested, leave the veg in water overnight in the fridge. Then just drain and put in the slow cooker, add the meat, crumble an oxo cube over the top then add water.

I usually just put a couple of spoonfuls of gravy granules in with the boiling water first, then pour over.

Or sometimes I use half a little bottle of wine then just make up the extra with stock.