Can I start a 4 hour to cook stew first thing in the morning and then just let it sit at room temperature until the evening??

[BiscuitStuffer]

Our fridge is very small and it would be far easier to start cooking at 6am than mid afternoon.

[SoupDragon]

Get a slow cooker!

[differentID]

do you have a slow cooker? can be on all day at low temp then.

[SoupDragon]

(No, I wouldn't let it sit at room temp though)

[LadyMidnightMT]

oh yes, I would! Let it 'ripen' on the hob. You get the best taste doing this.

We leave over night - but usually cook in the evening, so its the same time.

If you make loads and want to freeze though, take some out straight away and cool and freeze. Don't freeze after it's ripened.

[StirlingNeedsAHoliday]

Of course you can!!

I cook it the night before and leave it in the pan and we haven't died of anything!!

Just make sure that you heat it through thoroughly and it will be fine.

[BiscuitStuffer]

Great thanks everyone. No slow cooker here!!

It would also mean that I could give the kids some for their dinner and we eat it later when our friend comes over.

[JackBauer]

I wouldn't. This si why I spent a tenner ona slow cooker from argos TBH

[LadyMidnightMT]

Absolutely no problem for a day.

[BirdyArms]

It will be fine. I often cook a big batch of bolognese in the evening so it's too hot to go into the fridge before I go to bed. Hasn't done us any harm.

[BiscuitStuffer]

Am I allowed to cook a stew when it's going to be 21 degrees today???

[LadyMidnightMT]

yes

Just heat it up proper

[Bucharest]

I always do it.Not dead yet. As others say, just reheat thoroughly.

PS Am also in Italy so 21 degrees is shivery....