I want to use my slow cooker more. Inspire me!

[Madratlady]

I've read that running a slow cooker for the day is cheaper than running an electric oven So I plan to use it on as many of my days off as possible, especially as if I cook double then I can have a day where I don't have to cook when I am at work.

So tell me what your favourite slow cooker recipes are.

And how does coking something like a cottage pie that you don't stir work? Doesn't it burn to the bottom?

You aren't supposed to stir anything in the slow cooker as once its on, you lose heat every time you open it!

What sort of things do you like to eat? Generally you can make most things, just need to brown meat first.

Porridge

Soup

Mulled wine

Curry

And the usual stews etc!

Blue I've ben using it wrong for years!

I'd use it for soups, stews, and now you've told me I shouldn't stir I'll be brave enough to do pies and all sorts :D

One of my favourite things to cook in the slow cooker is this...

distractedhousewife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/monday-11th-of-march-2013.html

Gammon in brown sugar.

Gammon joint

soft brown muscavado [light or dark]

Put the sugar on the bottom and place the joint on top, switch on medium and leave for 6 or 8? hrs [hopefully someone will clarify!]

I usually do it with about 2" of sugar underneath.

It is delicious!

A joint of beef.. You can get away with a cheaper cut.. Mustard, a stock cube, Worcester sauce etc.. Lovely

Slow cooked beef stew or goulash

Soup

Chicken is lovely roasted

Pulled pork. Pork shoulder (fat and skin cut off) joint with a carton of passatta, mustard powder, worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, couple of table spoons of sugar. Cook for 4 hours or so til the pork is very tender. Pull the pork apart with forks then mix the meat into the sauce it cooked in. Serve in crusty rolls with a salad.

Apparently you can make steamed sponge pudding in a slow cooker. Not tried it yet but intend to.

Word search slower cooker recipes on MN. There are dozens of threads about it and some good recipes.
I normally google and get the BBC cooking website. There are some good suggestions there as well.

I cook 'throw stuff in' stew and 'throw stuff in' curry Whatever veg/meat I have to hand, cut up and put in with stock/chopped toms/curry paste/herbs (not altogether - just whatever I think will taste nice together). If it looks thin I chuck a bit of cornflower in too.

Once you eaten your roast chicken throw in the carcass with some chopped veg: leeks, carrots, swede, peas, potatoes. Turn it on and go to work. Lovely smell of chicken soup as you open the door. Season and serve with bread and cheese for a easy supper