Can someone tell me how to use a slow cooker? I think it could solve my evening meal problem

[sparkleymummy]

I have a slowcooker as part of my range cooker but absolutely no idea what I do with it. How long does it take to cook something? And is it safe to have it on whilst out at work all day?

Any recipies would also be appreciated. At the moment we are all getting back to the house at about 6.45 and its too late to start from scratch since the DCs are both under three.

I make all sorts with mine and leave it on all day apparently it's like leaving a light on all day.

I cook spag bol, shepherds pie, casserole, curry, chilli, stew, basically anything with meat veg and stock or sauce. Be aware that it can dry things out so you need plenty of liquid if you're leaving it all day.

My friend brought me a cookbook and you can even make cakes in there!

There are lots of recipes on threads here, search Slow cooker and you will get lots of tips and ideas.
I'm not sure about a slow cooker on a range though. Mines the work top, plug in socket, variety.
I put it on in the morning on low and leave to cook all day.
I make stews, casseroles, curries and you can I believe roast a chicken but I never have.

so you literally just stick in all of the ingedients and let it cook off?

yep, you can brown the mea\t first but don't have to if short of time just a bit nicer if you do