Slowcooker Recipes/guidance

[Chipstick]

I am the current title holder of worlds worst cook and to be honest don't really enjoy it. However, I work full time and I'm conscious that the children are having too many 'from the freezer' type meals.

I've ordered a slow cooker, thought it would be lovely to come home and have tea done with all fresh products - sounds idyllic but in reality haven't got a scooby where to start.

Any ideas for recipes greatly appreciated.

My bog-standard stew (sorry, no quantities!):

Stewing (cheap!) beef, carrots, swede, onions, potatoes.

Chop all of the above, put in slow cooker. Cover with beef stock. Low 8-10 hours. Will keep longer if necessary. Don't stir whilst cooking - just leave it alone!

I stir some frozen peas and baked beans in near the end, too.

If you want dumplings, turn up to high and add for last half-hour. I'll look up the recipe for these if you're interested.

Lovely with HP sauce!

Oh, and make loads and freeze portions for later.

It may be worth searching old threads - there are loads of recipes on here already.

I did do a search before I posted but it only brought up 8 threads, none of which had full receipes on? I was quite surprised myself.

Thanks for the great recipe below, may well start with that one

Curry?

Chicken or other meat
Mushrooms
can of onions - eazy onions. They are fab and such a time saver
Savoy cabbage
Curry paste - as hot as you like it
Boiling water

Serve with naan bread or rice
Yum

Have lots more if you need them

If you need to thicken the stew, add gravy granules at end, or cornflour (slake it with cold water first).

Some recipes on this thread.

this is a good book www.amazon.co.uk/Slow-Cooker-Cookbook-Delicious-Preparation/dp/0754814866/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books &qid=1208551705&sr=1-3

I made spag bol in mine the other day and it was yummy.(Just the bolognese part,obviously)

Would also reccomend

Beef stew(I use a couple of Lbs and freeze some of the stew)

2lbs stewing steak
I large onion
1 green pepper
1lb carrots
Beef stock 1 pint.
1 turnip
Flour
Cooking oil
Dash worcester sauce
Squeeze of tomato puree.

Can also add other root veg ie spuds/parsnips if you like.

I usually coat beef in flour and then brown it off in frying pan befroe bunging in slow cooker. but if in a rush it isn't essential.Add chopped onions pepper carrots and turnip.Mix up stock, worcester sauce and tomato paste.Pour over.Leave cooker on all day on low whilst you are at work.Job done

Morroccan Chicken

2LB Chicken breast fillets cut into pieces
1 can chick peas
1 large onion,chopped
1 clove garlic minced/chopped
Juice 1 lemon squeezed
2 tins chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon of cumin

Brown off chicken (or not if real rushed,-I like to do this but it is just a little pecadillo of mine Add chopped onion,garlic,lemon juice,chick peas,tomatoes and cumin) Leave whilst you are at work.Job done.Serve with rice/cous cous/pitta bread and a nice green salad.Yummy.

Coq au vin

2lb chicken breast pieces
1 large onion
small carton button mushrooms
8 rashers of smoked bacon
2 moderate glasses wine,topped up with chicken stock about half a pint??I tend to just bung the liquid in!!(have done it with both red and white wine and it has worked ok)
Bouquet garni.
Couple of tablespoons of flour.

Coat chicken breasts with flour.Fry off with bacon and onion.Add stock and wine and stir to thicken,add garlic.Transfer to slow cooker.Bung in mushrooms and herbs.Leave on low whilst at work.

That is fab thanks for all your fab replies