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Original poster

I just bought a slow cooker :) would love your suggestions!

37 replies

mumblecrumble · 14/08/2009 11:08

We eat a lot of cheaper meat/veg and usually make stews/casseroles and resent having to use the hob or oven for so long, especailly in summer.... so have bought a lovely slow cooker [I;m very happy!]

I have just prepared [before going out to work to lok forward to my first slow cooked dinner....man I hope its ok....] a simple beef, peppers, red wine stew that I';m hoping to use tonight, then have with pasta, then have with other stuff, freeze etc.

I wondered if any of you had tips, dos and don;ts etc and could tell me/direct me to some recipes. My sister was given one and she said she has got a bit stuck in a rut.

ALso, is it really like leaving alightbulb on? It definietly won;t blow up or anything while I;m out will it?

OP posts:
AstronomyDomine · 14/08/2009 11:15

Haven't got any recipes to hand mumble but I made a lamb-stew thing the other week.
Just chopped LOADS of veg (leeks, celery, peppers, mushrooms (yes, even added them at the beginning and they were lovely), potatoes, carrots, onion) a bit of salt, black pepper and a bouquet garni. Then sealed some lamb (cheap cut). Added water (I've yet to guage the right amount, always end up with LOADS of gravy) - don't need stock as the flavours from everything all mingle to make a delicious stock any way - and put it on low around 8am.
God it was delicious when I got in from work and no, don't worry, I've had mine for a few years and nothing's ever blown.

Original poster
mumblecrumble · 14/08/2009 11:16

mmmmmmm delicous

Thanks fo the reassurance.....

Was thining about chicken thighs..

OP posts:
AstronomyDomine · 14/08/2009 11:21

I've used loads of different meats including chicken, but it cooks so quickly anyway I usually stick to cheaper cuts of lamb, beef etc.

It does wicked curries (don't use crappy pastes, make your own it's sooo much tastier) the meat practically dissolves in your mouth.

There are ladies on here who've used a slow-cooker for boiling ham joints. I haven't tried it but I believe that, again, the meat is deliciously tender.

I'm sure somebody else will join the thread and expand on this.

LoveBeingAMummy · 14/08/2009 13:03

I have just got into using it, if you search there are a couple of recipes there, i've been using packets sauces (which i would never normaly do ).

Main thing to remember is you need less liquid than the hob.

Also found out last night that chillies cooked for 6 hours stop tasting spicy

ILYM · 14/08/2009 13:27

Love my slow cooker.
Good for busy mums - can put on in morning & welcomed home to a lovely meal you have not slaved over
Also use packet sauces when short of time.
Chick chasseur with chick thighs lovely mmmm.

Spag bol,Soup, Chilli & Boeuf Bourg lovely from scratch.
Dont be put off by (unchilli) chilli - I put a jar of chilli flakes on the dinner table so everyone can add their own - Dh loves spicy food Dds not so much so everyone can add to their own taste.

Original poster
mumblecrumble · 14/08/2009 18:49

Hi! Have just enjoyed my first slow cooker experience!

Came home after work to the cliche delicous smells of beef in red wine.....

Husband suitably pleased so he readily forgave my slightly impulesive buy...

Have made 4 meals for 3 of us:

  1. Beef stew with cabbage steamed over the top in slow cooker [this was a bit experimental but nice] and a baked potato tonight.

  2. Put aside batch to make pasta with mushrooms and tomoatos tomorrow [after watching economy gastronomy thing]

  3. 3 tubs of 'take to work' meals

  4. Added some curry paste [sorry astronomy] and put this curry away for later this week.

I also had much more energy for clearing up as I prepared it this morning. As pleased with this purchased.

Have there been other threads on this?

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 15/08/2009 21:27

Mumble I am going back to work in three weeks time, after Mat leave for a year. Have been thinking of getting a slow cooker - can you link to the model you got?

AnotherFineMess · 15/08/2009 21:43

Oooh, buy this book

It's brilliant, I've cooked about half of the receipes and never been disappointed with anything - they're easy to follow, delicious, healthy and usually pretty cheap, best recipe book I've ever bought (and no I am not Sara Lewis nor in any way related!)

My favourite recipes are for Abruzzi lamb, Kashmiri butter chicken, and a couple of veggie dahl-type curries - gorgeous.

I use my slow cooker about 3-4 times a week and it really is safe to leave it on all day, or even overnight.

I think slow cookers are amazing, can you tell???

Goober · 15/08/2009 21:46

Rice pudding.

Original poster
mumblecrumble · 15/08/2009 21:57

oh my gosh... [mumble daydreams about homemade rice pudding made when she comes through the door...]

Bikerun - not sure of model, it was the only one they had in morrisons...... £24.99 and is 4.5 litres. Will have a look....

I would very much recomend it.
Going to look at book now..

OP posts:
Mousey84 · 15/08/2009 22:02

Oh, I love my slow cooker. Its older than me so prob not the most efficient (120 watts) but I love my roast dinners in them - the stock thats left over is base for soup etc and the meat on the chicken literally falls off the bone.

The oldstyle board on mse has loads of recipies too...here

Goober · 15/08/2009 22:03

I use Tesco short grain rice. The recipe on the packet is a more traditional nutmeg topped pudding, but I leave out the nutmeg and instead use vanilla extract.
3 hours ish on high setting.

AitchTwoOh · 15/08/2009 22:05

marking this as am considering buying one. i look forward to winter for the stews.

Original poster
mumblecrumble · 15/08/2009 22:10

I saw a picture on a website of somebody using it like a bain marie and standing things in jars in the water....

I am making rice pudding tomorrow evening.

I think the next thing I will try will be chicken thighs. I have 8 free range [in reduced sections at 99p for 4 - hurrah!]

Maybe in a BBQ sauce type liquid, or tomato.... hmmmmmm.....or with beans maybe...

OP posts:
Goober · 15/08/2009 22:10

This is mine, does the same as all the more expensive ones. I am now on my 3rd SC, this one compares very well.

Gammon joint: 4 hours. Can cut with a fork!

Chicken stock, from carcus. Overnight. Strain in the morning, ready for making risotto/soup at night!

differentID · 15/08/2009 22:12

thanks for recommending a slow cooker- i got one from asda in the end, a big one becasue we oftewn have guests.

Goober · 15/08/2009 22:12

White meat, chicken/pork are better cooked on high, for less time or becomes dry.
Red meat for as long as you like.

Goober · 15/08/2009 22:13

D-I-D!! Hellooooooo!
Glad you got one. How are you finding it?

Original poster
mumblecrumble · 15/08/2009 22:15

Think I need more help with timimgs... bed now though.

I want to stay up and cook....

OP posts:
differentID · 15/08/2009 22:16

amazing! I did a JAmbablaya in it last saturday.

AitchTwoOh · 15/08/2009 22:17

ladies, i'm looking at the tesco site, how big is 3.3l? i think i might need a big one as i like to double up recipes? any recommendations?

Goober · 15/08/2009 22:18

Clever girl!

differentID · 15/08/2009 22:20

do you have an Asda nearby?
I got the Morphy Richards one on offer for £25 instead of 39.99 6.5 litre one.

Goober · 15/08/2009 22:20

It is loads big enough for us, there are 5 of us.

AitchTwoOh · 15/08/2009 22:23

oh, right. i could go to an asda, sure. i was looking at these crock pot ones, with the removable dish. would that be good for browning onions etc?

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