Question:
Do you feel buying a slow cooker is worth it?

Choices:
Yes
No
Not sure

 

I don't use my slow cooker regularly, but for certain recipes it is wonderful. Texas Pot Roast wouldn't turn out the same in the oven. I also like it on nights when both DH and DS are at school. Dinner can 'hold' until they get home.

I use mine a lot in the winter, sporadically in the summer. However, it was certainly worth the investment. I'm always looking for different recipes to make.

I like my slow cooker but I find that most of the newer recipes are for much shorter cooking times then I need. I leave home at 8 and don't return till 6, so I need recipes that cook for 10 hours, not 4 or 5

I use my crockpot on occasion, but unfortunately the recipes I ususally use it for are none too healthy. They are either "football food" or really high in sodium. But I am always looking for healthier options to try.

I have a Nesco roaster that I use to slow cook. I like that it multitasks. It's nonstick so it's a lot easier to clean. Although, the new slow cooker bags eliminate the need to clean up at all (except for the lid.)

I agree with Tyra ( Hi, Tyra! ).

I'd use mine more often if I could find more recipes that called for longer cooking times; 4 - 5 hours doesn't work for my household. I know I could use a timer, but don't feel comfortable doing that. We don't "do" red meat, either, so that makes it even harder to find good slow cooker recipes that I can use.

quote:

Originally posted by Tiger:

quote:

Originally posted by tbb113:
I like my slow cooker but I find that most of the newer recipes are for much shorter cooking times then I need. I leave home at 8 and don't return till 6, so I need recipes that cook for 10 hours, not 4 or 5

I just got a new one that shuts off after 4,6,8 or 10hrs and than just keeps food warm. It does stop food from drying out when the cooking times are shorter than the work day.

I use mine more in the fall and winter. I have a few tried and trues- which I would like more of.

I love my slow cooker even though I don't use it nearly as much as I should. I need to pull it out more often. Getting home and having dinner ready is great.

I use my slow cooker fairly often even when I'm going to be home. It's great for soups, stews, and less tender cuts of meat. I did a pork tenderloin in it, for the first time, the other day and it came out beautifully.

I have 4 slow cookers (various sizes) that I use year round. My favorite is my newest~a West Bend Versatility cooker. You can brown your meat on the stove and transfer the pot directly to the base. Also, it cooks much "slower" than the other crockpot types that I have. I couldn't live without my slow cookers!

I absolutely love my crockpot(s)! I feel there are a "must have" right along side a stove, grill, and food processor!

I actually own two - one 4 quart and one of those little "dippers". I use the little one to re-heat soups, stews, etc for an hour or two after work so I can get odds and ends done with out having to futz with dinner. I also use the little one to cook my steel-cut oats overnight.

anyone have any slow cooker recipes they'd like to share?

I'll share. I made a split pea soup in my slow cooker last weekend. It was
1 lb green split peas, soaked overnight and picked over
1/2 cup pearl barley
1 onion
1 carrot
1 rib celery
2 Tbs. chicken boullion (I used 4 Tbs of my own homemade chicken broth in place of this)
2-3 Tbs. Bragg's liquid aminos
4-8 oz. chicken apple sausage (optional)
1 Tbs fresh marjoram

Soak split peas overnight. Sautee onion, carrot, and celery in a pan. Put split peas, barley cooked onion, carrot, and celery, boullion, and Bragg's into pot (you can add the sausage now if using, or you can brown it in a pan and add it in the last 1/2 hour). Cover with water to 2-3 inches over veggies. Cook on low 10-12 hours. Add marjoram during last 1/2 hour.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: fairychild42,