How does a slow cooker save money?

Swan_2

basmic wrote:

I think we need some slow cooker recipes.

I have a slow cooker sitting unused in the cupboard, which was a christmas present to me

wannabe_sybil wrote: »

I am extraordinarily bad at giving linkys, but in the headings of the Old Style Board there are the indexed collections which include slow cooking, but any casserole or stew or soup would be suitable, but don't use it for expensive meat. It is wonderful at transforming tough meat, I can't praise it enough.

I think THIS is the link, but I may be wrong

one word of advice, don't listen to what they say about how good doing a whole chicken is, it's absolutely vile! you get squishy boiled chicken & it makes your house smell awful!

CravingSaving

Maybe we all ought to go back to Haybox cooking!!

http://www.poundsmeetends.co.uk/articles/haybox.htm

I am sorely tempted! :rolleyes:

CravingSaving

Swan wrote: »

one word of advice, don't listen to what they say about how good doing a whole chicken is, it's absolutely vile! you get squishy boiled chicken & it makes your house smell awful!

Nooooo...... I have done two chickens this week, sat over some carrots and apple, with herbs stuffed into the skin, and they were the tastiest and moistest chicken ever, and perfect stock straight from the pot!

wannabe_sybil

CravingSaving wrote: »

Maybe we all ought to go back to Haybox cooking!!

http://www.poundsmeetends.co.uk/articles/haybox.htm

I am sorely tempted! :rolleyes:

I have considered that, or wrapping pots in old duvets and blankets as they did in the Blitz.

Not sure about how it would kill 'bugs' though.

If we get one of the threatened power cuts I shall see how I do with duvet cooking.

Debt_Free_Chick

Get an AGA

Joke!

although I have one and, hence, have no need for a slow cooker

Swan_2

CravingSaving wrote: »

Nooooo...... I have done two chickens this week, sat over some carrots and apple, with herbs stuffed into the skin, and they were the tastiest and moistest chicken ever, and perfect stock straight from the pot!

I tried it twice, the second time because I couldn't believe how bad the first one was & they both ended up the same, textureless, tasteless meat falling off the bones ... & the smell _pale_

lots of lovely stock though but just a bit on the expensive side as I don't eat battery chicken


anyway ... that's one I've given up on, hang the expense of putting the oven on, I'm having a proper roast chicken

CravingSaving

Swan wrote: »

I tried it twice, the second time because I couldn't believe how bad the first one was & they both ended up the same, textureless, tasteless meat falling off the bones ... & the smell _pale_

lots of lovely stock though but just a bit on the expensive side as I don't eat battery chicken


anyway ... that's one I've given up on, hang the expense of putting the oven on, I'm having a proper roast chicken

I'd invite you and yours round for dinner to try mine, but I think Scotland might be a wee bit far! I only use orgasmic chicken too, so agree it would be a huge waste if it wasnt edible! Do you put any liquid in with the chicken? Just a thought, I cook mine dry.

Anyway, enjoy your roast.... you definately will have better crispy chicken skin than me!!

trying-very-trying

phizzimum wrote: »

a slow cooker uses about the same amount of electricity as a light bulb -so although you leave it on a long time, it will still use much less electricity than your oven.

It's also great for using cheaper cuts of meat - they will taste delicious and be full of flavour - so again another way to save.

Another factor is the convenience - a slow cooker is great for when you're out all day. you can come home to a home cooked meal with the minimum of effort. This means you're less likely to go for a ready meal or takeaway. It makes bulk cooking easier too, so you can fill your freezer up with meals ready to defrost when needed.

Do you get the impression I love my slow cooker? :rotfl:

I know that this point has already been stated in this thread, but today's slow cookers are a lot faster than they used to be! The only way you'll get one using the same power as a lightbulb, is to find an old one from the late seventies/ early eighties (boot sales and charity shops are good for this).

Other than that I agree about the convenience of coming home after a long day at work to find a ready cooked meal, fair enough you do have to prepare the stuff in the pot the night before.
Also the cheaper cuts of meat, and the flavour. As Qasar says, it's similar to the idea of a stew being better the day after cooking, because the flavours have had time to develop and mingle.

Hay box cooking may or may not work for you, but you do have to bring all the stuff up to the boil first.

Swan_2

CravingSaving wrote: »

I'd invite you and yours round for dinner to try mine, but I think Scotland might be a wee bit far! I only use orgasmic chicken too, so agree it would be a huge waste if it wasnt edible! Do you put any liquid in with the chicken? Just a thought, I cook mine dry.

Anyway, enjoy your roast.... you definately will have better crispy chicken skin than me!!

ah pity you're far away, I like the sound of the orgasmic chicken

no, I didn't put any liquid in, just sat them on some veg, maybe it's just a cooking blindspot

Debt_Free_Chick

Swan wrote: »

I like the sound of the orgasmic chicken

:eek: :eek: :eek: