In my slow cooker today.... part 2

bouncydog1

I always heat my slow cooker first and if cooking soup or similar I do heat the liquid in the microwave first as this helps the food to come up to temperature. With using meat from the freezer I would defrost and wash before putting in rather than defrosting in the slow cooker and turning on as the meat will have been handled before being frozen.

JulieGeorgiana

First attempt at Chilli Con Carni

aimeemum

JulieGeorgiana wrote: »

First attempt at Chilli Con Carni

Chilli is probably my favourite thing in a slow cooker. It's so simple and it 'likes' the long cooking. Plus, who doesn't love a good chilli!? lol

Yesterday I made a massive batch of bolognese. Lasagne for tea tonight, then pasta bake at the weekend as an easy 'apres-skating' tea :j

Bought a slow cooker recipe book from Tesco the other day on a complete whim. Cost me £3 and I think there is at least 4 recipes in there I'm happy to try straight off. :T

JulieGeorgiana

aimeemum wrote: »

Chilli is probably my favourite thing in a slow cooker. It's so simple and it 'likes' the long cooking. Plus, who doesn't love a good chilli!? lol

I've always done it on the hob and simmered for a hour or more. This is much easier I must say. And I should get 12 portions easily. Even my 2 year old eats some chilli (mixed with sour cream to dampen the spices a little)!

If it's anything like my first attempt at cottage pie it should be great, the flavours really infuse in the slow cooker, I'm quite excited

Such a good idea to make bolognaise in there, I hate making lasagne because the sauce takes too long. I look forward to trying it soon, thanks for the idea

I've also found a recipie to make meatballs in sauce... Such a wonderful idea, As my children love meatballs, but I can't be bothered cooking everything seperate, so I'm looking forward to trying that too.

Watch this space...

aimeemum

JulieGeorgiana wrote: »

I've always done it on the hob and simmered for a hour or more. This is much easier I must say. And I should get 12 portions easily. Even my 2 year old eats some chilli (mixed with sour cream to dampen the spices a little)!

If it's anything like my first attempt at cottage pie it should be great, the flavours really infuse in the slow cooker, I'm quite excited

Such a good idea to make bolognaise in there, I hate making lasagne because the sauce takes too long. I look forward to trying it soon, thanks for the idea

I've also found a recipie to make meatballs in sauce... Such a wonderful idea, As my children love meatballs, but I can't be bothered cooking everything seperate, so I'm looking forward to trying that too.

Watch this space...

Meatballs work great but I find it's better to brown them off before so they hold their shape (as I don't use egg in mine so that may make a difference).

My 1.5yo will eat anything as long as it's not pasta! lol A big bowl of bolognese and cheese though, and he's happy as larry!

JulieGeorgiana

I'm going to risk not browning them the first time. Because otherwise I just won't make them... I figure if they break up, I'll tell everyone it's Spag Bol for dinner

Kids are funny onions x

gallygirl

I've just got a Morphy Richard searing :happyhear slow cooker :happyhear, brand new off ebay

Metal pot so can brown things on stove 1st. My life is complete with my new :happyhear slow cooker :happyhear.

JulieGeorgiana

Congratulations GallyGirl! Sounds Amazing x

gallygirl

JulieGeorgiana wrote: »

Congratulations GallyGirl! Sounds Amazing x

My :happyhearslow cooker :happyhear and I are going to be very happy - and all for £16.50 :T.

MallyGirl

trying to use mine today to cook diced beef in advance for a British Indian Restaurant style curry for later in the week. I am trying to wean OH off the Friday night takeaway at the moment as it affects my whole week's eating trying to save up enough WW points to join him. The chicken dhansak and lamb madras from the last couple of weeks were good so it will be a beefy one this week. I have a freezer full of stove top naans so we are sorted for a while.