Slow cooker question

bob_a_builder

Well worth it. Argos Cookworks 6.5l is £19.99, you don't need to spend any more.

You don't need to spend as much as that even. that unit is very common and badged by many outlets and many (and wildly varying ) prices
ours was a tenner in Tesco (very same unit) a while back - prob a bit more at christmas time natch !

Edit : ah maybe it the 3L one I'm referring to - hence the price diff

Arthien

I got this one from Tesco when it was £8, although I notice it's now available on the Boost offer.
http://www.tesco.com/betadirect/tesco-scss12-3l-slow-cooker/173-0852.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=173-0852

It's literally the most useful kitchen item I've ever bought, it's amazing. I was actually joking with my DH the other day that I may have forgotten how to cook a turkey in the oven, as I'm so used to doing gammon joints and whole chickens in my slow cooker now! After several hours on low the meat just falls apart, mmm! I do mine overnight which means we wake up to gorgeous food smells (bolognaise for breakfast anyone? ), but a colleague of mine leaves hers on all day, so you can do whichever suits you.

Kynthia

Due to my commute I'm out of the house for 12 hours. Is that too long to leave things cooking in a slow cooker?

I know last Christmas when my mum had used the oven, top oven and every gas ring on the hob, she cooked the boiled ham in the slow cooker. Seems like a handy gadget to have.

Tiddlywinks

I'm going to go against the flow here and say I don't like using a slow cooker.

I'm vegetarian and I do think that a lot of things just come out tasting the same... regardless of the different spices... the veggies just seem to merge into one during the slow cooking.

However, I do agree that they are useful for making the most of cheaper meat cuts.

Savvy_Sue

natley wrote: »

Do they need plugged in to cook?:o

You're thinking of a hay box. We used to use them when camping with the Guides: take a large tea chest, pack it with a layer of hay at the bottom, then put in whatever large lidded casserole you're intending to use in it, pack more hay tightly around the outside. Take the casserole out, fill it up, bring it to boiling point on the hob, and put the lid on firmly (may be wise to seal it with foil as well).

Then put it back into the hole, swiftly pack more hay on top, and leave overnight (for porridge) or all day for a casserole.

In the domestic setting, you need space to keep said haybox. :rotfl:

Kynthia wrote: »

Due to my commute I'm out of the house for 12 hours. Is that too long to leave things cooking in a slow cooker?

I'd invest in a timer plug and use that, if you're happy with the 'all-in-one from cold' method, which I find fine.

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

I'm going to go against the flow here and say I don't like using a slow cooker.

I'm vegetarian and I do think that a lot of things just come out tasting the same... regardless of the different spices... the veggies just seem to merge into one during the slow cooking.

However, I do agree that they are useful for making the most of cheaper meat cuts.

One thing to bear in mind is that in a casserole, the meat cooks faster than the veg, so you need to cut the veg smaller than you expect. But the meat doesn't overcook.

fluffnutter

Teach the man to cook.

sleepymans

fluffnutter wrote: »

Teach the man to cook.

Yes!
And the kiddies (depending on age and safety, of course!)


I think we often secretly enjoy having other family members rely on us for the "nurturing"...but it isn't always in their, or our, best interests.


There's always a compromise to be had, maybe use the slow cooker for the meat and veg and another family member cook the potatoes or rice when you text to say you'll be "home in 20".


It helps to be well organised...you could batch bake at the weekend too.
We enjoy spending a few hours in the kitchen at the weekend chatting, drinking coffee, chopping veg etc whilst we do some cooking for the freezer we spend quality time.


Helps to make these sorts of organisational tasks sociable rather than a chore for one person who might resent being "shut out in the kitchen"!!


Also feels great in the weekend evenings to relax knowing you are "ahead" of the game for the following few work days....

Goldiegirl

fluffnutter wrote: »

Teach the man to cook.

I want to invest in a slow cooker myself, but the man in this house needs to step up and play his part too, and the kids if they are old enough.

couponqueen123

12 hours is fine veg might be ver soft if making a stew but meat be amazing but i would suggest "browning the meat first ) light fry in a pan to seal the meat before its put in the slow cooker is best i find or you get fat on the top also add some water never dry cook in there (i broke one doing that)

natley

My OH does cook and very well but I'm the mum of the house so I should be feeding my family a decent meal (my opinion) plus I wouldn't mind a decent meal when I go home instead of going home via the chip shop or mcdonalds:o