Slow cooker - what's the first thing I should try?

missychrissy

I only use my slow cooker for anything that’s needs long slow cooking eg pulses (yellow and green split peas, lentils, barley, marrowfat peas); tougher cuts of meat and left over bones such as beef, chicken or lamb together with pulses and veg such as onions and carrots. 

When my children were younger I used a pressure cooker but after they all left home and I was working night shifts my slow cooker came into its own. I would set it off when I came in from work in the morning and dinner was ready when I got up in the evening.
I have a 6.5 L slow cooker and although I live on my own I still cook large quantities - one for today, one for tomorrow and several for the freezer. 

sillyvixen

I am veggie but if I am cooking for meat eaters in a slow cooker I would brown the meat or sausages first - my brother has done casoroles in the slow cooker and was not impressed as the meat just looked bloated and aneamic, but tasted ok, in lockdown I taught him to fry the meat first and he was happier with the result. Also when using my slow cooker for veggie meals I fry onions and mushrooms first for a better flavour and texture.