Slow cooker or bread maker?

recovering_spendaholic

I have to say that I don't like stuff cooked in my slow cooker. For some reason everything seems to some out watery and also seems to have a very samey taste. I appreciate that I am in the minority though and I probably just don't use mine properly or something. I would LOVE a breadmaker and am waiting until Amazon have another £39.99 offer on the Panasonic SD254.

The most used gadget in my kitchen is my Kenwood Patissier. Cost £99 but looks lovely (like a Kitchenaid - retro and yes I know I'm shallow) and I make all kinds of stuff in it - I use it to rub in pastry and scones and the like with the K Beater (no more getting my hands all claggy), I make cakes, bread dough (dough hook) , meatloaf, hamburger and meatball mix (using the K beater), merringues, batter, whipped cream, cheesecakes - the list is endless. It takes only a minute to clean too. It has saved me lots of money on shop bought cakes and other stuff as I make everything at home now.

foreign_correspondent

if its watery you are adding too much water - it doesnt evaporate from the sc - try making casseroles with a tin of chopped toms and a mugful or so of stock for a lovely rich sauce! (or for the best sausage caserole ever, toms, a little stock and a good glug of cider!! yum - or shin beef with oxo and guinness) - also you can always thicken the sauce/gravy at the end!

wendy_ann1983

was thinking of getting a slow cooker so came on here to check the reviews, asda have one in for just under £10 so think i'll order it after reading this

Greenqueen_2

I just read the comment about setting the breadmaker over night for a breakfast treat. it sounds great but be careful which model you go for--mine takes 3 hours from start to finish then "beeps" continuously until turned off/unplugged, so is NOT suitable for overnight use unless I can be bothered to get out of bed in the middle of the night. I do love my slow cooker though.

redmel1621

BREADMAKER every time from me......

Get one with a timer function then chuck all ingredients in before bed, set timer to finish cycle for whatever time you get up, and believe me it is heavenly....the smell....Mmmmmm....the taste.....unbelievable...

However I do also have a slow cooker and do find it fairly useful.

Mel x

Churchmouse

droopsnout, I had no idea you ever visited the OS boards:D How nice to see you over here!!! I have my panasonic, still sitting in its box, pretending to be a Christmas decoration:rotfl: I really will get to use it in the next day or so.

I have to say, I have baked bread, very successfully by hand ( thanks thriftlady!!!) BUT I do find it hard at times to organise myself as regards being available at the appropriate times. I'm hoping the breadmaker will alleviate this. The slow cooker is no better, but much cheaper than the oven. If you are organised enough to utilise the whole oven, then there is no cost saving with the slow cooker. I, however, rarely find myself able to organise different things to be cooked at such low temperatures, all together.

Just another thought to consider;)

duchy

LOL Churchmouse
My Panasonic is still in the box too-mainly because I need to rearrange the kitchen worktops to make room for it.
Really looking forward to giving it a go-hopefully tomorrow.

Churchmouse

duchy, that's my problem too! Although to be honest, I'm not altogether sure they can be successfully rearranged:rotfl:

OverlandLandy

kittie wrote: »

tesco rosemary connolly sc half price at £17.50

Spooky - just bought one an hour before you posted this!

Off to work out a recipe for tomorrow morning (evening) .

OverlandLandy

recovering_spendaholic wrote: »

I would LOVE a breadmaker and am waiting until Amazon have another £39.99 offer on the Panasonic SD254.

Yip - me too.

I have an Aga - it looks good - but is not the easiest thing to cook on/in (Hence the Slow Cooker purchase today). I will also be saving on the fuel costs which can be quite expensive.

Also being Coeliac - I like the thought of '1/2 decent bread' for a change. I can get Flour on my prescriptions - so the cost of bread would be reduced. I can also get bread via the Doctors - but if anyone ever gets a chance to try it - please do....you will feel elated that you can have 'normal' bread!!!!