Do you have a crockpot?
@retardedrugrat (4790)
Canada
May 2, 2007 10:49pm CST
How many of you have a Slow Cooker?
My partner bought me a brand spanking new one for Christmas last year, and quite honestly, I don't know how I lived without it. They are SO simple to use!
I've tried out all sorts of different recipes in mine, and never had a single complaint so far. Some things went down better than others.
For instance, I did a tangy barbecue pork dish and found that the sauce was a little TOO tangy. On the other hand, I made a great chicken dish using condensed Chicken and condensed Mushroom soup that was absolutely delicious. Tomorrow I'm making a Pork and scalloped potato casserole for dinner before we head out to the bar for Hockey.
How many of you have a Slow Cooker and actually USE it? What are your favorite kind of meals for cooking in one?
11 people like this
34 responses
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
3 May 07
I have a Slow Cooker and use it a couple times a month. Its great when you want a great meal and just put the ingredients in the pot and can do something else. My favorite is chicken with noodle soup and carrots.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
4 May 07
4 pieces of chicken (no skin and boneless is what I use)
1 can chicken broth
4 bouillon cubes
1 can chicken noodle coup
1 can water from soup can
1 cup carrots
1 stalk celery
I use the high setting for 4 hours.
Make sure the chicken is not frozen and I used canned carrots. If you use raw or frozen you will need to cook a little longer.
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
It's a wonderful invention lol. I so want to figure out who invented them and give them a HUGE hug for making life so much easier LOL.
I LOVE the sound of that chicken with noodle soup and carrots. It sounds like something my kids would love.
@mflower2053 (3223)
• United States
3 May 07
I love my crockpot. I think the best thing I have made in it was a chicken tortilla soup. I don't use it as much as I use to. When I worked I would just throw everything in the pot before leaving for work and when i got home dinner was ready. What more can you ask for. I also love putting a roast in there all day it is so tender when its done.
2 people like this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
I use mine on a regular basis, at least once a week. I'd be lost without it lol. It's one thing I know I can use where the kids won't even stop to ask what they're eating LOL. They see the Slow Cooker on the counter and it's like "Okay, moms cooking something yummy again!" LOL.
I too love putting roasts in there. I've done a whole chicken a fair few times too, but the problem comes with lifting the thing out of there without it falling apart lol.
@mamacathie (3928)
• United States
4 May 07
I love my crockpot too. We have a big family and they come and eat Sunday dinner with us after church. I have 2 and often have to make double recipe just to have enough for everyone. I have fixed roasts and hotdogs cook great in there in one hour. I need more recipes that kids and adults both will eat. If you have any suggestions please let me know.
@AmbiePam (120752)
• United States
3 May 07
I don't have a crockpot or a slow cooker, but my mom does and she loves hers. When hers broke my dad went out and bought a bigger one that she is so excited about. She tells me I need to get one, but I first have to be able to afford pots and pans. I moved to a new place and have yet to be able to get any. I do have dishes though. Now days, you can go to the frozen food section and get meals made for crockpots. My mom's best meal that she cooks in a crockpot is pork chops that cook with sliced carrots and potatos. They are so delicious!
2 people like this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Seriously lol, don't bother with the pots and pans, just get a slow cooker! You won't need anything else! Ever!
Your mom sounds just like I did when I opened my partners gift to me on Christmas Day. I wondered what it was because the box was HUGE and it was heavy too. I'd had NO idea that he was buying me a Slow Cooker and when I unwrapped it, I squealed LOL. Even the kids laughed!
Your moms pork chops with sliced carrots and potatoes sounds heavenly!
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Cher, if you look at Gardengalz response above this one, you'll see two great websites that she included that are full of crockpot recipes.
I hope that you get some use out of them along with your crockpot.
Thanks for responding.
@sunnyckell (483)
• United States
3 May 07
I have an old crock pot that has been past down from different members of my family. When I received it my grandmother had put some recipes inside for me to use. I thought that was so sweet. Whenever I have a friend that is about to get married or move I like to get them a crock pot and do the same. I haven't used my crock pot in awhile but I do like to make chili or soups in it. I also make a dish that my family calls polish dinner. You put peeled, sliced potatoes on the bottom and then add a layer of fresh chopped cabbage and smoked sausage or polska kielbasa and a little water. It is great and easy to make. I think I'll make it tomorrow. :)
@sunnyckell (483)
• United States
3 May 07
I think it is a great gift idea. It made me feel like she really cared by sharing those recipes. Thanks for the tip about roasting. I've never tried that before.
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Wow, your grandmother sounds like a very sweet lady to do that for you, and it's a wonderful idea. I hope one day that I have a chance to do the same.
I like to do stews, casseroles and roasts in my slow cooker. The meat comes out so tender, it just falls off the bone. Just awesome!
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
3 May 07
Yes we do but we seldom use it. We only use it to cook some hot deserts or tonic that needs to be cooked real slow. We haven't used it for a long time (I don't even know if it still exist) since we don't have the time or inclination to cook things real slow. :P
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Lol Wiz. At one time I would have agreed with you about having the time or the inclination to cook things real slow, but I prefer it that way. Being able to toss everything together and just forget about it till Dinnertime.
My kids have seen the crockpot already out on the kitchen counter this morning and have been begging me to tell them what I'm making LOL. I told them it's a surprise :P
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
3 May 07
How interesting. Make sure it really is a surprise each day so that they will always look forward to dinner. :P
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
3 May 07
I used to have when I was working Full time as it was easier that way instead of coming home from Work sometimes at 8pm and starting to cook
Now I live alone and I am not able to work so I do not have one anymore
But yes they are a good thing to have specially with a Family
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
I think if I lived on my own, I'd still have one, although I'd probably downsize, because I'd have no need for a 6 quart one anymore lol.
I can imagine setting it off in a morning, heading out into the wind and rain and cold, then coming home thoroughly miserable and finding the house full of the scents of cooking food.
Gah, now I'm hungry LOL.
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
3 May 07
Good grief, I think I have one of those in the back of the cupboard in the kitchen, probably still in its box and never used. I guess I really should try and find it and use it, rather than let it gather dust. Thanks for reminding me hun
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
LOL! Strange what we forget we own sometimes isn't it? :P
Here's hoping you dig it out and start using it. I'm sure you'll start to wonder how you ever managed without it.
With you working again now too, you'll be able to start dishes before you go to work, and have Dinner all ready for you when you get home.
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
3 May 07
I have a great crockpot and I love it when I use it...due to it's size I don't keep it really handy..but get it out and use it almost daily during the winter months. I love to make soups and stews and this is such a great tool for those!! During the holidays I found that it was great for keeping my mashed potatoes hot for a buffet dinner I served..It certainly is great to be able to throw in the ingredients in the morning..set the timer and temps and forget about the dish until time to eat!!! My husband is a huge sauerkraut fan and I also use it for that ( ick)...I roasted a chicken and rice with vegies recently and it was divine!!! I have a recipe I've never tried to make a fruit dessert in a crock pot...I'll have to find the recipe and give it a try!!!
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
My crockpot is a 6 quart one so it's rather big LOL, but with a partner and three hungry kids, anything smaller just wouldn't do the trick.
I LOVE doing stews and casseroles too, but my favorite is roasts, the meat just melts in your mouth.
I've seen a recipe for a crockpot fruit cobbler somewhere too. My kids aren't huge fruit fans, so it might be worth a try to see how it goes down. If it gets them eating fruit, then hey, who am I to complain lol. Thanks for reminding me about this.
@prestocaro (1251)
• United States
3 May 07
I love crockpots! They are so simple and easy to use. I just had the best BBQ sandwiches from a crockpot. Just throw in a pot roast, (or pork roast if you like), a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce, and a drop or two of liquid smoke. Set for high or low, 3 hours for high and 6 hours for low. Shred and serve on hamburger buns. I like mine with pickles and mayo as well. Super easy and you can pick up buns and cole slaw/potato salad at the store on your way home. Also great for "after the game" meals.
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Ahhh, that sounds so yummy LOL.
It's amazing how many great recipes are out there. I remember that I used to be a little skeptical of what you could actually DO in a Slow Cooker but the versatility is amazing.
As I sit here now, I can smell the scalloped potato casserole, and it smells divine! I think I'm going to have to head on out for a while because my stomach is starting to grumble lol.
@stormygrl (761)
• United States
3 May 07
We actually have 3 slow cookers , 2 of the older types and one new oval one like your picture. The first one we have was a wedding gift and thats over 25years(married young)and is still working and I use it all the time .I'll make the potato and cheese casserole or swiss steak with mushroom soup.Today I'm putting in sloppy joes and I can take off and not have to worry about it sticking or being here to watch it.One of the best inventions made!
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Thats one of the best things about using a Slow Cooker too. That you don't have to worry about things sticking. I totally LOVE that.
Another thing too is how easy they are to clean.
I always use just a soft cloth for inside the ceramic bowl, and I've found that food that appears to be dried on, wipes right off.
I have to agree with you. DEFINITELY one of the best inventions ever made!
@carolscash (9491)
• United States
3 May 07
My husband calls me the Crockpot Queen as I love to cook in mine and use it a lot. Try pork chops in mushrrom gravy in it. They are good. You can make cakes in it too, but I would have to find the recipe.
I have made meatloaf,steak, about all kinds of meat in it and I love it!!
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Okay, that Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy sounds divine.
Could you please share the recipe with me? I have to call out for groceries today and I'd love to be able to buy what I need for the recipe while I'm there.
I love that your husband calls you the Crockpot Queen lol. I think it's awesome that you use your crockpot so much, especially given that most meals are healthy as well as delicious!
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
3 May 07
I love my slow cooker. The last thing I made in it was beef stew. It was great. I often put a roast or a whole chicken in it on Sunday morning. Then we get home from Church dinner is waiting for us.
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
I absolutely LOVE doing roasts in mine lol. The meat is just so tender it almost melts in your mouth.
Having dinner ready and waiting when you get home from Church on Sundays must be awesome. I'd hate to go to Church and then have to start cooking.
@ellie26 (4139)
• Malaysia
3 May 07
I bought my first slow cooker when I had my babies. I used it to cook herbal soup and also to cook porridge in it. My favorite dish herbal soup for dinner. I get it ready 4 hours in advance and by the time dinner, it is cooked and ready to be served. Now, I no longer use it, so I just keep in my kitchen cabinet.
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Wow, you stopped using it? Thats a shame, they're so handy.
Thanks for responding.
@nancygibson (3736)
• France
3 May 07
We use ours in teh winter for soups and stews, things that need long slow cooking. We doa lot of food that is stir fried so obvioulsy its not so useful for that sort of meal so we don't use it everyday, but its very useful when you have a lot of people visiting and don't wan to spend too much time in the kitchen.
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Yeah I don't use mine every day, but I usually have it out at least once a week. The kids liked everything that I've produced in there so far lol.
It's definitely useful when you have a lot of people visiting. Mine is a huge six quart one anyway and so I can fit a lot of food in there!
I have a feeling it'll come in handy before the Wedding next year when we have both sides of the family visiting. It'll be interesting to get their view on my cooking LOL.
@ozangel82 (753)
• Australia
3 May 07
No I don't have one, but I would really really like one. I do a lot of cooking and slow cookers are great for doing stews and casseroles. My mum had one when I was growing up and they are great for yummy winter cooking.
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
I've had Slow Cooker stews and casseroles before, and I have to agree with you.
My mom never had one when we were growing up, but I told her about ours and she loves the idea of just being able to put a few things together and let it sit for a few hours while she gets on with other things.
I love doing stews and casseroles in Winter for myself and the kids. However, my partner isn't a HUGE fan (being Canadian LOL) and so I tend to try different things to entice him a little.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
3 May 07
Ive been using a slow cooker/crock pot for years. They are so handy for active on the run people. I add all the ingredients for a full meal turn it on and leave it sit for a few hours. Stirring it ever so often. I wouldn't want to be without one. I also have an electric rottiserire that I use a lot. It has the wire basket for like pork chops burgers etc. Thats another handy appliance I use very often. Thanks for this discussion also. They even have crock pot meals in bags now. Just add a fluid and cook away. LOL. My wife loves making Beef stew the most in it. I prefer Chicken and dumplings.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
I'm insanely jealous that you have an electric rotisserie LOL. We eat rotisserie chicken a lot from the grocery store with a dip and Garlic Bread.
I couldn't be without my Slow Cooker though. It's been a life saver some days where I couldn't be bothered to slave over a hot stove and so dragged the slow cooker out instead LOL.
@carlaabt (3504)
• United States
3 May 07
I love crockpots! Out of all the wedding gifts that I registered for, that one was probably the one that I was most excited to get. Now we have 4 (all different sizes). I cook in one at least once a week. When I worked, I did even more. I still do a lot, though, because I'm not really fond of cooking, and some days my 15 month old just throws such fits when I cook and don't let him in the kitchen with me.
I cook just about anything in them. I have several dessert recipes. My son LOVES barbeque little smokies or meatballs cooked in it. We also do different roasts. And ribs are yummy cooked that way.
Tomorrow I'm cooking a bagged meal for the crockpot. It's stroganoff and meatballs. We haven't tried it yet. We've liked most of the ones we've tried, though.
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Lol, I totally hear you about kids stressing out when you're cooking and you don't want them in the kitchen. My kids have learned that if the slow cooker is out, there's not a thing they can do to make the meal come any faster.
For tomorrows meal, I got everything prepared tonight, and even got the Slow cooker out and set up. When the kids get up for school tomorrow they'll be so excited lol.
I haven't tried the bagged meals yet, I didn't really pay them any attention before, but people are saying they're good so I shall have to pay them more attention when we go shopping.
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
3 May 07
Oh my, I've been using crockpot for ages. As a matter of fact, I am using one that belongs to my mother which is about 15 years old already. It is so easy and convenient for me considering my busy lifestyle. I can put all the ingredients inside and hop off somewhere while my crockpot do the magic work.
I usually use it to cook beef stew, beef curry, pork leg with chinese herbs, chicken with vegetables, duck soup and a whole lot more. I'm assured that the soup taste really good and I love it.
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Wow, a 15 year old crockpot. That's amazing! I too am totally in love with how easy they are to use lol.
I love doing Stews and dumplings, roasts, and different meat dishes, although I have yet to try making soup lol. I'd like to find a crockpot French Onion Soup recipe for sure!
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
3 May 07
Being a working mom for the last 20 years I have wore out 2 crockpots. I am on my third one.
I have a neat recipe I made up.
I take a 2-3lb beef roast I usually use tritip.
1 can or ortiga chillies chopped
1can stewed tomatoes
2tab spoons of organio
crushed garlic to taste
salt and pepper to taste
I put the meat in the slowcooker, add tomatoes, add chilies, and spices and turn on to low and cook around 8-10 hours. I like my beef so tender it is falling apart. I server with rice.
My daughter use to beg me to make it. Now she is married and she makes it for her husband and his parents.
@retardedrugrat (4790)
• Canada
3 May 07
Wow, wearing out 2 Crockpots takes some doing LOL.
I LOVE the sound of this recipe and I've made a note of it and I'm going to try it. Not tomorrow cuz I have everything already prepared, but I'll try and do it this weekend for sure, and let you know how it goes.
I think it's wonderful that you can pass down family recipes like that, especially if you made them up yourself. It gives it a touch of individuality to things.
