As I’m writing my next book on Family Cooking, I decided to add a chapter of recipes for the Slow Cooker.  I now ask myself why I never used one in the past.  They are the perfect solution for either a busy family or those living on their own. 

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Never used one in the past and now wonder why?

• Slow cookers cook foods that benefit from long cooking times by maintaining a relatively low temperature in a closed, moist environment.
• They maintain heat at even level by having thick, heavy crockery insert. Slow cookers are great if you don’t have time to baby-sit your food. It is safe to leave this gadget unsupervised and your food will not burn.
• Economical, comfort type food, healthy and getting the family to get back to the table for the dinner hour
• Not only are these electric helpers inexpensive, they also save you money in energy bills.
• There are a number of advantages to slow cooking including setting your food to slow-cook before leaving for a day's work, and coming back to a ready dinner.
• Since you are cooking a meal in one pot, cleaning becomes a breeze.
• Keep in mind though that some vitamins and trace nutrients are lost during slow cooking, especially if you are cooking vegetables
• Avoid cooking raw beans as they may cause food poisoning when cooked in a slow cooker. Either boil them first or use canned beans.

Slow cooker tips:

A good recipe to start is necessary.  Naturally for the best flavours and textures you have to do some preparatory work, but once that’s done, just add your dish to the slow cooker and walk out the door!  All machines turn off when the temperature of the food is reached or the time indicated.  The food is kept warm until you’re ready to eat. 

• It’s perfect for large cuts of meat such as turkey breast, shoulder cuts and roasts, chillies, stews and chicken dishes - all turn out incredibly moist.  You still have to saute your vegetables and sear your meat for the best flavour.
• Fish is not my favorite since I love a quickly cooked fish at a high temperature
• If using your own recipes, you may have to reduce the liquid by 25% or combine some cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.   Remember to cut your root vegetables in smaller pieces to ensure they are tender.  You also have the choice of selecting the High temperature mode which can cook your meal in 2 – 5 hours, or the Low mode which is approximately 6 – 8 hours.  Both methods are effective with great results.
• When adapting regular recipes for slow cooker use more herbs than you usually would (add them in the last hour). Keep in mind, milk products tend to break down during slow cooking, so add them during the last hour.
• Purchase a good quality 4 – 6 quart cooker, equipped with a timer and a temperature probe.  It’s the perfect economical appliance using a minimum of electricity. 

Check out some of my slow cooker recipes

Featured recipe: Hoisin Garlic Meatloaf with Oyster Mushrooms and Bell Peppers