I want to thank each one who has chosen to participate in this first Crock Pot Wednesday and also to thank those of you who wrote that while you could not enter this first event , you would definitely be coming back to visit and possibly enter at a later date. Your comments and suggestions have been very much appreciated.
I use my slow cooker (technically, Crock Pots are made by Rival) frequently and not necessarily because I don’t have time to not use it. Often, I use it because I actually prefer the flavor of many foods that I cook in it. However, I also rely upon it because, like so many of you, I have a busy life. I work as a seventh grade teacher, have two precious grandchildren that I want to spend as much time with as possible, have a husband who likes for me to be active with him , and I really do like to spend time with my friends occasionally. Then, there’s church and …and…and…While I no longer have children at home, my life has not ceased to be full and often times, overly committed. I know that you can relate!
Some reasons I really like my slow cooker:
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frees up oven space when needed
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keeps my kitchen cool during warmer months
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allows me to have dinner ready (or almost so) when I come in from a long day away from home
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is great on a buffet for keeping foods/beverages at serving temperature
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keeps me from stopping by for fast food on my way home
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helps me cook healthier, lighter meals full of rich flavor
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is as convenient for its purpose as is my microwave
I think one of the reasons that the slow cooker is often times not well-received in the kitchen is that it may be being used for foods for which it was not intended. From time to time, I will be sharing some tips and tidbits that I have learned since I received that first avocado green Crock Pot as a wedding present back in the age of the dinosaurs. I’d love for you to share your experiences as well.
My current slow cookers are made by Rival and they work just fine for me. I’ve owned many different brands and models over the years…some better than others…some programmable…some not. If needed, I just plug mine in to a timer but I seldom have to do that. I do recommend that you make sure that the insert is removable and that you purchase one where the coils completely encircle the pot. The combination slow cookers that are also deep fryers do not work as well in my opinion. Consumer Watch web site has a nice review of slow cookers if you are interested in reading their recommendations.
These conversion tables from About.com will generally hold true. I don’t necessarily agree with all of their other information, however. If you are new to slow cooking, you might want to print this off and keep it handy. Remember, slow cookers are pretty forgiving. The more you use yours, the more familiar you will become with how to use it (obvious, huh?).
| General Oven to Crockpot Cooking Time Conversions | |
| Oven | Crockpot |
| 15 to 30 minutes | 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours on HIGH or 4 to 6 hours on LOW |
| 35 to 45 minutes | 2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW |
| 50 minutes to 3 hours | 4 to 5 hours on HIGH or 8 to 18 hours on LOW |
| Note: Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations will require at least 8 hours on LOW. | |
| General Crockpot Cooking Times for Specific Foods | |
| Pot Roast | 8-12 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH |
| Stew | 10 to 12 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH |
| Ribs | 6 to 8 hours on LOW |
| Stuffed Peppers | 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH |
| Brisket | 10 to 12 hours on LOW |
| Swiss Steak | 8 to 10 hours on LOW |
| Corned Beef & Cabbage | 6 to 10 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH |
| Casserole | 4 to 9 hours on LOW or 2 to 4 hours on HIGH (stirring occasionally) |
| Rice (This is one thing I don’t cook in mine.) | 5 to 9 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH |
| Meat Loaf | 8 to 9 hours on LOW |
| Dry Beans | 1 to 2 hours on HIGH plus 8 to 9 hours on LOW |
| Soup | 6 to 12 hours on LOW or 2-6 hours on HIGH |
| Chicken | 7 to 10 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH |
| Vegetables | 2 to 4 hours on LOW with liquid added |
| Baked Potato | 8 to 10 hours on LOW |
| Artichoke | 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 2-1/2 to 4 hours on high (with water) |
| Note: Remember to check the owner’s manual for your particular crock pot for full instructions on usage. The above cooking times are only VERY general guidelines. | |
(This really isn’t my kitchen, although it could be at times!)
From soups, stews and stocks, to roasts and ribs, to breads, beans and desserts, your slow cooker can be another valuable tool in your kitchen. It can be as simple or as gourmet as you make it. Keep coming back for Crock Pot Wednesdays to share and learn . While I do not profess to be an expert, I am willing to tackle most anything. I think adventure will be a fun journey.
Tomorrow I will be sharing an easy go to crock pot dessert…Fudgy Caramel Chocolate Pudding Cake. Come back for a virtual taste:)
And just in case you run out of food ideas for the crock pot, you might give tie-dying a go!
Thanks again and good luck! I will close the entries for the prizes at midnight on August 5. The inaugural event winners will be posted on Friday, August 7. Please be sure that I have a valid email address for you.
Linked to: Monday Munchies
Oh I almost died of laughter remembering my first crockpot…in avocado green, of course!
I looked up recipes online because we only have a couple of things we cook in our crockpot–hopefully I can try some of them out and can participate.
Thank you for visiting my blog and I’d love to participate in your Crock Pot Wednesdays. If it wasn’t for our crockpot…we wouldn’t eat very often! 🙂
Annette
I plan on participating, I just won’t have my post ready until tomorrow night! I can’t wait!
{{HUGS}}
Robin :o)
My slow cooker is an older one..a yellow Kenmore Crock Watcher. It still works like a charm, tho I don’t use it as often as I should.
Can’t wait to start sharing recipes..and tips…and lest I forget again..my email address is:
cat_white_cloud(at)yahoo(dot)com..
Debbie, I have my post all ready for tomorrow and I am looking forward to getting some great recipes.
Thanks for hosting this great new day.
Barbara
Hi Debbie, It’s so nice to meet you. I am excited about your event because I have a crock pot but hardly ever use it for lack of recipes. I use it for roasat beef, after browning the roast in a pot, but that’s about it. I am hoping to get some really great recipes~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Ooh, crock pot Wednesday started! I’ll have to dig into my recipe files.
Jane
Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Crockpot Wednesday sounds wonderful! I hope I can think of something to join in the fun tomorrow! 🙂
I am a crockpot queen, I need to start posting recipes here
So nice to meet you, Debbie! I don’t use my crock pot as often as I should so I’m excited about this new series. See you tomorrow!
love slow cooker recipes, so I will be sure to link up each week. Posted a recipe today…glad to be a part of your slow cooker wednesday launch. (and the chocolate looks wonderful!)
Ok…mine is up. I hope you like it..I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Happy Crockpot Wednesday..have a great week…and thanks again Debbie, for hosting us all. This is gonna be such fun.
Hi Debbie, thanks for hosting this fun event! I am looking forward to some great “easy” recipes!
This is going to be great!!!Love new recipes,,,,esp good, easy, and ready for dinner when we get home!!!
I am thrilled to see so many participants! Good job promoting your event, Debbie.
If you love tortilla soup, you must try my CrockPot version – people request that I make it for them. They never believe that I made it a CrockPot, either.
Wow, never knew there was so much you can do with a crockpot!! Good for meals and then I can freeze meals from it. (‘Cause it sure makes more than just for one!) Guess I’ll be cookin more : ))
Congrats on your very own Meme, Debbie.
I used to have the avocado green Rival thing (I probably got it for a wedding gift about the same time you did), but I either gave it away or sold it in a garage sale years ago. Seems that crock pot cooking is making a big come back, so I may have to break down and buy a new one. Trouble is, I’d then have to find room to store it. If I can find another spot for LBeau’s coozies that are taking up way too much room, then I might manage a place.
Love the conversion chart, I’ve needed one!!
This sounds like a great idea, particulary with school starting. I have a few recipes for my crock pot, but am always looking for more! – The Tablescaper
My first crockpot was an old green one like the picture. It rusted out around the bottom. Doylene
Where’s your Mr Linky? I’m new and wondering how this works. Doylene
Will be a part of next weeks crock pot wednesday! Can´t wait
Wow, thanks so much for posting your blog info on HB5. I’ll have to check it out!
I have some dietary restrictions, but I am sure I’ll find something.
Wow, thanks so much for posting your blog info on HB5. I’ll have to check it out!
I have some dietary restrictions, but I am sure I’ll find something.