Crockpot Cooking - Advantages and Disadvantages

In my 'un-biased' opinion, the crockpot / slow cooker is one of the most convenient and easy to use appliances in my kitchen. The time savings features of the slow cooker and the delicious dinners that have resulted more than offset any minor drawbacks.

Before I list my top reasons why the crockpot is the most useful appliance in any kitchen, I will list a few of the areas where it does not perform as well.

- Large cuts of meat such as boneless prime rib or leg of lamb are still best when oven roasted.

- Except for stews and chowders, the slow cooker does not cook fish very well.

- The slow cooker collects a lot of the juices since the steam does not escape during cooking and these juices can become diluted and watery, which can affect the flavoring of the food.

- If not careful, a slow cooker can overcook food -especially some of the more tender meats and poultry.

These drawbacks are relatively minor compared to the positives which I will list now.

- The slow cooker needs virtually no tending while it cooks, freeing you up to do other chores or recipes.

- The slow cooker will tenderize less expensive, tough cuts of meat and make great stews out of them.

- The slow cooker allows you to be out of the kitchen for extended periods of time -sometimes even all day.

- Burning your food is rarely a problem. The slow cooker will make many dishes for you better than any other appliance -especially those that tend to stick to the bottom of a pan.

In my opinion the slow cooker is one of the most under-utilized and yet superior of kitchen appliances. When used for what it does best, you will find that you are able to prepare great dishes in less time than you though possible!

Tony has been working diligently to provide free cooking related resources for the 'chef' in all of us. His website http://www.my-crockpot-recipes.com is a 'labor of love' which provides delicious and easy to make crockpot recipes and related tips and advice.

http://www.my-crockpot-recipes.com

---

Healthy Yummy Bran Muffins

An Individual Health Recipe to EnjoyToo many people start their... Read More

The Creamy Taste Of Fudge!

Fudge is a treat that everyone loves. It doesn't matter... Read More

Gyokuro Cheesecake Recipe

This Gyokuro cheesecake makes an elegant dessert. Perfect for any... Read More

Chicken Wings with Oyster Sauce

Chicken wings with oyster sauce Servings: 3-4Ingredients: 12 chicken wings½... Read More

Oatmeal-Apple-Raisin Muffins

These muffins are not only tasty, but they're also a... Read More

Fish Recipes

These recipes are wonderful and they are old family recpies.... Read More

Frugal Microwave Cooking

Microwave cooking can save you time and energy all year... Read More

Four Easy Zucchini Bread Recipes

Tired of the same old zucchini bread recipe and want... Read More

Frugal Outdoor Cooking

Firing up the grill is a great way to cook... Read More

Straight Talk from a Comfort Foodie - Fast Food

My parents lived for convenience when it came to feeding... Read More

Easy Insalata Caprese

It's tomato time! If you're a gardener, you might be... Read More

African Bean Soup

Yoruba ethnic group from the Southwestern part of Nigeria call... Read More

Sicilys Great Eggplant - Tomato Stew

I ran into a friend yesterday, who tells me that... Read More

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo

Seafood Fettuccine is always a top seller in our restaurants.... Read More

Do You Ever Search For Quick recipes?

In the quest for more time, searching for quick recipes... Read More

How I Made Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies In Simple, Super Easy Steps

I was sitting there watching one of my favorite tv... Read More

Famous Secret Recipes Exposed!: Rosemary Chicken with Orange-Maple Glaze

Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Ready In:... Read More

Low Carb Barbeque Sauce

Is there such a thing as low carb bbq sauce... Read More

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch (in 2 hours or less!)

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a dozen... Read More

Low Fat, Low Carb Baked Tortilla Chip with a Mango Salsa Dressing

Many low fat low cholesterol recipes are usually bland and... Read More

10 Tips for Fixing Heart Healthy Recipes

Do you remember Grandma's apple cobbler? Is spaghetti one of... Read More

How to Make Your Own Low Fat Vanilla Ice Cream

Sometimes, when you have set yourself in the weight loss... Read More

Ground Turkey Recipes

Our family has recently made the switch from ground beef... Read More

Straight Talk from a Comfort Foodie - The Gravy Train

In all fairness to my mother and the great homemaker... Read More

Zucchini Carrot Salad

Summer is nearing and it is time to start thinking... Read More

Spanish Food - How To Prepare Boquerones

Whilst on your travels in Spain and pausing to take... Read More

Cookbook Publishing - The Basic Ingredients and the Secrets to Success

You are about to embark on the most exciting enterprise... Read More

How to Make a Delicious German Crumble Cake in 4 Simple Steps

In high school, learning a new recipe (especially dessert recipes)... Read More

Home Made Ice Cream Recipe for Coffee Can Ice Cream

The very best thing about having birthday cake is the... Read More

Grilled Scallops with Ginger-Lime Sauce

Summer time is great for barbequing, but aren't you tired... Read More

How to Prepare the Perfect Garlic Lemon Chicken

If you want to prepare the perfect garlic lemon chicken... Read More

New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

New York style cheesecake recipes are made with a combination... Read More

How to Bake Quick Bread: Apricot-Orange Nut

We love moist, fruity quick breads--and this is one of... Read More