Crock Pots - Do you have one?

[madmax]

I've never had one but I think it's time.

Which one would you recommend. I think I'm going to need a crock pot cookbook, too.

Other than stews and chili what do you make.

[lakemonster11]

1. I started using a crockpot last year

when I stumbled upon a cookbook called Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker. Even if you aren't vegetarian (I'm not), it's a wonderful cookbook. It has recipes for everything: soup, chili, vegetables, stuffing and bread pudding, lasagna, rice & bean dishes from around the world, pot pies, and even desserts.

Some of my favorite recipes from the book:
- All-Day Minestrone
- Three-Bean Chili w/ Cornmeal Dumplings
- Vegetable Curry
- Bell Peppers Stuffed with Salsa, Rice, & Beans
- Peach and Blueberry Tumble

I regularly make recipes out of this book (and Robin Robertson's other cookbooks, which I've since discovered) for friends on the first try and have always gotten rave reviews.

At first I just borrowed my mother's old Rival crockpot from the '70s (3.5 quart and round), since she never used it. It was just a basic crockpot: it is either unplugged, or on low or high.

A few months ago, I used a gift certificate to buy a 6 quart oval-shaped Rival crockpot that is a bit fancier: it has a "keep warm" function, high and low settings, and will time itself for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. I'm a little disappointed with the timing features, because it seems to automatically use high for the two shorter time periods and low for the two longer ones. So the timing feature isn't as useful as it should be, but since six hours on low is very common for recipes it's still nice. It also cooks hotter than the other crockpot, which isn't necessarily a problem, as long as you adjust for it. It's nicer-looking than the other one, so I don't mind leaving it out on the counter. It's also useful to have a larger crockpot for some recipes (such as the stuffed peppers) and I'm sure that oval-shaped crockpots make it easier to cook large pieces of meat or chicken.

One thing that I've noticed is that you can't remove the inserts from all crockpots. I would strongly suggest making sure that you can remove the insert from a crockpot before buying it---it will make it ten times easier to wash.

Good luck researching crockpots. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. :)

[madmax]

6. Lasgana in a crock pot!!!

Now I just have to have one. I thought they were pretty limited - I thought wrong.

The older ones didn't have a removable insert, that's why I never thought of buying one. Seemed like a big pain to clean. Thanks lakemonster.

[Frogtutor]

2. I LOVE my crockpot!! Sorry, long, but informative post!

I went for a long time not cooking because it's such a hassle, and you have to do it at the time of day that you're most tired/stressed. But lately I've been cooking pretty regularly (for about 4 weeks). Get this: everything I've cooked has been a crockpot meal, AND I haven't cooked the same thing twice! To me it's WONDERFUL to throw everything together in the morning or early afternoon, turn it on and just forget about it until time to eat.

My crockpot is a Rival 3 quart, but I don't know enough about the brands to say what's better. Mine seems to work fine, and has 3 settings; low, high, and warm. Also, it has the removable crock, which, I think, is easier to clean.

A cookbook that I highly recommend is "101 Things To Do With A Slow Cooker" by Stephanie Ashcraft and Janet Eyring. Most everything I've been making has come from it. Very easy, simple ingredients, gives serving suggestions, and even has beverage and desert recipes. I've made a few things out of the recipe book that came with my crockpot, and I've gotten a couple of recipes on line. Here are some of the meals I've cooked:

Beef Burgundy
Cola Roast
Easy Swiss Steak
French Dip Sandwiches
Pot Roast
Favorite Barbecue Chicken
Cheesy Chicken Noodles
Lemonade Chicken
Creamy Italian Chicken
Chicken Cacciatore
Santa Fe Chicken
Savory Pork Roast
Sweet-And-Sour Pork
Pork Tenderloins Creole
Shrimp Creole
Macaroni and Cheese

[madmax]

7. Now that I'm definately going to buy a crock pot

I appreciate the cookbook recommendation. I've been looking at some in Border's but, I wasn't impressed. The same 'ol, same ol' - soup, stew, chili. The one you recommeded sounds good. Thanks Frogtutor - what a nick ;) :hi:

[Longhorn]

15. Thanks for the information!

I just went to amazon and ordered the book you mentioned, plus one called "101 More Things TO Do With a Slow Cooker" plus another crockpot cookbook. I haven't been cooking for a long time so I'm really looking forward to using my crockpot again and saving time but coming home to great meals! :yourock:

[Frogtutor]

17. Ya'll are welcome! Happy crock-potting! n/t

[Neecy]

3. sure

I mainly use it to make an ol' Southern classic. I take a package of large lima beans (don't soak them - it really doesn't matter) and dump them in the crock pot, fill about 2/3 with hot water, throw in a chopped white onion and some minced garlic, salt and lots of black pepper, and two ham hocks. I set that puppy to high and let it cook until the beans are soft(2-2.5 hrs), then remove the hocks, remove the meat and place the meat back in the beans, then add about 2/3 cup of heavy cream to make a redeye gravy. Let it cook for about another 20 minutes on low. Great on a cold winter night with cornbread.

[Frogtutor]

4. Do you call large lima beans, "butter beans"? I do, because

my Grandma always did; I guess it's a southern thing...One time I was at the grocery store on the bean aisle and poor, harried man asked me if I knew what butter beans were. I said, "sure" and showed him the large lima beans. Who knows how long he'd been looking for them! They really should put "butter beans" on the bag!

Frogtutor

[Neecy]

5. really?

I've never called them that, but then, I'm not southern. I just like the recipe :)

I've heard of butter beans, though, I just had no idea that's what they were. Learn somethin' new every day!

[lakemonster11]

40. My family calls them "butter beans" too.

We're originally from TN.

[DemBones DemBones]

46. Lima beans have cousins that are called butter beans,

or speckled butter beans, or, in Charleston, trash beans. They are tan and/or speckled, not green like limas, and the flavor is different. Not all Southerners know this; my mother-in-law was from Tennessee and she called limas "butter beans."

:shrug:

[Frogtutor]

49. Well, now I'm confused...

I've noticed that canned lima beans are kind of green, but when you buy the dry "large lima beans" they are kind of a tannish white; not green at all...hmmmmm

[madmax]

9. My Mom used to make something like that when I was a kid.

It's been a long time. :P I love ham hocks.

[Longhorn]

13. I don't care for lima beans.

Do you suppose the same recipe would work with navy or pinto beans? Thanks! It sounds delicious!

[Neecy]

16. sure

I've made it with Northern White beans, and it's still really good. Just reduce the cooking time a bit to compensate for the smaller bean (and if you love garlic, load it up - it really adds a nice kick).

[wildeyed]

8. Love the crock pot.

Got it soon after the birth of my first child. I have a Rival with three settings off, low and high. Works for me. Try allrecipes.com for slow cooker recipes, they have tons.

I get *really* lazy with the slow cooker. I have decided that you can put anything in it and then dump salsa on top and it turns out pretty well. I also put BBQ sauce on top of chicken parts, pork or beef for a quick and easy meal. Make rice and a salad, and call it dinner :-)

[madmax]

10. I call it great!

Mr. mad and I have been going thru this 'what should we eat tonight' bit for the past year. I'm tired of everything so will not only be easy but a change of pace as well.

[madmax]

11. So I mosey over to allrecipes.com

bet you haven't tried this one in your slow cooker. :evilgrin:

Slow Cooked Squirrel
Submitted by: Bobbie Jo

This stew recipe is for those of us who are hunters and are more of the country ilk. It is easy that you can go to work while it simmers in your pot and when you return home, dinner is ready.

http://allrecipes.com/directory/43.asp

Now that's one the hubby will be rushing home from work to try. :wow:

[wildeyed]

12. lol

Did you read the reviews? My favorite posted by The Lone Baker:

This sure is a departure from the usual, quick-fry method I usually use. It had a good taste. Another option I prefer is to not filet the critter but simply clean it, skin it and brush on a little herb butter. Bake for a 30 min at 375. I stick a cranberry in his mouth like an apple and serve him on a platter. I call it "Herb-Baked-Tree-Rat". I'll post the full recipe soon. Mmmmmmm!

[madmax]

14. ROFL... 'Herb-Baked-Tree-Rat'

I didn't looked at the reviews - but I did since reading your post.
That is so funny - I'm still laughing. Everytime I picture the little squirrel with a cranberry in his mouth I get another fit of lol. Five stars, bet she stole it from Granny Clampett. ;)

Now here's a Thanksgiving dinner story. Bon Appetit!

[Nicole]

18. I have two crockpots

and love both of them.

One is the Rival, with the removal insert, that others mentioned.

The other is a Westbend with a pan that removes completely off the base. I can use it by itself in the oven, on the stove or I can use the base on it's own as a hot plate or griddle.

Here is a picture of what I am talking about.



I use the Westbend the most because it is more versatile. I like that I can use it on top of the stove. I like to brown a roast to seal in the flavor & then put it on the base & add the veggies.

[yellowdogintexas]

19. I LOVE MY WEST BEND

It is wonderful, versatile, easy to clean

Mine is 5 1/2 quarts and sometimes I wish it were bigger.
My husband has a 3 quart one that he found in a resale shop,perfect for a single cook (which he is when he is in Wyoming)

I make all kinds of things in this pot..soups, stews, chili, spag sauce,
etc

I use the pot on top of the stove as much as I use it with the slowcooker feature.

All appliances of this type come with a nice book of recipes, too.

If you go with the true crock pot, I second/third/fourth that you must have one that the liner comes out!!!

I have a mini crock that makes wonderful hot dips and sauces, too.
Ro-Tel dip, chili con queso, etc.

[madmax]

23. I think I'm going to need a bigger kitchen

;)

[madmax]

21. That's a nice one

Haven't seen any like that. You guys have convinced me that I 'need' a crock pot :)

[politicat]

42. This is what I have, the Westbend.

I use it quite a bit. Very worth the money.

Pcat

[Longhorn]

52. I ordered two of these West Bend cookers today,

one for me and one for my son-in-law who apparently really wants a slow cooker. I also ordered him "101 Things To Do With a Slow Cooker," "101 More Things To Do With a Slow Cooker," and "Busy People's Slow Cooker Cookbook," all of which I ordered for myself and received yesterday. I haven't had time to make any of the recipes yet but they sound great and they have very few ingredients.

I also learned a few things, such as, when you lift the lid while your food is cooking, you add HALF AN HOUR to the cooking time!

I have another crockpot so I can't wait to try out a few recipes while I wait for my new West Bend. Oh, and I went ahead and got a Cuisinart LPP 3-Cup Little Pro Plus Food Processor and Juicer, White, while I was at it to reduce prep time. I'm ready to cook!

[Lugnut]

20. Mine is a multi cooker

I have an 8 qt. Rival multi cooker that is a crockpot, slow cooker and deep fryer. It's over ten years old and I use it a lot. One of my crockpot favorites is pulled pork barbeque. I will buy a multi cooker when this one gives up which I hope won't be soon.

[madmax]

22. And I thought this was going to be easy.

There are so many options available!

Oooooo pulled pork barbeque!

[Lugnut]

30. It's good

And it's very easy. I just put a 2 or 3 pound bonless pork loin in the pot with some chopped medium onion. Cook it on low for about 8 hours or so. It shreads really easily when it's warm. Then I just add some bottled barbeque sauce until it's the consistency I want. I serve it on club rolls with cole slaw as a topping. Mmmmmmm.....delicious! It freezes well if you want to make a big batch.

[madmax]

33. Thanks for posting the recipe

my mouth is watering. :bounce:

[Qanisqineq]

24. I hate to say it

but I just bought the crock pot with the prettiest design on it. :blushing: I make chili and chicken with dumplings in it.

[Eurobabe]

25. Funny you mention, just going to Williams-Sonoma

this AM to buy a nice All-Clad one...matches my pots and pans. I've had great success with All-Clad anything!

[SoCalDem]

26. Get the oval kind with the removeable crock

I don't use mine as much as I used to, but it's great for keeping stuff warm for pot-luck dinners :)

[alwynsw]

27. I use mine for a ton of things

It makes especially good green or red chili.

[nutshell2002]

28. Love the Crock

Someone emailed me a huge file for Weight Watchers crock pot recipes when I started the program 2 years ago. It has since become an indispensable tool in my kitchen!

[Longhorn]

29. Welcome to DU!

Feel free to share some of those recipes! Thanks! :hi:

[XanaDUer]

32. What's green chili?

BTW-I have two crock pots, big one and small one, and they are fantastic!

[alwynsw]

35. Green Chili recipe

2# small diced meat - pork, beef, venison, elk, or a combination
16 oz. chopped tomatos
1 tbs garlic powder or one clove fresh, chopped
salt, pepper, coriander to taste
8-10 chopped green chiles
Optional - 4-6 diced potatos
Water to cover
Either simmer for 1 hr or cook on low-med setting in crock pot all day.

Substitute red chiles for the green to make red chili. They're smaller and usually hot - experiment for spiciness and personal taste/tolerance. I like hot stuff, so I use about 12 reds either fresh chopped or dried and crushed.

[XanaDUer]

37. Thanks!

I love this forum.

[alwynsw]

38. You're welcome.

Serve with warm tortillas. Fold 'em for a burro if you like.

[helnwhls]

31. good for making unattended

dope butter, but that's about it.

[wicket]

39. dope butter??

Is that what I think it is? heh

[foreigncorrespondent]

34. I don't currently have one...

but years ago, I used to borrow my sisters to make different stews and stuff in it.

The two meals I would make most often in it were Corn Beef and Apricot Chicken.

It was wonderful to just pop it on in the morning and leave it all day. Then around an hour before I would be ready to serve that up I would make what ever side dishes I was doing with it.

[gollygee]

36. I love my crock pot

I use it at least once a week in the colder months, but not so often when it's warm out.

You can make wonderful soups, casseroles, chicken and dumplings, etc.

[meegbear]

41. I cook with it all winter.

Inexpensive to run and you can do a lot with 'em.

I got 6 books on it.

[Love Bug]

43. I have 3 -- do I win? :-)

1. My original avacado green Rival 3.5 quart from the mid 70s
2. A Rival oval 5.5 quart with a removable liner (yes!)
3. An itty-bitty 2 cup one for keeping dip warm

[merci_me]

45. I've got you beat!

1) I have my original Sears crock pot from the 70's which is a tall brown crock that sits on a harvest gold hot plate. I use the base now as a warming unit and the crock when I need something tall. It was one of the orginals and compare to other crocks, it's not real practical, except to keep buns or baked potatoes warm til meal time.

2) I have one from probably the 80's that has a nice 5 qt removable crock. The frame was pretty once upon a time, but now it's all scratched up. I use that one out on the deck when I make a dish with cabbage or saurkraut, I like to put the crockpot outside.

3) I have a small 1 quart for dips, but the liner isn't removable and I rarely ever use it.

4) My favorite, like your's is the large solid white oval Rival crock pot and I use it a lot. Love the shape!!

5)& 6) Are round solid white 3qt Rival crocks that match the oval (dial & lids).

We have a lot of Democratic potlucks here, since our house has a nice flow and a pool table. I always make a brisket in the oval and shredded chicken and pulled pork in the other two for sandwiches.

[NMDemDist2]

44. my favorite crockpot dinner-- Chuck Roast with veggies

flour and sear a 7 bone or boneless chuck roast

throw it in the pot and add

Potatoes (quartered or 1/8ths but not peeled)
Carrots (chunks about 3-4" long)
Red or Yellow onion quartered or in rings
Mushrooms
Garlic
Bay leaf
Basil
salt
pepper
2 tblsp water

cook all day and come home to pot roast dinner to die for

[Bozita]

47. Macaroni and cheese in a crockpot?

Seems like a given.

[Dora]

48. Get the size that you need.

Mine is waaaaay too big. It's great for crowds and for keeping tamales hot at parties, but it's a painintheass to use for just me and my husband.

I've used mine for roast beef, stewing chicken, beans, posole and green chile. If I had a smaller one I'd probably do more.

[morningglory]

50. Google crockpot recipes and you will have several week's reading

material and lots of ideas.

[Phentex]

51. I have two. One is the larger Smart Pot...

which just means it has more settings and it cooks longer than my smaller one. I like to make a huge batch of spaghetti sauce and the crock pot is just right for allowing the sauce to cook slowly over low heat.

[Cadence]

53. Crock pots are worth it!

Ham and beans.
Chicken noodle soup.
Paella.
Pot roast.
Chicken breasts and rice.

[fortyfeetunder]

54. Look for the Rival CrockPot with timer

I love mine. I found a Weight Watchers crock pot cookbook, and the dishes are simply delectable. Now that it's winter, it's make me some WW pork chops and mashed potatoes...yes I can eat them...