Ignorant: how are crockpots safe?

[Broken Arrow]

Ok. I'm sold!

Another quick question though. I vaguely remember that the veggies isn't suppose to cook for as long at the roast or something like that. Is that true? In particular, I love (vidalia) onions, carrots, and yes, even broccoli. I don't mind if they're not crisp. I just don't want to overcook it if that's possible.

[tinapbeana]

most crockpotters i know put everything in at the same time, eat everythign at the same time. just know that if your veg is a tad over-cooked, some of the nutrients will have leeched out into the juice. therefore: make sure you eat the juice! the juice is good, no? (gratuitous seinfeld reference, sorry!).

at any rate, you can use said juice to make gravy, or (YUM!) to mash up potatoes.

[Broken Arrow]

Mmmm... ok thanks.

I'll give this a shot when I get the chance....

[Squantum]

Beware: I've heard that broccoli and cauliflower don't do well in the crockpot. They release some chemical that makes them very smelly.

[boefixepa]

I put the roast in there frozen, cool water from the tap, and veggies from the fridge. 10 hours later they were perfect, not over cooked. I'm sure it's possible to overcook things, but by starting from frozen and cold water it takes a few hours for it all to even heat up.

[CheaplyClever]

I have a small aluminum bowl that can sit on top of a beef roast in my crock pot. And yes, the lid still fits tight. I have stuck frozen lima beans in the bowl and covered them with water and a bouillion cube, set it on high and everything was yummy 8 hours later.

As a general rule, I don't leave my crockpot going when I'm not home, but that's just me. (But I don't leave the washer/dryer running when I'm not home either)

[AmberW]

There is a recipe for the best beans I've ever had on www.helpmybudget.com.

It is under the "eat on 35 cents per person" area.

It is a crock pot recipe also.

I also like split pea soup with a turkey leg and thyme and garlic salt etc. in the crock pot.

[jodi]

Just a note on the veggies - I do potatoes, carrots, onion, cabbage right along with the meat. Any "softer" veggies I would add later (i.e. corn and peas to soup). I wouldn't do cauliflower or broccoli, esp. when I can cook them in the microwave or steam them in 5 minutes.
Crockpots are GREAT for making soup - just dump all your leftovers in Tomato and beef broth for veggie beef with small pieces of beef and any veggie, chicken stock with chicken, carrots, celery, onion, rice, etc (but IMO, noodles get too mushy in the crockpot - I cook them separate and add them in before serving). oh, the possibilities are endless.

[jodi]

Here's another incredibly easy recipe - a crockpot full of apples (peeled, cored, and chunked), about 3/4 c. of water, 1/4 to 1/2 c. of sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Delicious appleasauce (better than any jar) in about 3-4 hours.

[Broken Arrow]

Woah! You can make applesauce with it?

Just out of curiosity, but is it capable of making some kind of dessert as well?

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

Woah! You can make applesauce with it?

Just out of curiosity, but is it capable of making some kind of dessert as well?

try allrecipes, i found six just searching 'crockpot dessert'

Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Slow Cooker Cherry Cobbler
Minister's Delight
Slow Cooker Bananas Foster
Hot Caramel Apples
Warm Fruit Compote

[jodi]

I have never done dessert in the crockpot, but I have seen plenty of recipes. I'm an oven kind of gal when it comes to dessert.
The applesauce is SO easy and SO good!

[mjrube94]

Do yourself a favor and splurge on Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners (Package of 4 for $2.49 before coupons). You put the plastic liner in, then put all the food in there and cover. When you're done, you take the plastic out and throw it in the trash. No mess, no icky cleanup. Pricey at $.60 each but sooooo worth it! (You'd save that much in water, sponges and soap when you soak the thing!)

[Broken Arrow]

Interesting! I'll definitely keep all this in mind!

[vsjhoc]

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

BA, make crock pot chili. YUM! 2 cans of crushed/diced tomatoes, 2 cans of kidney beans, 2 cups of browned ground beef (i freeze mine after i brown it so i just add the frozen cooked stuff), 1 diced sauteed onions, spices to your preference (but cumin is a must, it's what chili tastes like). let it simmer all day, eat up, and put most in the freezer when you're done. not all, though, because this is chili, and it will still taste better the next day...

Tina - I made your chili this weekend and it was truly YUM! I threw in some carrotts, garlic salt and chili powder, and served it topped with grated cheddar cheese. Many thanks for the recipe!!

[MoneyHoney]

If you're looking for slow cooker tips & recipes, check out the Rival Company (maker of the original crockpot) website //www.crockpot.com/recipes.aspx

During cooler weather, I use my crockpot at least once a week. It's a big help in meal prep.

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by vsjhoc

Tina - I made your chili this weekend and it was truly YUM! I threw in some carrotts, garlic salt and chili powder, and served it topped with grated cheddar cheese. Many thanks for the recipe!!

so good on a cold day!!! the great part is, you can use the tomatoes, onions, and ground beef and just change the spices and PRESTO you have spaghetti sauce instead of chili!

[vsjhoc]

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

so good on a cold day!!! the great part is, you can use the tomatoes, onions, and ground beef and just change the spices and PRESTO you have spaghetti sauce instead of chili!

OK, I'm off to have my chili for lunch. But I'm a total kitchen klutz. What spices would you use instead of the cumin to turn it into spag sauce? Oregano???

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by vsjhoc

OK, I'm off to have my chili for lunch. But I'm a total kitchen klutz. What spices would you use instead of the cumin to turn it into spag sauce? Oregano???

i use the jarred italian spice mix, it's usually oregano, rosemary, basil maybe some thyme. but the standbys of salt, pepper, garlic work whether it's chili or spaghetti sauce.

don't ask why, but i always put a dash of chili powder and just a smidge of cinnamon in my spaghetti sauce. DH and i like it, try at your own risk

i've debated about making the tomato/onion/beef/salt/pepper/garlic base up, then splitting it and making half chili, half spaghetti sauce. maybe next time....