Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

[Duchesse]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I've been considering buying a crockpot but I don't have any idea of what size or model. Any suggestions?. At times I may cook a large amount (enough for leftovers). Sometimes I cook turkey wings which are large. Do I need the 6 quart size?

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I have a 5 and a 6 quart...I do alot of cooking in them. I use my 6 qt most often...and I ordinarily feed 3, but often have enough to feed my parents too.

I LOVE my crockpot!!

[rob62521]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I have three crock pots -- a 6 qt. a 5 qt. and a 2.5 qt. I tried to buy them on sale. We have a Kohl's that puts them on sale quite often. I use the 2.5 qt. for cube steaks. I use the 5 qt for stew, a whole chicken, etc. the 6 qt. I do a big pot roast.

[mciangel]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I am not sure if it is just me, but I have never gotten a bag of not-pre-cooked beans to cook fully in the crock pot. One time dh and I had that thing on high for nearly 20 hours, still the beans would not cook up. No salt added. I dont usually add salt to very many things before they are cooked

[suedavids]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

soak dried beans in water 24 hours then they should cook up pretty quickly. Even though I have not had any problems with beans in the crock pot. Are you adding enough water? Salt will keep the bean firm. Always salt when beans are just done.

[lillyb]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I soak beans overnight. Then freeze them. Something about the cellulose breakdown while freezing.. Anyway, then after freezing will thaw and cook in crockpot all day. Just a pinch of garlic powder (for gasiness), season at the end. They come out wonderfully tender. I do batches at a time and will freeze them in portion sizes. Also, I've read hardwater can really make a difference. Try buying distilled/purified water (I can't remember which one) to soak and cook them in. It's pretty cheap per gallon from a grocery store.

I love my crockpot!! Best of luck.

[rob62521]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

Ima, I've had problems with chicken in the crockpot as well. I can put it with rice and cream of chicken soup and it's good. But by itself, I'm a failure.

[markio26]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

i use my crockpot everyday almost... today, i am making chicken pot pie for my son... i already baked the crust part in the oven last nite.... i made a veggie medley, added cream of chicken soup and it has the whole kitchen smelling great.... yay.......love my crockpot.....i will make rice pudding in it later.....

[crabbypatty]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I use mine a lot. A favorite is when I find pork on sale I'll stick a whole roast in the CP with a jar of BBQ sauce. You really don't need anything else. Then pull it apart with forks for BBQ sandwiches. I use the CP at all parties for meatballs or lil smokies, sometimes I'll dump chicken in it with a random jar of marinade and serve over rice.

I use it for all proteins except seafood. But I guess you could use it as a warmer for stuff like seafood newberg at parties.

[DayByDay]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I used to have a small crock pot. I rarely used it because it was too small. I finally bought a bigger one last month, but it is still sitting in the box. Right now my printer is sitting on it. I don't know why I haven't started using it yet! We are still busy unpacking and organizing after our move, and I guess I just keep forgetting about it.

[trillium]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I should use mine more often. I have a crock pot and a slow cooker so I have NO idea what my problem is :P

[shelbylovesmelby]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I have no idea how "big" mine is but I'm making home made chicken noodle soup in it tonight. I figure it's probably cheaper to run the crock pot than to run the gas stove to cook it?

[jodi]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

We used four crock pots yesterday for our sledding party (three borrowed from party attendees). One for hot chocolate, one for hot mulled cider, one for chili, and one for soup. After we drank all the cider, we reused that crockpot to keep hot dogs warm (btw, do NOT leave hot dogs too long in a crock full of water - they blow up!). I love my crock pots.

[MoneyHoney]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

I use mine a lot during the cooler weather. A crockpot makes it so easy to prepare homemade soups and stews. Economical too.

[JanH]

Re: Am I the only one using a Crock Pot?

We use ours more during the warmer months because the kitchen gets so hot during the summers here. I'm learning a ton here about using it so keep those recipes coming!