Slow & Steady... Crockpot Cooking

Crockpots (aka slow cookers) are often underused nowadays. They are so great for multiple reasons.
- It's an easy way to tenderize tougher, cheaper cuts of meat.
- It takes very little prep time.
- It is the ultimate in multi-tasking. Put the items in, turn it on, & leave it alone.
- You can still turn out a tasty meal with little cooking experience.
- With the right recipe, you can create a wide variety of foods (including cake...)!

Here are personal tips I've learned.
- The longer you cook meat, the better & softer it will be.
- Browning beef before adding it to the crockpot adds flavor but is not mandatory.
- Don't keep taking off the lid to "check on it".
- If you're cooking a whole chicken, take the skin off before cooking.
- Unless you're using a recipe, noodles don't fare well after several hours in a crockpot...
- Cook a cake on low (regardless of what the recipe says). If it smells like it's burning, it is.
- Sometimes it's worth spending the extra money to get a removable inner dish.

I'll be honest... Just looking through these recipes is making me hungry!!! So, find your next feast:
- Yahoo Shine's Still Not Using a Money-Saving Slow Cooker?
- Martha Stewart's Comfort Food Recipes: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Fitness Magazine's 7 Easy Slow-Cooker Dinner Recipes
- WebMD's Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining

(Stay tuned for some healthy tweaks for your favorite recipes!)

As a side note, crockpots are generally the only cooking method safe enough to leave unattended. Ensure that the electrical cord isn't frayed or put into an overloaded outlet. Put the crockpot on a heat resistant surface & make sure flammable items (like cookbooks & curtains) aren't in direct contact. Happy cooking!