The second appliance I consider essential in the kitchen, and nowhere near as expense as an upright freezer, is the crock pot. It is a useful way of using cheaper cuts of meat and making it mouth wateringly tender. It also saves money.
When you’ve been out at work all day, or even if you’re a stay at home Mom running around after a young family, the last thing you need when you’re tired is to think about preparing a meal. Rather than opting for take out, you can have a healthy meal cooking during the day.
It means a working mother can put it on in the morning and let it cook during the day as the amount of electricity it uses is minimal. However, if that doesn’t appeal to you, then buy a timer which will turn it on at the required time.
The method of slow cooking also ensures food retains its nutrients and flavor. Of course the great advantage I find, is once it is on it requires little fussing and fiddling. So it is also a time saver, which gives time to do other things.
For the Mom with a new baby it can also be an asset. Any mother will tell you babies and toddlers tend to become more fractious as they day wears on. If you put the crock pot or slow cooker on early in the day then when things became chaotic, you don’t have to worry. There will still be a meal on the table that evening.
If you’re having dinner guests it allows you to spend time with your guests rather than fussing in the kitchen. For guests who are invariably late, if it’s cooking another half hour or hour, it so doesn’t matter. It’s not going to be ruined.
At present I have Slow Cooker- Easy and delicious recipes for all seasons by Sally Wise, to review. Crock pots don’t have to be just for casseroles and stews. You can also make soups, desserts or cook a roast in them. I even know some people have cooked cakes in them, although I admit I haven’t tried that one. So far I’ve had quick look and some of the recipes sound delicious. I can’t wait to try them and will share more in days to come.
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