Ready and waiting
Convenient, versatile (and now so stylish), slow cookers are the perfect way to enjoy a hot family meal that is ready when you are. Here are four recipes to get you through the busy winter months, taking you from weeknight dinners to casual entertaining. There are also directions for small slow cookers as well as stovetop versions for those who haven't yet joined the slow-cooker revolution.
Adapt to the slow cooker
It's easy to adapt favourite braised recipes for the slow cooker if you keep a few basics in mind.
• Because root vegetables often take longer to cook than meat, cut them into peices no longer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) and place them under meat or poultry, where it is hotter.
• Liquid doesn't evaporate from the slow cooker as in oven or stove-top braising. Most slow-cooker recipes require about half the liquid. Stir in thickening agents near the end.
• The flavour of dried herbs and spices dilute in the slow cooker. Try increasing them by half or sprinkling with more at the end.
• Green peppers turn bitter when cooked for a long time so add them near the end.
Size matters
• Slow cookers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so choose one that best suits your needs.
• For 4 to 8 servings, choose 20- to 24-cup (5 to 6 L) slow cooker.
• For 2 to 4 servings, choose 10- to 16-cup (2.5 to 4 L) slow cooker.
• For small ammounts, such as dips, sauces and appetizers, choose 2-cup (500 mL) and 6-cup (1.5 L) slow cookers.
Recipes
-
Slow Cooker Indian-Spiced Chicken
If one-pot slow cooker chicken is a mainstay at your house, don't miss this recipe for potato lovers - ... -
Lamb Stew with Squash and Mint
Leg of lamb becomes meltingly tender as it braises in a slow cooker. You can save yourself some work by buying cubed lamb if available. Serve over bro... -
Orange Spice Pot Roast
Slow cooking brings out the aromatic flavours of cinnamon and cloves. If olives are a favourite, you might want to sprinkle on a few more. -
Short Ribs with Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce
Mushrooms add earthy flavour to this slow-cooked dish. Dried shiitakes are a good substitute for the porcini.
- Most recent
- Latest from the Food & Health Blogs
- Latest from the Life &
Style Blogs - Top 10 Recipes
- From the Magazine
10 tips to get your kids to do household chores
New & Noteworthy
| Foster your inner foodie with the latest from The Food Blog. Plus find great nutrition and fitness info in The Health & Wellness Blog. | |
 |
The Food Blog |
 |
The Health & Wellness Blog |
| Learn how to live it up Canuck-style with the latest from The Life Blog. And add some style to your life with news from The Fashion & Beauty Blog. | |
 |
The Life Blog |
 |
The Fashion & Beauty Blog |
