Crock pot recipes

[Cinder & Smoke]

.
Who'da known!

Also, someone told me just the other day that a slow cooker and a crock pot
are not synonymous.

So I'm not sure if substitutions would make a difference in recipes
that are for a crock pot if you use a slow cooker instead.

Here''s an interesting article on the subject of the differences
between a Crock Pot and a Slow Cooker >>>

http://www.easy-crock-pot-recipes.co...est-crock.html

Did you ever wonder what the difference was between a “crock pot” and a “slow cooker”? The answer lies in the type and number of heating elements used.



Most crock pots have heating elements on both the bottom and sides of the crock. Heat surrounds the food bringing it more quickly up to a safe temperature. Crock pot cooking cooks foods slowly at a low temperature - generally between 170^o and 280^o F and has been deemed safe by the USDA.

Some slow cookers have heating elements on the bottom, but none on the sides. This causes the cooker to heat the food more slowly, leading to questions about crock pot cooking safety. The USDA recommends using this type of cooker for soups, stews, etc. where the food is small cut.
Crock pots, also known as "slow cookers", are revered for their ability to cook all sorts of foods at a slow, even pace. These units excel at tenderizing pot roasts and other less expensive cuts of meat, which require longer cooking at a lower heat setting. They also do a great job with soups and stews and are versatile enough to prepare specialty dishes such as stuffed peppers or rolled eggplant. Many units are now designed to accommodate whole chickens, oversized roasts, and racks of ribs.

How to Shop for Crock Pots
When selecting a slow cooker, consider how often you will use the appliance and what types of food will be cooked. Will you be likely to transport cooked dishes to friends' homes or other venues? Specialty features translate into increased price so be sure to select a unit that matches your needs. Optional features include removable crock liners, insulated travel cases, signal lights, and extra settings for "keep warm" or "automatic" cooking.

[pomtzu]

I was going to make fried chicken tomorrow, but since I hate the mess, I think it's going to be crock pot chicken. I don't have any potatoes, so I'll just fix rice to go with it. Maybe toss some frozen broccoli in with the chicken about an hour before it's done. Boy - am I getting to be a lazy cook, or what???

[Grace]

Made this for the first time tonight, and it is a winner!!

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup
Easy and delicious! Very thick and hearty! Freezes well! If you overcook, the soup will get even thicker than usual! and turn a little bit of an olive drab color--it will still taste good though!


SERVES 6 -8

* 1 (16 ounce) package dried split peas, rinsed
* 2 cups ham, diced or 1 ham bone (meaty) or 2 ham hocks
* 1 cup carrot, diced
* 1/2 cup onion, chopped
* 1 cup celery, chopped
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
* 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1 1/2 quarts hot chicken broth

1. Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order listed.
2. Pour in broth. Do not stir!
3. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or until peas are very soft and ham falls off bone.
4. Remove bones and bay leaf.
5. Serve!

I cooked it on high for 5 hours, and it was great!!

[jennielynn1970]

Made this for the first time tonight, and it is a winner!!

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup
Easy and delicious! Very thick and hearty! Freezes well! If you overcook, the soup will get even thicker than usual! and turn a little bit of an olive drab color--it will still taste good though!

Ooooooooh! That sounds so yummy!! I love pea soup, and will have to make this one soon!!!! Do you think it will be ok if I substitute smoked turkey for ham?? It should be ok, right?

[Karen]

I was at Dad's this afternoon, and when I walked it, the kitchen smelled wonderful. He said "Good, huh? It's not done, so I cannot offer you any ..." But I couldn't eat it, anyway, he knows I have odd allergies. In the cooker was turnip chopped into cubes, carrots - sliced, onions and a chunk of chicken. A little salt, pepper and some water, and dinner was on its way!

[Grace]

Ooooooooh! That sounds so yummy!! I love pea soup, and will have to make this one soon!!!! Do you think it will be ok if I substitute smoked turkey for ham?? It should be ok, right?

Oh, I think turkey would be great. I also think it could be made without any meat/poultry and be just as yummy

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Can anyone recommend a good brand/model of crockpot? Something fairly large, but not huge...maybe big enough to make dinner for 3 people with one night of left-overs.

I'm in need of a new one and thought I should ask here- thanks!!

[sparks19]

REALLY easy pulled pork

Pork shoulder (bone in and leave it in for cooking)

Root beer (I use diet rootbeer)

Sweet baby rays BBQ sauce (I use the hickory and brown sugar)

put the pork shoulder in, pour in half a bottle of rootbeer so it's about half way up the pork shoulder then on top pour half of the sweet baby rays sauce. cook that for about 3-4 hours. flip it... slather other side with sweet baby rays sauce and cook for another 3 hours until it is falling apart in your hands

Then let it cool enough so you can rip it apart. enjoy. I add a little more BBQ sauce when I make a batch of leftover pulled pork.

EASY but drop dead delicious

[pomtzu]

Can anyone recommend a good brand/model of crockpot? Something fairly large, but not huge...maybe big enough to make dinner for 3 people with one night of left-overs.

I'm in need of a new one and thought I should ask here- thanks!!

I have a Rival 5 quart that I've had for years. I use it a lot and it's still good as new. If I were to get a new one, I would like one of the oval ones, rather than the round one that I have - chickens and some roasts fit much easier in those. As far as brands, I think they are all pretty much the same, tho some don't have the removable crock.