I've decided that slow-cooker recipes are just a crock

[Food Network Fan]

I've decided that slow-cooker recipes are just a crock
Modesto Bee, CA - Jan 9, 2008
New Year's resolution: no more slow-cooker recipes.
Yes, I know, Crock-Pots and the like are the in things these days. Grocery stores sell packages of vegetables and meat -- already sliced -- that you can throw in the slow-cooker before you leave for work. Thank goodness, because I don't know many people who can stomach, say, raw chicken at 7 a.m.
The Food Network's Alton Brown has a slow-cooker recipe (for oatmeal, of all things). Plus, I read about a class taught by a big-city chef on how to make gourmet meals in a slow-cooker. Think slow-cooked salmon, caramelized onion soup and flourless pear anise soufflé -- all in a Crock-Pot....

[BerryBaby]

I love my crock pot but make all recipes from scratch.

On the subject of cookers, I need a new rice cooker. Mine died this week. Any suggestions from anyone on preference? I went to the store and there seem to be a lot to choose from these days. When I bought mine, there were a couple. The one that died was a Panasonic and I really loved it.

[MayQueen]

Someone gave me a crock pot for Christmas. I couldn't really imagine using it but I made scalloped potatoes for a party when my oven was already too full. The potatoes didn't really taste like my usual dish, maybe because I had to use canned milk, but it was good! And I avoided my usual problem when making scalloped potatoes, having them drip to the bottom of the oven and making the smoke alarms go off.

[BerryBaby]

Try putting an Eye of Round roast in it. Rub horseradish on it, sprinkle a bit of allspice on it, NO LIQUID and cover it.

Don't open the lid until it is done. I usually do a 3 pound roast on low for 7 hours. Absolutely delicious!

[Chefnot]

Oh oh. I don't like crock-pot items. Just mho mind you..

[Food Network Fan]

It depends on what it is for me. Somethings turn out well in a crockpot, but others not so much.

[bluejeanz]

I'm not a crockpot user either but I did have just a couple recipes I used to make in them many years ago. But I'd put them in after dinner and let it cook during the night. I never felt safe leaving it on all day while I was at work. (Some years ago one of the doctors at the hospital my youngest daughter worked at left his bread machine on while the family was gone all day and it burnt down his house. Sounds like one of those happenings that people make up but it was in the newspaper at the time.)

Some of the crockpot recipes that people have given me over the years just don't blow my hair back. I think, unless you take the time to brown a piece of meat first in a regular Dutch oven or skillet, you won't get as good a flavor. They say, "Oh, you just throw everything in and let it cook." I think doing the extra steps would be worth the effort. Plus everything seemed to be overdone. I watch some of the cooking demonstrations on QVC for slow cookers and everything is "fall-off-the-bone" tender. Personally speaking, I don't find that very appetizing. Sometimes I want my chicken (or meats) tender rather than overdone. If you're going to cook it that long, you may as well use a pressure cooker.

My daughter uses hers maybe once a week so I gave her all of my old crockpot cookbooks.

[Food Network Fan]

I have to brown any meats before I put them in if I use the crock pot. Chicken looks horrible if it isn't browned. I prefer my dutch oven, but then I am here to keep an eye on it. The crock pot is handy for those who do leave them on while at work though. I think that in an effort to be extra careful I would sit it on the cooktop off of any of the burners. That way you have a surface made to take the heat.

[BerryBaby]

I don't know, the recipes I have made up and used are delicious. Too many people are under the impression that you have to add water to whatever you make. I rarely, if ever, add any liquid. Makes the meat look grey and not as tasty. Letting it cook in its own juices is the best. I'm a true crockpot fan!