Product Thursday
I have been delinquent in sharing items on Product Thursday. Nothing has sparked a compulsion to write glowing commentary or a furious outpouring of disgust.
However, today I am sharing the secret to my cooking success – besides the ability to make stuffed shells that makes my kids want to eat spinach.
That secret is my crockpot. Actually, I have three crockpots in different sizes. And what has become absolutely essential with any crockpot is the removable inner pot. Our middle sized one does not have that option which makes clean-up a real pain. You cannot submerge that crockpot or you will ruin the heating element.
The short of the long is always go for a crockpot that has a removable inner crock bowl.
When I received the little one, I have to admit I did not think it was going to do much. It looked great for cheese dips but I could not think of anything else to do with it.
Raw pumpkin is cooking down in that picture.
But now it serves as my favorite sloopy joe pot, perfect for about 1 & 1/2 pounds of meat and sauce. Busy days when I have to feed a big group of people are made easier with this little baby.
In the picture, I am cooking down pumpkin I had recently scraped out of carving pumpkins. I later used that cooked pumpkin for pumpkin cake.
For our January gathering, I am thinking about using it for fondue but first I must find a good recipe. I am willing to hear any suggestions.
My other crock pots get used for soups and roast beef. Recently I displayed a picture of my big silver crockpot making Tortilla Soup.
But I also use it for Italian Sausage Soup, Potato Cheese Soup and Pot roast so tender and wonderful that you do not need a knife.
During the heat of the summer, we used it to make pulled pork. That required 12 hours of cooking of the meat alone before the seasoning stage. But the kitchen did not get heated up and we ate like kings on a hot, hot day.
Recently, my neice shared a recipe for carne guisada with me. Slow cooked beef in spices typical from the Hispanic culture. It works well as both taco meat and chilli meat. So, yes, I am making it soon, in the crockpot.
Editor’s Note: I was requested to put up recipes I have used in the crock pot so here are a couple of links to past postings of my cooking adventures with the crockpot.
I LOVE my crock pot and yes, it has the removable crock! It’s a larger one and I cook turkey breasts, chicken and apple butter! Every kitchen needs one! Set it and forget it! My way of cooking!
the crockpot comes out often in my kitchen too! c
I enjoyed reading what you do with it. I love how the kitchen smells when I get home. It reminds me, “oh dinner is on.” That’s a nice feeling.
Never underestimate the power of the crock-pot. Even the non-cookers (aka Me) find success in crock-pots! Maybe you could share your favorite crock-pot recipes??
Thanks to your question, I put a couple of my favorite ones up. Sadly, my sloppy joe recipe is ridiculous easy. I cook up a pound to pound and a half of ground beef. Then I mix it with Heinz Sloppy Joe sauce in the crockpot bowl. I find Heinz is less spicey than Manwich, better for the littler kids. Pathetic, I know , when you consider all of the real cooks out there who do it from scratch constantly.
I go in spurts with the crock pot – I forget about it for a while, then I use it and remember what a great thing it is and use it several times in a week. Thanks for the recipes!
Glad you could stop in. What do you make in your crock pot?
This past week I made swiss steak and veggies, which was fabulous, and a big pot of chili. I’ve used it to make big batches of rice pudding, which has worked well.
I think I need a recipe for that swiss steak.
Here it is!
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Swiss-Steak-Supper-2
Thanks for the dinner inspiration! Intrigued by the idea of carne guisada, I looked up some recipes on the internet and found that I had all the necessary ingredients in my pantry, freezer, and fridge. It was a big hit, and so-o-o-o-o easy! Thanks.
I am planning on trying it soon as well. I love meals that are double duty.
Thanks for coming by my blog and reading my kids in the kitchen post. Your comment ended up in my spam for some reason so sorry for the delayed response!
I love the crock pot too. I have my mother’s old one without the removable lining and finally replaced it with a removable one that was also larger. It’s a must-have kitchen appliance for me.
Regarding the cakes pops – we didn’t use a special pan – she just formed them with her hand. I did buy the styrofoam to place them in and the melting candy chocolate and the sticks.
I had seen an advertisement for the cake pop pan and was curious if it worked out. So was it messy kitchen experience or OK?