Why A Slow Cooker?


I've always had a slow cooker. I mean why not? When I was younger it meant that you had somehow arrived when you had one in your apartment especially as a new parent. It meant that you had paid attention to some of the things your mother or grandmother had shown you.
Contrary to what many folks believe slow cookers are not just for winter though folks. Yes you can get some great stews and chunky dips made with them over a good game of football, but it serves as a great way to keep home going even when you are not there.

I can remember my first slow cooker, it was a burgundy square pot that had a base and a glass top back in 1990! I had gotten it at a resale shop right after my eldest was born and I can remember it taking up more space in the cabinets than it did on my counter keeping food warm. But then again I was only 19 or so at the time. A quick jaunt to the fast food place was much easier with a full college schedule, a new baby and a part time job working at the local chicken joint.

Today there are so many slow cookers to choose from and I have had my share of many that have taken me through a many pot of beans, chicken, stews, roasts and even a ham or two.

What I can tell you is that keeping one in your arsenal no matter how big or small they do come in handy. Here's several reasons why you should keep one at the ready. 

1. No Matter How Busy You Can Always Cook

The slow cooker can be a busy cook's best friend, especially if you are going to be gone all day like me. While quick-cooking foods can be convenient too, a slow cooker allows you to do something else all day while dinner cooks like work or hang out with the kids. I have even made breakfast foods and allowed them to cook all night, so the kids can wake up  to a hot breakfast and me...I look like a super hero.

2. There Seems To Always Be Left Overs

One of the great advantages of the slow cooker is that you can cook extra food for the freezer.  I am notorious for overcooking when it comes to slow cooking. So get into the habit of not tossing those extras away but rather getting some large Zip Loc bags and freezing them for later. Hey you never know what that budget is going to look like in the future and it will surely come in handy.


3. Cheaper Meats and Produce 

Slow cookers allow you to get away with cheaper cuts of meat and using up all those veggies you got so cheap at the Farmer's Market you KNOW you will never use. The moisture contained in a slow cooker combines with a low temperature to tenderize tough meats and connective tissue which smaller kids will be grateful for and you will be glad they ate SOME of it. Also, you can place those veggies in with the meat add some garlic, herbs or spices and make a nice broth with the left overs that you can surely use later. How cool is that? Trust me this came with trial and error and learning real quick how to make money stretch.

4. Lower Light Bill

A slow cooker on your counter uses a lot less energy than your oven. Even though it's on for hours, the slow cooker uses low temperatures and contained heat, so there's less energy output needed to keep it hot.What I truly like about it is once the kids come home I get a text saying "Mother should I turn off the slow cooker?" and with a simple yes my little guy can just turn the switch to "off". No gas to worry with, no pans or pots and he can help himself to a plate before I get home from work.

5. Different Meals To Try
Don't just use your slow cooker for roast chicken and pot roast or stews. Get creative and try breakfast with sausage and eggs and veggies. You can also make desserts like cobblers and pasta even! Who knew but when you are on a budget or working with what is in your cupboards, you learn really quick to make it work. (I'll have to share with you guys one day how I made it through my first year of graduate school living off free food and a slow cooker).

6. Easy Clean-Up
Slow cookers or Crock pots are easy to clean too guys as long as you don't put the electrical unit water and just wash the stone pot you should find it easy to wash or put in the dishwasher. Its equally easy to just put in the refrigerator if you are expecting to heat it up on "low" the very next day for left overs.

7. No Burnt Foods 
The coolest thing about the slow cooker is no scorched or stuck on foods to pans. Since I keep everything on low it helps to build up moisture and I don't have to worry much about tossing out burnt food if EVER.

8. Slow Cookers A Pretty Cheap
 Truth be told I have never spent over thirty dollars on a slow cooker and all of them have been by Crock Pot. The only reason I bought several was because I took one to a pot luck and it disappeared or when one of my two eldest slipped it out of the house.

Slow Cooker Tip For Rotisserie Style Chicken

Roll Aluminum Foil Into Four Balls

Place in bottom of slow cooker

Place seasoned chicken on top of foil

You can place potatoes, carrots and peppers and garlic in the bottom and allow the drippings from the chicken to drip over the  veggies cooking them without touching the chicken at all.

Let me know how it turns out I would love to know!

Til next time! Be great folks!

Mother