Crockpot RecipesIs Slow Cooking Really That Great?
I was walking through the aisles of the grocery store a couple of days ago, and I noticed the increase in prepackaged slow cooker meals. I already know the rewards of using a slow cooker because I"ve been using mine for years, so it came as no surprise to me when others started talking about the advantages of cooking with a crock pot but why did it take the rest of the country so long to find out? But even with this increase in popularity, I"ve recently been asked by a few "newbies" "Is slow cooking really that great?"
That question would be easy to answer even if all you"ve ever done is make chicken stew with your slow cooker. It"s just too easy and the food tastes exceptional when cooked slowly and evenly in a crock pot.
Nowdays families are usually too busy to sit down and eat, especially eating together as a family. There"s where the slow cooker makes a difference. I have many slow cooker recipes, and can find pretty much everything to cook that my kids will like to eat.
I use my crock pot year round, and love its convenience during the warm weather months when I can fix the beginnings of the meal in the morning, put it all in the pot, and then clean up everything when I"m done. The crock pot takes very little time to clean up itself, so there is yet another reason why slow cooking is so great.
If you are working away from home, the slow cooker can be busy fixing your meal for you, and when you walk through the door at the end of another grueling day at work, your dinner will be waiting for you. Most of the time, all you will need to do, is throw together a side dish or salad, add some bread, set the table, and begin} to eat. Simple, simple, simple; and very pleasant to come home to.
Here is a favorite slow cooker recipe that you can try with your family. I"m sure you"ll all love it.
Country-Style Crock Pot Chicken
6 carrots, sliced
6 celery stalks, sliced
8 chicken pieces
1 can (10-3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1/3 c or chicken broth
2 tsp cornstarch
Slice vegetables place in crock pot. Place chicken on vegetables. Spread undiluted soup over chicken. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix. Do not add any water. Cook on High 4 hours, or until chicken is done. Stir often. 10 minutes before serving, mix broth and cornstarch. Pour over chicken, stir well. Serves 4.