stupid question.... (jm)

janetmichel3009

... what does a crock pot do? i mean as oposed to a normal pot?

i saw SOO many crock pot recepies here lately and i am just curious...

I'll have to research the history but, for one thing, crock pot is a brand name but it is sometimes used as a regular noun. Anyway, it's a slow cooker, usually electric. It heats at a very low temp and is excellent for recipes that require a low heat over a long time.

ETA: this is as good an explanation as any.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crock_Pot

 Just want to add that veggies don't turn to mush with this long slow cooking.  They stay firm and taste fresh.

BTW, after reading Ron's link, as old as I am, I didn't know raw beans can be toxic....  I've been making baked beans for 40 years and never questioned the reason for parboiling them!

One thing with crock pots.....do NOT add noodles until the very end, they, unlike veggies, will turn to mush....and that makes for not-so-tastey food.

Actually, with noodles, cook seperatly then add before serving......

janetmichel3009

... what does a crock pot do? i mean as oposed to a normal pot?

i saw SOO many crock pot recepies here lately and i am just curious...

Practically speaking, I think it's a safer way of cooking all day.  I would not be comfortable leaving my oven on when I'm gone, and NO WAY would I leave a gas stove lit while I'm gone, but a crock pot on low?  Sure!

I've only ever used my crock pot once and that was to cook a venison roast.  I added potatoes, carrots, and onions.  It turned out really well.  Venison is very "gamey" tasting but my guests said they couldn't tell it wasn't beef. 

 Crock pot is actually a trade name of Rival - all other brands are called "slow cookers" :)  It does just that slow cook.  It's a nice way to say throw in a roast in there in the morning, go to work, and come home to dinner made.

janetmichel3009

... what does a crock pot do? i mean as oposed to a normal pot?

I have been cooking in a "crock pot" since they first came out...(telling my age).  There are a million and one things you can do with a slow cooker.   Its great for working families,  put everything in before leaving for work and when you get home its done!   We also put things in before going to bed and its ready for lunch the next day.   I also use mine (has removable pot) for pot lucks.   When we have the "Labor Day cookout" I keep my BBQ sauce in it so it can be warm at serving time.   I just wish I had invented it, I would be rich!!!!!

On a side note, I discovered that Mr. Clean magic erasers are really good at getting the burnt junk off of the sides - mine was getting kind of dingy and it looks good as new!

I want to try making mac and cheese in mine, and potato soup.

mmmmm I have a great potatoe soup recipe... I also use mine for chili, chicken & dumplins, chicken and noodles, pork tenderloin, homemade stew, cooked apples.....the list goes on and on

Bring on the soup recipes!   It is that time of year....

I know how to make all kinds of soup but I have never really used a crock pot slow cooker.

I forgot about chicken and dumplings - I made some AWESOME chicken and dumplings last week in the slow cooker. I make chicken and rice in there too.

 oooooh!!! yes!! I'd love to know about some slow cooker soup recipes!! anything to make my life simpler!! LOL, and I LOVE soup.

Some of the newer slow cookers now are programmable.  It will automatically turn off at the time you set and switch to the "keeps warm" setting.  They're not terribly expensive either.  I've seen them at Wal-Mart for between $25 & $40.  You can get the cheapest cut of meat in the store, and after 6/8 hrs. on slow, it will be so tender you won't even need a knife to cut it.  I didn't know about raw beans either, but then I usually just buy a few cans of Bush's.

Joyce

Yummy Potato Soup Recipe (Makes a large pot)

1 lb bacon fried crispy* set bacon aside til soup is ready to serve.

Use a small amount of the bacon grease to saute 1-diced onion and 2 cloves chopped garlic**

Peeled and cubed russett potatoes (I usually do a whole 5 lb bag, sometimes more, lol, cause my hubby loves it and the girls at work love it.)

Put peeled and cubed russett potatoes in pot with just enough water to cover add a little salt and tablespoon butter.

Add the saute'd onion and garlic.

Cook in slow cooker or pot on stove on low temp til potatoes are fork tender.

Add milk and cubed velveta cheese to desired taste and consistency ( I like my soup thick and hubby likes lots of "juice* lol)

Pepper to taste

 Remember when adding the milk and cheese to keep temp low, stir occasionally but the more you stir the more your potato will break down some like it better that way.

When cheese is melted pour into soup bowl, crumble a generous amount of bacon on top.  Serve with hot bread or crackers.

*If you prefer a fast fix you can use bacos or dried bacon bits.

**If you are not a bacon eater, you can saute' your onion in butter or EVOO.  We love onions and garlic so I use 2 onions and 4 cloves garlic.

I also like to garnish with fresh chopped chives and a dolop of sour cream.

Yummmm Yummmm I think I am going to have to make some too!!!

ah!!! ok! i get it now... i might look around for one of those... sounds convenient indeed!

thanks guys!! :)