Help! My Slow Cooker cooks too fast!

HELP!

I've gotten quite a few emails lately asking what to do about a hot crock, or a slow cooker that cooks too quickly, and burns or dries out food.

ick. I hate that.

First off, I'm sorry. So sorry.

There is nothing more defeating than thinking you have dinner all ready to go and come home to a gross dried-out or charred mess. I'm really sorry.

But, hopefully this will help, just a bit.

1) Make sure you are using the right size cooker.  A slow cooker needs to be quite full in order to heat evenly and cook properly. I have used pretty much all of the different types of cookers on the market, and have now collected quite a few (as of 5/2013: I have 14 in the house!!).

 I realize that storage space is at a premium, but consider getting a smaller slow cooker if you find that you aren't filling your crock at LEAST 2/3 of the way full each time you use it.

This goes against the bigger-is-better American mentality. I know. I'm sorry.

2) Start easy. Don't try out a pasta dish or a rice dish, or bleu cheese and steak roll-ups for one of your first crockpot cooking adventures. The reason they come with a little book full of stews and soups is because they are easy and somewhat fool-proof.

Try:
taco soup
beef stew
minestrone soup
lazy chicken
cream cheese chicken
white chili
enchilada casserole
sausage and vegetables
marinated meat

3) Cook for the shortest and lowest cooking time if you are going to be out of the house.

huh?

I know, it doesn't make sense.

If you are going to be out of the house for 10 hours, and the cooking time says 6-8 hours, don't set it for 10. Set it for 6, and then let it stay on warm for the rest of the time you're going to be out of the house. Worst case, the meal isn't quite done and you flip it to high while you change your clothes and set the table.

The cooking time is a range. You have to get a feel of your slow cooker (which is why you should start with the easy ones, first) and figure out due to your altitude, humidity, etc. how long things will take.

You will get a feel, I promise. I'm a complete dunder-head when it comes to cooking, yet I can slow cook. You can, too. I promise.

4) But my slow cooker doesn't switch to warm! If you don't have one of the newer "smart" pots, and you plan on being out of the house for a long period of time, you should really invest in one. 

These are the slow cookers I happen to use in my own home, and I've heard from readers that they have been able to score them for *quite* cheap at garage sales or on Craigslist.



5) I think my slow cooker releases too much moisture. Okay. Some of the newer slow cookers have a slot in the stoneware for a spoon to rest, or there is a vent hole in the glass lid. I have no idea why the manufacturers have put those things in. They certainly didn't ask me my opinion! When you release steam through these holes or slots, your food dries out. 

You can remedy this by putting down a layer of foil over the stoneware, and then put the lid on like normal. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!! when taking off the foil---the steam will shoot right out.


6) I want to make something small but only have a geat-big-huge cooker. That's okay. All you need to do is simply insert an oven-safe dish into your cooker and then put your food into the dish. This will create a smaller cooking vessel which will insulate your food and keep it from getting over-cooked or lost in a huge machine. I use corningware or pyrex, but metal pans are fine, too. Here are my recommendations. 


7) I've done all that and it's still way too hot and it's making my countertop hot, and I think there's something wrong with it. Don't use it. Call the manufacturer. Talk to the experts who actually made the product. I'm a mom who drinks too much coffee and wears slippers all day. I can't fix it. I wish I could. I'm sorry.

If you have a hard time getting through to a particular manufacturer, please email me. I now have contact information for the different customer service channels and will try my hardest to connect you to the correct person who can be of service.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope this helps! xoxo steph




Alphabetical Listing of Recipes
Save Money by Using Your Slow Cooker
Frequently Asked Crock-Pot Questions
An Important Note About Safety
My New Year's Resolution
Slow Cooker Troubleshooting

Good Morning America, and Other Announcements

1.) The book is completely and totally and officially all done. It will be in stores this coming Tuesday, October 13. If you have pre-ordered from Amazon (and THANK YOU!!! for the pre-orders!) your book will be mailed that day.

2.) I am going to New York, and will be on Good Morning America on Tuesday, October 13. Set your DVRs, email your grandma, and tweet your peeps. I'm trying my hardest to not have an anxiety attack while on camera.

or on the plane.

My mom took me shopping for nice maternity clothes which actually fit, so I'm hoping I look pregnant and not just like a huge swollen blob.

3.) I got my hair done today. It's a bit darker than I've had in quite some time, and I really like it. The kids are weirded out. Adam likes it, but he says that no matter what. I'm quite pleased-- I think it looks fallish.

4.) You may have noticed my new super-awesome header with clickable tabs, thanks to the lovely and talented Jennette Fulda, of Make My Blog Pretty. If you are ever in need of any site design, tweaking, or hand-holding, Jennette is your girl. I can not possibly express how wonderful and responsive she is.
She is also the author of Half Assed, a hysterical weight-loss memoir I read on the plane the last time I went to New York. I was so thankful to have her book to keep my mind off of the turbulence.

I hate turbulence.

eek. Now I've freaked myself out again.

5.) I've gotten a few emails about an icky ad for cutting out belly fat that has been automatically attaching itself to the bottom of the emails that go out through feedburner. I had NO IDEA this was happening, and greatly appreciate the head's up. I've since contacted google and have asked to be opted out of certain campaigns, but it looks like it takes about 24 hours to process these types of requests.

I'm terribly sorry that this happened, and I hate it that anyone has been inadvertently offended.

6.) The $200 gift card give-away is still going strong over at Totally Together Reviews. If you haven't already entered, hop to it!

7.) I am ecstatic that the book is finally here. I've heard several authors liken writing and publishing a book to child birth. I have even joked with friends that sometimes it feels that way. But I've decided it's not the same. It's not even close.

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is family. So. Hug your kids, call your parents, your grandparents, your sister, and your brother, and remember that all the day-to-day stuff doesn't matter. Family comes first.

and then go set your DVRs. ;-)

xoxo steph

Entertaining With Your Slow Cooker

Do not read this as "Entertaining Your slow Cooker." Even though I anthropomorphize probably more than I should, I do draw the line somewhere. :-)

We're fast approaching the season for entertaining. The Holidays bring about many reasons for getting together, and many different ways to utilize your slow cookers so you can get out of the kitchen and enjoy your guests.

This past weekend I fired up the Crock-Pot Trio, and brought it to a friend's house for a Halloween Party. I put in three different dips/appetizers:

Sundried Tomato Dip
Brie with Apricot Topping (this gets a lot of mileage. It's a favorite with my friends)
Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Rotel Dip (aka "mommy crack")

The Trio works well, but the cord is terribly short and each of the 3 (2-quart) inserts has a spoon slot, which means you have to put down a layer of foil while cooking/heating so your food doesn't dry out. This isn't much of a problem, but it is something to be aware of while using.

We aren't hosting any big parties this year, but in the past have really utilized my collection of slow cookers to prepare and serve hot appetizers, beverages, side dishes, and a variety of main courses. I love it that I can put the food on early in the day, then tend to the other chores around the house while dinner cooks itself.


I also appreciate the opportunity to mingle with guests as they arrive instead of fiddling in the kitchen.

The slow cooker is also an excellent way to bring a dish to a friend or neighbor's house who is hosting the main event. Oven and stove top space can be hard to come by, but there's always
an extra outlet available--even if it means plugging the cooker into an outlet in the garage.

What are your favorite ways to use your slow cooker for entertaining? If you have any great recipes that work well to serve large groups, or any slow cooker entertaining stories, please leave them in the comment section. We could all use some new ideas for parties this time of year!



related:

Slow Cooker Holiday Food
A Slow Cooker Party

Also!

I have a post up at BlogHer.com where I ask YOU about your children's play habits.

and, Books Inc, Burlingame, CA will be hosting a book signing/launch party for Make it Fast, Cook it Slow this Friday evening, November 6, at 6:30 pm. I'm going to be giving away a brand new Crock-Pot eLume--it's gorgeous. If you are in the area, I'd love to meet you!

Wrapping It Up

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Even though I didn't post daily in 2009 the way I did in 2008, this year has continued to be all slow cooker all the time in our house. It's been a glorious, energetic, nutty and somewhat surreal year.

I can't even imagine what 2010 has in store, yet I'm ready. Bring it on!

Although she has been teasing me for weeks and weeks, I do think the newest addition to our family will NOT be making her presence before Christmas. She may arrive before New Year's---I just can't tell. Whoever said every pregnancy/delivery is different is right, although truth be told, I'm getting a little annoyed by that saying.

But I feel good, the kids are happy, family is close by, and we're all healthy. There is nothing left to ask for. I feel super lucky.

I'm going to take a bit of a break for the holidays, and am going to step away from the computer. If you need help with recipes/your slow cooker, hopefully your answer is provided in the
Frequently Asked Questions part 1
Frequently Asked Questions part 2

also, there are reader comments and suggestions underneath each recipe that you might find helpful. This is exceptionally true in the case of the Slow Cooker Yogurt Recipe.

If you are cooking for the holidays, the list of Slow Cooker Holiday food has you covered.

I've still got a few contests running over on Totally Together Reviews.

The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook is over, and winners have been contacted, but if you didn't win, go ahead and pick yourself up a copy. It's a wonderful cookbook and resource.

The HP TouchSmart Computer giveaway will run until *tomorrow*, 12/24 at 5pm pacific.

The Tassimo Hot Beverage System is running until 12/31, 5pm pacific,

and the

$5 Dollar Mom Cookbook giveaway will end on 1/1/10, 5pm pacific. Erin's book was just released, and it's fantastic. She has more opportunities to win copies over on her website.

I plan on hosting more reviews and giveaways in the New Year, and I also plan on getting on the ball with posting over at Totally Together Journal. I've really slacked at posting, but am feeling motivated to get that site more active. My thought is to go through the manuscript that I have and post a simple chore or family activity daily. I certainly look forward to getting our house back in shape this upcoming year, especially once I can bend again!

And lastly, I'd like to thank each and every single one of you for the overwhelming support, love, and kindness you've shared with me through the Make it Fast, Cook it Slow book launch. I am completely blown away by the touching emails I wake to each morning, and for all of your sweet words.
Not a day has passed in months, where I'm not moved to tears. Thank you so so much for being so wonderful.

The cookbook seems to be doing well, and I have all of you to thank. Your buzz to friends, family, and over the internet, has helped so very much. I am so beyond amazed that in the December 27 issue of the New York Times, Make it Fast has made the best seller's list at lucky #13.

Wow.

(updated. well, darn. That link worked yesterday, and now they are asking people to register in order to see it. I hate stuff like that. Here's a scanned image, although I think you'll have to click on it to make it bigger.)

Like last year, I promise that the website isn't going to vanish into thin air. It will still be here, and I'll continue to add to it when I can, because quite frankly, slow cooking is the only way I get dinner on the table! I think I'll continue with budget-friendly slow cooker meals for 2010. I've got quite a few I'm itching to try out, and would love any and all suggestions. I have always thought of this website as a group project.

Have an absolutely joyous Holiday Season and a fantastic 2010. It'll be a good one.

xoxoxo

It's a Give Away!

Happy Tax Day! Happy almost-Mother's Day!

Happy I'm-practically-done-with-cookbook #2-which-is-good-because-I'm-kind of-sort of-freaking-out-over-here-Day!

I haven't forgotten you, I promise. I'm feverishly working to meet my deadline for the second Make it Fast book (this one is for food on a budget! 200 new recipes! what did I get myself into?!), and once that happens, I will go back to posting regularly. I've got a BUNCH of new recipes I'm eager to share!

It's almost Mother's Day (you've got a few weeks, but I'm a planner), and therefore you deserve a new toy. Click on over to my review blog for a Crock-Pot and Make it Fast book give away. I've got 5 to give away!

also, in honor of this upcoming date, Lydia, from A Perfect Pantry and Drop in and Decorate would like to remind you that Mother's Day is a perfect holiday for making cookies.
While you are baking your cookies, invite some friends over to help decorate a batch for those in need. Drop in and Decorate is a fantastic way to give back to those in your community who could use a little extra love and support.

Also, if you plan on getting away this Mother's Day, how about heading to Disneyland for the annual Food and Wine Festival? I will be appearing May 7, 8, and 9th @ 6pm in Sunshine Plaza in California Adventures.
Come say hi!

Okay!
to recap:

1) sign up for a free crock-pot and book
2) make cookies
3) come see me in Disneyland
4) send "don't worry, you'll of course make your deadline" vibes
5) convince the baby that napping someplace other than in my lap is A-okay
6) give your mom a hug

Just added! #7): you can also enter to win a slow cooker and book at Raising Healthy Eaters, and at Pioneer Woman!

I'm home! PowerAde Play Review! Puffy Pizza Casserole on the Way!

It's 6:57 am, and I need to admit that I'm really, really tired.

We spent the last 5 days in Disneyland, where I participated in the California Adventure's Food and Wine Festival. I don't think I could have possibly had any more fun---it was wonderful. I love Disney and all things Disney, and to pair Disney with food and wine? OH MY!

but I'm a wee bit tired.

It's a good thing I've got a bunch of PowerAde Play in the fridge. What's PowerAde Play, you might ask?

It's a brand new sports drink for children, and while I am usually *not* a fan of sugary colored drinks for children, or for anyone, really, I liked this stuff.

I really did.

I'm not even lying.

This has no high fructose corn syrup, and is much lower in calories than the competition.

Click over to Totally Together Reviews for my full take on this new drink, and for a chance to win $125 for your child's sports team.

I've got a fantastic Pizza Casserole I'm dying to share. Lemme get some (strong) coffee and start the laundry, and I'll type it right up.

Hoppin' John Slow Cooker Recipe

Hoppin' John is traditionally made on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity throughout the entire calendar year.

Today isn't January 1. Instead, it's September 21, the first day of fall. You remember the song from the musical, Mame? The one where it says "we need a little Christmas, right this very minute..." I think we could agree that we ALL could use a little good luck and prosperity right this very minute.

[edited 5:24 pm: okay, there's some disagreement over whether or not it's actually the first day of fall. It looks like I'm wrong---but the sentiment is still good!]

so here you go: Hoppin' John. If you win the lottery after eating, buy some crockpot books!

:-)

The Ingredients.

serves 10--freezes nicely!

1 pound dry black eyed peas, soaked overnight

4 cups chicken broth

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1/2 cup instant rice (or use 1 cup already cooked rice, and stir it in at the very end)

1 (10.5-ounce) can Rotel

1 bunch of collard greens or kale, chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

The Directions.

Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Soak your beans overnight in a bunch of water and drain well in the morning and rinse in cool water. Put the beans directly into your slow cooker. If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, that's okay! Instead, put them in a pot with a bunch of water and boil rapidly on the stove for 10 minutes. Then turn the heat off, and cover the pot. Let it sit for one hour, then drain and rinse and plop into the pot.

easy-peasy!

Once the beans are in the crock, add broth and sliced sausage. Stir in the rice and rotel. Add greens, and sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Cover ( you may need to shove in greens to get the lid on nicely) and cook on low for 8 to 12 hours, or until the beans are soft. Stir well before serving.

The Verdict.

We've got 101 days left in the year---lots of time for good luck to happen!

 This tastes wonderful. It has more of a casserole consistency than a soup or stew, and my whole family enjoyed this meal. I liked how the smoky sausage flavored the beans and the kale I used just kind of shriveled up and disappeared----we got a great punch of iron without notice.

other stuff you should make:

the first time I made black eyed peas, I wasn't impressed

but then I made this totally awesome black eyed pea soup

and guess what? I just plopped in Barbecue Beef and Beans to put on top of toasted Udi's white bread (LOVE THIS BREAD) for dinner, and check out the date on this post: 2 years ago today! ack! totally trippy.

Slow Cooker Fall Favorites

I just got back from a pumpkin patch field trip with sixty kindergarteners. In the rain. I wish I could say that I planned ahead and plugged something in so I could happily (and maybe a bit smugly?) report that, "we came home to a hearty bowl full of wholesome goodness that warmed us right up."

oh how I wish I could say that.

But I can't. We came home instead to soggy tuna and rice cakes.

But you? You can totally plan ahead. These are fantastic fall slow cooker recipes that will keep your tummies full, your house warm and cozy, your family happy, and your budget in check.

Beverages

Holiday (non-alcoholic) Punch (although "Holiday" is in the title, I've been making this a lot. Wednesdays can totally be the new Holiday.)
Pumpkin Spice Latte (yummers)
Chai Tea Latte (I don't actually like this so much, but my mother-in-law loves it, and so do her friends.)

Appetizers

Brie with Balsamic Apricot Topping (just made this again on Saturday, and have been requested to make it on Thursday for my friend Jennifer's jewelry party. Oh! anyone want to buy jewelry? I think there might be an online form.)
Sundried Tomato Dip (one of the very first things I made during my challenge)
Cream Cheese, Sausage, and Rotel Dip (AKA Mommy Crack)
Pizza Fondue (liquid pizza)
Fancy Cheese Fondue

Main Courses

Apricot Chicken (the kids LOVE this)
Pomegranate Beef (from Karina's Kitchen, the Gluten Free Goddess. She is wonderful.)
Pizza Soup (because you need more liquid pizza)
Cowboy Stew (from Headless Mom)
Pasta Fagioli (copy cat(ish) from the Olive Garden. We eat this monthly.)
Coq au Vin (red wine for purple, white wine for not-purple)
Azorean Stew (from Sean at Hedonia)
Salsa Chicken and Black Bean Soup (I get the nicest thank you notes about this one)
Java Roast (doesn't taste like coffee. I promise.)
Chile Verde (I make this for guests. Often.)
Margarita Chicken (from Alanna, of Kitchen Parade)
Mongolian Beef (lots of ingredients, but totally worth it)
Korean Ribs (from Stefania, of City Mama)
Orange Apricot Pork Chops (a favorite with kids)
Cranberry Pork Tenderloin (my little buddy Austin's review is priceless on this one)
Asian Peanut Butter Pork (mmm. peanut butter.)
Sausage Vegetable Medley (we eat this an awful lot. super easy.)
Autumn Sausage Casserole (C. Beth reminded me to add this!)
Jamaican Pumpkin Soup (amazingly delicious)

Desserts

Cheesecake (I was crazily ecstatic at how this turned out. I think the neighbors could hear my squealing)
Crustless Pumpkin Pie (exactly what it sounds like!)
Apple Crisp (the people in the audience at GMA liked this)
Peach (or whatever fruit you'd like) Pie (I had canned peaches in the house)
Pumpkin Pie Dip (fondue-y)
5 Layer Brownies (use a small slow cooker for this, or your middle won't set)
Pound Cake (I can't believe I ate the whole thing)
Rice Krispies Treats (the kids can do this alone. while I nap. It's a good thing.)
Caramel Apples (great surprise as an after school snack)
Brownie-in-a-Mug (So. Much. Fun.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The holidays are coming! My books make excellent gifts! :-)

Slow Cooker Stuffing with Apple and Sausage Recipe

This is it, the time we've all been waiting for. The weather is cooler, we can wear baggy sweaters, put on elastic waist pants, and eat.

Really eat.

it's your patriotic duty, you know.

We're having a bunch of people over for Thanksgiving. I'm not sure how many---somewhere between 24 and 33. It's a wide range.

we really shouldn't talk about it too much.

I might hyperventilate.

But! there will be lots of food. And? a rocking stuffing that has both sausage and apples.

I'm a giver.

The Ingredients.

serves 8 (at least)

12 cups dried bread cubes (I used brown rice bread.)

8 ounces ground pork or turkey sausage, browned and drained

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 1/2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples (no need to peel)

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 1/2 cups diced celery

1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup chicken broth, plus an additional 1/4 cup if desired

The Directions.

Use a 6-quart slow cooker (or larger if you have one). Cut the bread into 1/2 inch cubes and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping once, or until the bread is golden brown and toasty. While the bread is toasting, brown the sausage on the stovetop and drain. Toss the bread cubes and sausage together in your slow cooker, and pour in the melted butter.

Add apples, vegetables, and seasonings. Use two large spoons to toss the ingredients and disperse the spices. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, and stir gently to coat bread and veggies with broth. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. When the bread is browned on the top and edges, and the vegetables are tender, your stuffing is done. Stir well, and keep on the warm setting until meal time.

Add an additional 1/4 cup of broth before serving and stir again if you'd like added moisture.

The Verdict.

This was the first time I've  made a stuffing with sausage, and I loved it. I liked the savory, smoky bits strewn throughout the bread cubes, and I loved the way the spices all worked well together. 

 gobble gobble gobble.

Utilizing your slow cookers this Thanksgiving, or any other big honking family Holiday:

Plan ahead. Make your meal plan a week or so before the event, and purchase non-perishable food.

I'm serving:

cranberry sauce

mashed potatoes with cream cheese and sour cream

traditional stuffing

cornbread stuffing

(or maybe I'll combine the two and add the sausage and apples from this one? not quite sure. I'm leaning that way though...)

candied sweet potatoes

sweet and sour caramelized onions

dijon brussels sprouts

we're doing turkey in the oven and ham on the bbq

dessert is being brought. If I was making it, I'd do crustless pumpkin pie and ice cream.

need more? crockpot holiday food 

I will do as much as humanly possible in the next few days to keep Thursday from being beyond bonkers.

I suggest making cranberry sauce as early as Monday, chopping all vegetables and keeping them in sealed plastic bags on Tuesday, you can boil potatoes, sweet potatoes early, make dessert a day or 2 ahead of time, etc.

and delegate!

I'm *very* lucky in that Adam enjoys being in the kitchen (probably more than I do!), and likes to chop onions and vegetables. (I'm not ever going to be a person to have a zen moment while chopping onions. It's just not who I am.) 

I also make sure the house is clean days before having company. I've always stuck to my Daily 7, and then just kick it up a notch a few days before expecting a houseful of people. The last thing you need to worry about on a Holiday is whether or not the toilet is clean!

and my last tip? Get 3 large rubbermaid garbage cans, and put them in the middle of the living room. Plop a kid into each one and don't let them out until the event is over.

BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA! :-)

What are your make-ahead secrets for a stress-free (or lesser) Holiday meal?

Introducing: More Make it Fast Cook it Slow

Today is the 362nd day of 2010.

I really don't know where the time went. This past year was a complete blur for me. 

I had a(nother) baby.

and I wrote a(nother) book.

Adam doesn't want me to post pictures of the kids on the Internet, so instead of a beautiful smiling baby face (and man, she really is a smiler!), you're stuck with the cover art of the book.

I wouldn't recommend having a baby and writing a cookbook all at the same time, but if you do, make sure you've got the best family in the world to help.

and a really big freezer.

Mike, who works at BarnesandNoble.com would like to remind you that you can use the Barnes and Noble gift card you got for a Holiday present online. He'd also like you to know that there is a NEW! not in the book! recipe for ribs (in the features tab) on BarnesandNoble.com and that this new cookbook is ONLY! $10.55! for a limited time only!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

an excerpt from the Introduction:

There are over 200 brand-new recipes in this book that have not been shared in the first Make It Fast, Cook It Slow cookbook.  I have separated the book into three sections: $7 and under, $10 and under, and $15 and under dishes. Within each section, there are chapters for beverages, appetizers, soups and stews, side dishes, main courses, and desserts. The main-course selections are bountiful, because I believe this is the most beneficial. 

I live in the SF Bay Area, which happens to be a terribly expensive place to live. The prices in this book are from my own hometown, from my own (regional chain) grocery store. I did not use coupons to purchase the food, although I did choose to buy items when they were on sale, and chose store brand items if the per-ounce cost was less expensive than that of the name brand.

Because of this, you may find that by shopping with the store circulars in your area, or by using coupons, or by purchasing meat in bulk at a warehouse store, you can find food at a lower price, and that my prices seem inflated. I'm okay with that! I'd much rather err on the side of overestimating the costs. 

In the past, many slow-cooker meals were made cheaply because they revolved around canned cream-of-something soup. While I do think there is a place in the world for condensed soup, this book does not have a single recipe that calls for this ingredient. My family doesn't use this product due to allergy and health concerns, and since so many recipes already exist with this key ingredient, I wanted to step away and prove to myself (and others!) that inexpensive slow cooker dishes can be made without it. I am such a sucker for a challenge. 

As in the first cookbook, everything has been prepared completely gluten-free. If you are not gluten-free, simply ignore my notes, or file them away in case you ever need to cook for someone with a gluten sensitivity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This book is a group effort. I could not have finished my Year of Slow Cooking challenge in 2008 without the love, support, and hand-holding each one of you have provided, and I certainly wouldn't have kept it up to unearth ANOTHER 200 recipes without your suggestions, emails, and comments.

Thank you.

I'm blown away by your generosity and support. I don't have any current plans for a booktour, but I'd really like to set up a roadtrip with the family over the summer. If I can finagle something, I will certainly let you all know.

If you can help with word-of-mouth publicity for this new book via facebook, a blog post, or something else, please let me know. The contact information for the publisher's publicist is up above in the "contact" section, or you can email me at crockpotlady AT gmail DOT com.

thank you again.

I'm not sure what this new year will bring, but I'm excited.

I'll keep you posted.

December 30, 2007: my New Year's Resolution

January 1, 2008: the first time I made black eyed peas

August 25, 2008: Haggis. because why not?

December 18, 2008: Tamales (traditional, wrapped in corn husks)

December 31, 2008: the second time I cooked with black eyed peas. It went MUCH better.

July 6, 2009: Cowboy Beans

December 5, 2009: Super Simple Cranberry Roast (what we're having for dinner tonight)

September 21, 2010: Hoppin' John

what I did after my challenge (january 1, 2009)

Frequently Asked Questions, part 1

Frequently Asked Questions, part 2

and last, just in case...

The Slow Cooker Diet

Have a joyful and prosperous New Year. Lots and lots of love.

Good Morning America, and other announcements

Set your DVRs! I'm going to be on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning--the 12th (in the 8 o'clock hour).

I still don't know what I'm going to cook.

I think I know what I'm going to wear, but I change my mind from one minute to the next.

(they don't want you to wear white, black, patterns, or anything with a logo. that's kind of most of my wardrobe...)

oh. and there's this:

I hate flying.

HATE flying.

so my mom is going to come along.

to hold my hand.

THANK YOU MOM!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been thinking a lot about this year's New Year's Resolution, and have finally figured out what I want to do. One of the best things about this whole blogging thing is meeting people from all over the country (and world). I've recently figured out how to tape both sides of a Skype phonecall and thought it would be fun to have a WebTV section for interviews with blogging pioneers, entreprenuers, rockstars, and (personal) idols.

I am thinking of two different focuses right now:

Real Moms Making Real Money At Home, (in Their Pajamas), And How You Can Too

and Gluten Free TV

I've already completed one of the interviews, with Kim Demmon, from Today's Creative Blog, but haven't been able to figure out how to compress the video file for uploading.

Here are the interviewees I've already lined up:

(not in order. just how my brain spit them out)

Shirley Braden, Gluten Free Easily

Amy Green, Simply Sugar and Gluten Free

Leah Ingram, Suddenly Frugal

Alisa Fleming, Go Dairy Free (benefits of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing)

Michelle Stern, What's Cooking with Kids

Elana Amsterdam, Elana's Pantry

Mir Kamin, Want Not and Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

Ann-Marie Nichols, This Mama Cooks (internet entrepreneurism)

Jessica, Very Baby (online marketplace)

Jennette Fulda (entrepreneurism, web design, New! book, Chocolate & Vicodin)

Laura Wittman, I'm an Organizing Junkie

Jessica Gottleib (mommy blogging,  internet interaction)

I'm hoping to get everything working by the end of the month and be able to share a new video interview each week throughout the year (fingers crossed). 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm giving away TWO BlackBerry Style phones over on Totally Together Reviews. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have a fantastic week! I'll see you when I get back from New York (I might take a nap first).

2008 flashback:

Jan 8: Nuts and Bolts Trail Mix

Jan 9: Enchilada Casserole

Jan 10: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Jan 11: Corned Beef & Vegetables

Jan 12: Brie with Pecans and Cranberries

Jan 13: Hot and Sour Soup

Jan 14: Overnight Brown Rice and Quinoa Breakfast (flop)

Jan 15: Cioppino (delicious!!)

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

 

It's another cold, wet, and gray day---which means you should make soup.

In the crockpot.

I found this recipe over a year ago while link-following (that's a verb, right?) Shauna and Danny Ahern, authors of  Gluten Free Girl and The Chef (great cookbook, it should definitely be in your kitchen if it isn't already--not just for GF peeps) and GlutenFreeGirl.com made it for the Pork People (technical term), and I wanted to see if I could crockpotecize (that's definitely a verb) it.

and it worked! This recipe is on page 226 of the new More Make it Fast, Cook it Slow book (which should also most definitely be in your kitchen), but I never posted it online.

oops.

so here you go!

The Ingredients.

serves 8

7 cups chicken broth

7 ounces chorizo sausage, sliced (pork, beef, turkey, veggie; your choice)

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (or a handful of baby carrots)

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

1 3/4 pounds (about 3 large) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

8 tablespoons sour cream (for serving)

The Directions.

Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced chorizo (no need to brown first, YAY!). Add the carrots, onion, sweet potatoes, and garlic Don't worry about chopping your vegetables in pretty shapes----it's all going to be blended together anyhow (after cooking).

Stir in the curry powder and chile flakes.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours (low is better, IMO). Before serving, use a hand-held stick blender to blend the soup completely (even the chorizo. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me). Ladle into bowls and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

The Verdict.

I was fascinated by this ingredient list and am so glad that I gave it a try. It's velvety and smooth, with a great depth of flavor. The heat sneaks up but isn't overwhelming. You can omit the red pepper flakes if you're worried about the spice, and then add at the table to the grown-up servings. My girls thought it was a bit too firery, but liked scooping the sour cream off the top and dunked corn bread into the soup and ate it that way.

Adam is not a soup guy (he keeps reminding me of this, and I keep forgetting), but he practically licked his bowl clean. I've got more chorizo in the freezer earmarked just for this!

yet again, I'm behind with the 2008 flashbacks. I have no idea how I got through that year of cooking and posting daily---I'm having trouble posting weekly now!

March 10 Creamed Spinach (shhh. it's good for you!)

March 11 Dulce de Leche (you aren't supposed to make this. and that's all I should really say, probably)

March 12 Ginger Teriyaki Tofu (I'm the only one who ate this)

March 13 Blue Cheese and Steak Roll-Ups (fancy schmancy)

March 14 French Onion Soup (seriously good. even if you're not a "soup guy")

March 15 Creamy Avocado Chipotle Soup (sounds odd. kind of is.)

March 16 Roasted Cabbage and Potatoes (sometimes I don't know what to type in the parentheses)

March 17 Apricot Chicken (this is what I make when we have company with kids)

March 18 Hardboiled Eggs (you can hardboil eggs in the crockpot! but that doesn't mean you should.)

March 19 Leg of Lamb (the absolute best way to cook lamb---really. moist, delicious, perfect)

March 20 Sweet and Spicy Salmon (spring is a great time to cook fish in the crockpot)

March 21 Overnight Breakfast Potatoes with Sausage (cooking while you sleep is the ultimate in luxury. that, and maybe a butler?)

March 22 Traditional Beef Stew (there are as many variations of stew as there are missing Barbie shoes)

March 23 Taco Dip (I have a few different taco dip recipes. this is the first one)

Happy Slow Cooking! Have a great week!