Carol’s essential gadget #1 is a necessity in my kitchen. As the three of us continue to discuss the “essential gadgets” housed within the confines of our kitchens, I must begin by highlighting my Cuisinart multi cooker. Actually it might be classified as a small appliance, rather than a “gadget”. It is indispensable in my kitchen.
I will admit that in the early years of my marriage, I acquired a “crock pot” and used it on occasion. However several years ago I acquired my Cuisinart. It actually functions as a slow cooker for up to 24 hours (very handy when making stock.) The beauty of this “multi cooker” is that it also roasts for up to 6 hours, browns, sautes, and sears up to 500 degrees. By allowing combination cooking it reduces the number of pots and pans needed to create a meal. In addition it comes with a roasting/steaming rack. It also includes an automatic “keep warm” feature which is at times a true God send.
I am guessing that this multi cooker might not qualify as a “gadget”, but I do use it routinely. In fact many of our most “family favorite” meals have been housed in its’ confines. I store it on the bottom shelf of the pantry. It is more frequently next to the stove top on the counter slowly cooking a meal. Unlike a traditional “slow cooker”, I love that it allows several steps in the one pot.
Favorite Recipe
One of our all time favorite “slow cooker” meals is Mississippi Pot Roast.
I use lots more pepperoncini in this recipe. When served with mashed cauliflower it becomes true comfort food.
From Jan:
We also swear by Slow Cookers! Because of our large household with two kitchens, we have two 6 qt slow cookers and one ancient 4 qt very basic (on/low/high) slow cooker. It is a rare occasion that all are in use simultaneously but it has been known to happen (Thanksgiving?).
We have the pretty basic models from Hamilton Beach. I have had mine for many years. The digital readout has some areas that do not work (COOK looks like LUUK on the readout) so I generally do not use the programming mode. I am always around anyway, so I just set the temperature manually and turn it down or off at the right time.
I must say that in my older years as I am treating myself to simple pleasures, Carol’s model of the Cuisinart Multi Cooker is tempting. It would be nice to saute the items before cooking. Not to mention that it is downright CUTE!
We have many recipes for the Slow Cooker but one of our favorite references for Slow Cooker recipes is the Fix It and Forget It Diabetic Cookbook. There are several volumes in this series, not all for diabetics. I would recommend any of them.
Pat
What??? You don’t have the Cuisinart? Blasphemy! It really is a game changer for slow cooking. The one ding I have about it is that it’s shallow, so big roasts become a lid balancing act. However with just the two of us it’s not often an issue. I also like the Cuisinart because it’s square-ish instead of oval, making things like a slow cooker lasagna much less like assembling a jigsaw puzzle of noodles and more like building a traditional lasagna. BTW, these recipes that call for no-boil noodles? Bah, I say. I use regular lasagna noodles in this recipe and it works great.
While I’m violating every low carb rule in the book here, let me tell you about the magic of slow cookers – and DESSERTS! We have a little country bar near us called Leon’s Country Store, and for the past couple years they had a Crock Pot Cookoff. Now while I can’t get a trophy to save my life in a barbeque cookoff (my excuse – I’m a Yankee), I can kick some serious tail with a crockpot (my excuse – I’m a Yankee). These two recipes got me the proverbial gold!
Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie
Yep, just like you could buy in the mall back when we actually went someplace to shop. This is SOOO good, nice and ooey-gooey in the middle. Recommend you take some double or tripled up paper towels under the lid to keep condensation from spoiling it.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
O.M.G. Talk about ooey-gooey deliciousness! So rich, just like eating a peanut butter cup on steroids. In a good way.
So next week I’ll be suggesting the gadget before my sisters get a chance to suggest a washing machine or a refrigerator. Gadget my ….
