Crock-Pot and Slow Cookers
Crock-Pot and Slow Cookers are terms most often used interchangeably. Slow cookers have often been referred to as “crock-pots” much like disposable diapers have been referred to as “Pampers” which is a leading brand. However, there is one substantial difference between a Crock-Pot and a slow cooker. Crock-Pot is a slow cooker that has a removable stoneware pot that is surrounded by a heating element. Slow cookers do not have the stoneware pot. Slow cookers are one metal unit consisting of the heating element at the bottom and the pot on top of it. I prefer a Crock-Pot brand slow cooker because it has the removable stoneware which makes it far easier to clean. For even greater ease, liners can be purchased much like cooking bags that are used in the oven.
Faster Isn’t Always Better
Roasts, soups, stews, and chili that are slow-cooked or simmered all day are richer in flavor. Roasts tend to tenderize, and vegetables become tender, not mushy. Seasonings have a chance to saturate ingredients, creating a flavorful dish. I love Cajun Red Beans and Rice – having the red beans cook in the Crock-Pot® with a ham hock all day, allows the smoky flavor of the ham hock to soak into the beans. Ribs are something my family and I like year-round, and thanks to my Crock-Pot®, I don’t have to worry about freezing temperatures while grilling outdoors in winter. I can have juicy, fall apart ribs made in the comfort of my kitchen. If I want oatmeal for breakfast, I can set my slow cooker up the night before, set it on low and have oatmeal ready for breakfast.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
While a Crock-Pot slow cooker is great for meals, sometimes I need a small one for dips and sauces. My family loves the cocktail sausages in barbecue sauce. I can “dump” them into the small Crock-Pot® in the morning, set it on low and by lunchtime (or game time) they’re ready to eat! A friend of mine loves hers cooked in beer. The alcohol cooks off, leaving flavor infused cocktail sausages the whole family loves – and they’re great for parties too!
We Lazy-Girls love good food that’s tasty, easy on the budget, and doesn’t tie us down to the stove. We recommend Crock-Pot® ($32 for a 7-qt) slow cookers, both large and small.
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