Gourmet Cooking With a Crock-Pot

Often, when considering cooking dinner with a Crockpot, people may automatically think of soups, stews, a pot roast or chicken pieces. However, with a little creativity and a spice rack some delicious, impressive foods can be the result.

Slightly altering recipes from a variety of cookbooks and sources, Crockpot cooking need not be mundane. If you are leaning towards a recipe that calls for slow roasting in the oven, use the Crockpot instead!

Crockpot

One of the main reasons for not using the Crockpot with more creative recipes might be the fear of the unknown for some cooks. Trying something new with an long-standing, tried and true appliance can be a worrisome prospect to some and for good reason. However, trying and failing is better than not trying at all! If one recipe doesn't work for you, try the next one, and the next, until you find a grouping of recipes that will work. Always remember to write down the ones that do work, so you'll have the recipes at the ready the next time you wish to try "something new".

The beauty of the Crockpot, when it comes to cooking, is it allows whatever ingredients you are using to marinate in their flavorful juices. If your primary ingredient is a pork roast, a slow cooker helps to create a tender, tasty piece of meat. In altering recipes from cookbooks, always remember, the lid stays on during the cooking stage, therefore any recipe that requires liquids will use less, due to lack of evaporation.

Some suggestions for the Crockpot might be lasagna, linguine with clam sauce, your choice of white or red, macaroni and cheese, fish with stuffing, Swedish meatballs with gravy, adding a layer of egg noodles for good measure, or meatloaf, a staple in most households.

As most gourmet recipes call for wine, flavored vinegars, olive oil or some combination of the three, some of the liquid is provided but when in doubt add a can of flavored stewed tomatoes, liquid and all, to provide some zest to your dinner table. In addition, if you find yourself at a loss for a liquid, you can always add a cup or two of beef or chicken bouillon or broth to add some flavor to whatever it is you're cooking.

Crock-pots can be used to create a tremendous variety of Hors d'oeuvre, entrees, side dishes and desserts. With the array of sizes in which crock-pots are available, the possibilities are unlimited. Given the versatility of cooking with a Crockpot, you do not have to feel trapped with the same old, tired recipes.

Overcoming your fears and trying something new in your crock-pot will be an advantageous and delicious way to feed your family while not spending all your time in the kitchen, both before and after dinner. Try some new recipes in the crock-pot when company comes and give yourself more time to enjoy your company, which is really what entertaining is all about, isn't it?

Gourmet cooking in your crock-pot is obtainable and oh so delectable! Your family will love you for it and guests will marvel at how much time they might think you have spent preparing a delicious, "time-consuming" meal making them feel even more special!

Gourmet Cooking With a Crock-Pot

The author loves cooking and sharing cooking tips with everyone. Take a look at this article on becoming a gourmet cook for more gourmet ideas. For some more information on cooking for kids take a look at this interesting article at http://hubpages.com/hub/Become-A-Gourmet-Cook

Thanks To : cuisinart chefs classic 17 piece cookware set cuisinart chef's classic stainless steel 10 piece

Gourmet Cooking With a Crock-Pot

Often, when considering cooking dinner with a Crockpot, people may automatically think of soups, stews, a pot roast or chicken pieces. However, with a little creativity and a spice rack some delicious, impressive foods can be the result.

Slightly altering recipes from a variety of cookbooks and sources, Crockpot cooking need not be mundane. If you are leaning towards a recipe that calls for slow roasting in the oven, use the Crockpot instead!

One of the main reasons for not using the Crockpot with more creative recipes might be the fear of the unknown for some cooks. Trying something new with an long-standing, tried and true appliance can be a worrisome prospect to some and for good reason. However, trying and failing is better than not trying at all! If one recipe doesn't work for you, try the next one, and the next, until you find a grouping of recipes that will work. Always remember to write down the ones that do work, so you'll have the recipes at the ready the next time you wish to try "something new".

The beauty of the Crockpot, when it comes to cooking, is it allows whatever ingredients you are using to marinate in their flavorful juices. If your primary ingredient is a pork roast, a slow cooker helps to create a tender, tasty piece of meat. In altering recipes from cookbooks, always remember, the lid stays on during the cooking stage, therefore any recipe that requires liquids will use less, due to lack of evaporation.

Some suggestions for the Crockpot might be lasagna, linguine with clam sauce, your choice of white or red, macaroni and cheese, fish with stuffing, Swedish meatballs with gravy, adding a layer of egg noodles for good measure, or meatloaf, a staple in most households.

As most gourmet recipes call for wine, flavored vinegars, olive oil or some combination of the three, some of the liquid is provided but when in doubt add a can of flavored stewed tomatoes, liquid and all, to provide some zest to your dinner table. In addition, if you find yourself at a loss for a liquid, you can always add a cup or two of beef or chicken bouillon or broth to add some flavor to whatever it is you're cooking.

Crock-pots can be used to create a tremendous variety of Hors d'oeuvre, entrees, side dishes and desserts. With the array of sizes in which crock-pots are available, the possibilities are unlimited. Given the versatility of cooking with a Crockpot, you do not have to feel trapped with the same old, tired recipes.

Overcoming your fears and trying something new in your crock-pot will be an advantageous and delicious way to feed your family while not spending all your time in the kitchen, both before and after dinner. Try some new recipes in the crock-pot when company comes and give yourself more time to enjoy your company, which is really what entertaining is all about, isn't it?

Gourmet cooking in your crock-pot is obtainable and oh so delectable! Your family will love you for it and guests will marvel at how much time they might think you have spent preparing a delicious, "time-consuming" meal making them feel even more special!

The author loves cooking and sharing cooking tips with everyone. Take a look at this article on becoming a gourmet cook for more gourmet ideas. For some more information on cooking for kids take a look at this interesting article at http://hubpages.com/hub/Become-A-Gourmet-Cook

Tags : staub 9.5 inch saute pan

Gourmet Fondue Using Your Crock Pot

Now this fondue is not really a crock pot recipe however it is fun to serve it in the crock pot. And the crockpot does a fantastic job of keeping it warm.

So it you don't have a crock pot (you should get one, but that is another story), you can still make this and serve it in a fondue pot or any other pot.

Fondue is a Swiss dish having thought to date back to the 18th century. It is believed to have come about during long Switzerland winters when all that remained were some dry bread, cheese and wine.

And we are thankful for their thriftiness and culinary skills.

Traditionally at least two cheeses were melted in a dry white wine. The wine helps to keep the direct heat away from the cheese. And of course imparts an extra flavor.

This fondue is a little different in that it has no wine but chicken broth instead along with a few other surprises.

Brie and Onion Fondue

Ingredients

2 oz (50g) butter

2 medium onions

1 oz (25g) all-purpose (plain) flour

½ pint (300ml) chicken stock

12 oz (375g) Brie*

¼ pint (150ml) double cream

Method

Dice the onions finely.

Melt the butter in a pan. Add the onions and gently fry until soft (do not brown).

Sprinkle in the flour (it helps prevent the fondue from separating). Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually stir in the chicken stock ensuring it blends with the flour. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
If you are going to serve in your crock pot - turn it on low now.
Cut the rind off the brie and discard the rind. Slice the cheese thinly.
Slowly, piece by piece, stir the cheese and the cream into the fondue. Being careful not to add too much all at once.
Cook gently, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Transfer to your warmed crock pot.
Serve with chucks of crusty bread, carrot and celery sticks, mushrooms and whatever else you like.

*Brie - use a good quality cheese. And for a different flavor try one of the new flavored bries like black pepper or herb.

Happy Dipping and Enjoy

Lisa "The Crock Cook"

Find Lisa’s articles about Crock Pot Recipe Tips and Slow Cooker Recipes at A-Crock-Cook.com.

My Links : all clad masterchef 2 7 piece cookware set all clad copper core 12 fry pan t fal 10 piece cookware