Many people know that slow cookers are one of the most efficient and cost effective ways of putting a tantalizing home cooked meal on your table. However, you may not fully realize the scope of these little hard working machines. Their unique cooking method and ability to use moisture during the process, makes them perfect for a wide variety of tasks. From breakfast to dessert, your slow cooker is up to the task.
Breakfast is not usually the meal that most people think of when they think of using this cooking method. Surprisingly there are many recipes for making hearty breakfast meals. Due to their ability to keep a consistent, even, cooking temperature these crocks work really well for cooking egg based casseroles. You can also find recipes for making hearty Scottish oatmeal, corn or wheat porridge, corned beef hash, coffeecakes, and quick breads such as pumpkin, banana, and others.
You likely already knew you could cook stews and soups and chili, but you may not have realized that your slow cooker can handle cooking a lasagna filled all the way to the brim or a yummy cheese dip, perfect for game day. Other snacks can be made with your slow cooker as well. Stewed fruits or candied glazes are a favorite to top everything from pancakes and oatmeal to ice cream. One snack I had never considered was glazed nuts. If you like nuts with those crunchy coatings or spicy seasonings, seek out a recipe tonight.
While you may have gotten an idea at the mention of quick breads and coffeecakes it is still worth mentioning that you can also make cakes and breads in the slow cooker. Cakes come out moist in the same machine that cooks up a crusty loaf of French bread. Amazing. Take a new look at your slow cooker and look up some new recipes as well as your old favorites.