Kitchen

[HonnyBrown]

I finally got a Crock Pot. Thanks to some of your suggestions, I got the 4 Quart size. It's a basic model with the Hi/Lo setting.

The first dish I plan on making is a Hot Dish. In the oven, I mix frozen pepper and onion strips with quinoa, add a simmer sauce, top with s/b chicken breasts and bake.

In the Crock Pot, do I just layer everything, top with the chicken and cook? Can I use frozen peppers and onions?

[HonnyBrown]

Another question: can I leave it on while I'm at work? I leave out at 7am and return at 530 or so.

[reiki604]

I would try the crock pot out first when I was home to see how long I actually needed. I cannot leave mine on for 8-10 hours as it would overcook and burn. 5-7 hours on low is usually the max I need. As a matter of fact it's on now with some chicken thighs and Campbell's Mediterranean crock pot sauce. Will be making rice in my WP small rice maker. It's a lazy Sunday lol!

[denisemb]

I agree with reiki604 - in the olden days, crockpots cooked at a lower temp and you could leave them on for 8-10 hours. Any of my new ones cook much faster.

[AuntG]

I leave mine on when I'm at work, but I'm not gone as long a the OP. You might want to get some slow cooker cookbooks at your local library.

[HonnyBrown]

Thanks everyone!

I have my Hot Dish on high right now. I added kale and mushrooms to it.

AuntG, I'm looking for recipes at Cooking Light. I'll go to the library later this week.

I cook low and slow in my LC buffet casserole, so I didn't see the need for a Crock Pot. This one was $15, so why not!

[Frankie_Dee]

Hi, HonnyBrown - Check out the Crockin' Girls at www.crockingirls.com

They have published a couple of books, but you can find lots of good recipes and advice at their website.

I do not feel comfortable leaving the crockpot on while I'm away from home, unless it's for a very short time. YMMV.

[Pezzie]

Honny, normally in crockpot cooking, the veggies are put on the bottom with the meat on top. I think with you being gone that long, I am afraid your frozen veggies might disintigrate too much and not to your liking. I say this, so that you are not disappointed at the outcome. I have never tried frozen veggies in the crockpot and would love to know how yours turn out.

Also, if your recipe calls for additional liquid, I think I would cut back on that, as your food will release its onw natural juices, and cooking in the crockpot it does not dissipate like it would as in oven cooking. You will notice your food will be saucier. Once you make a couple of meals, you will get the hang of it.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

[ChiliPepper]

I used to leave my Crock pot going while I was at work but I don't feel comfortable doing it anymore either. I guess I am getting more cautious - you never know right? I prepare my ingredients (if needed) the night before & take it to work with me & cook it there. But then again, I have that kind of job.

[Nightowlz]

Another site to checkout for crockpot recipes. Enjoy. http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2007/12/alphabetical-listing-of-recipes.html