Kitchen

[brandiwine]

@kitcat51  I have back issues and after 2 surgeries I can't pick up my old heavy crockpot so I got a green pan brand.  Not nearly so heavy.  I love it because I can use the inside pan on top of my stove to brown meat.  Then I add the rest of my ingredients and put in the electric cooker.  Set it and the rest of my day is mine.

[Sooner]

I made something today that we loved and it would be good to heat up in the crockpot.

• cut up leftover roast
• added a can of Pacific Foods Organic Harvest Black Bean Chili
• a small can of tomato juice  
• juice from the roast
• cut up carrots, onions and mushrooms cooked with the roast.

It made a really good lunch.  I like the Pacific Foods chili as a starter for lots of things.  This or a similar soup would be good with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork.  Whatever is left over!!

To keep it vegetarian, just add an extra can of beans of your choice to the can of veggie chili instead of meat.  

[kitcat51]

Thanks so much, took at look at their website & I'm impressed. First time buying one so never thought about the weight, the crockpot I was considering is over 16lbs so big difference. Now I have to decide 6, $70. or 8qt, $90. both on sale on the Green Pan website or getting their 8qt with locking lid at Walmart for $60...thats a great sale price, it's 189. on Green Pan but not sure about the locking lid & it weighs more. I appreciate your time & help @brandiwine 

[Sooner]

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@kitcat51 wrote:

I'm stuck at home with broken ribs watching YouTube crockpot recipe videos & decided I need a crockpot..I'd appreciate suggestions on size, manual or digital,  manufacturer & if lid clips are a must have. The first recipe I'll make is a YouTube favorite, chicken, stuffing & green beans...I need comfort food!

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@kitcat51 So sorry you are with those cracked ribs!  But for us, we don't need delayed start or a timer on a crockpot, but if we worked it would be a must.  Not sure you would need lid clips if you aren't traveling with one.

The one we use most in an inexpensive 3 qt. crock pot brand white, cheap one.  It works fine.  There are some pretty ones out there!  And check the weight and make sure it has good handles on the pot and the outside both!  Hope you find one you love and cooks good!

[kitcat51]

Thanks @Sooner  I'm so glad you started Crocktober, never had a crockpot so wasn't sure what features are needed, several reviews mentioned the lid clips kept in moisture. I don't need anything big, fancy but did look at the recommended Green Pan & really like it, it's lightweight, pretty, has good reviews & doesn't look complicated which is a really good thing for me. Have a good night.

[cindyNC]

@kitcat51 Hope you are not in too much pain and that you have a speedy recovery.

[ScrapHappy]

Chicken tortilla soup is the easiest recipe I make in the crockpot.  Just opening up some cans and I use a rotisserie chicken and done.  

[brandiwine]

@kitcat51   Glad you checked out the Green Pan.  Please take care and let those ribs heal.  Sorry you have to go through the pain.

[Sooner]

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@ScrapHappy wrote:

Chicken tortilla soup is the easiest recipe I make in the crockpot.  Just opening up some cans and I use a rotisserie chicken and done.  

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@ScrapHappy You are so right!!!!  We get Sam's rotisserie chickens 2 at a time, eat some, freeze some, and make broth out of the scraps!  It is so much better than anything in a can or box, bone broth and basically free.  Limp carrots and "lesser" celery go in too plus the outer thicker onion pieces.  

We do this the night before trash day to get rid of the broth leftovers!  Trash day eve is a big day--eat or toss leftovers and clean out the fridge!!!

[kitcat51]

Thank You @cindyNC it hurts but I'm slowly getting better.