Slow Cooker Update

[ethandron]

It's on, it's cooking, it's slow, only another four hours to go..

[Mamyalynne]

They're like that they are.

[gingejbee]

Don't lift the lid.....and hope you kept the liquid to a minimum, because slow-cookers don't let any moisture escape....so you end up with a lot more than you started with (it seems!).

[ethandron]

Indeed mamy, you're right as usual ;)
It has a see through lid so if I get fed up watching paint dry I can watch this instead..without lifting it. Of course I kept the liquid to a minimum ginge (oh heck)!!!! Could turn out to be pork and veg soup.

[ethandron]

:(
Too runny, not enough seasoning.
:)
Very tender meat, just melted. As did all the veg.
A bit of Worcester sauce sorted it out but defo less liquid next time (Saturday).

[Islay]

I prefer to thicken mine with bisto as the liquid can be too much I also found cooking dumplings is a good way of using up some of the liquid.

[mallyh]

Islay I've never tried cooking dumplings in slow cooker I didn't think it was quick enough x

[ethandron]

I always forget about dumplings Islay as I rarely make them but that's a good idea.
It really is trial and error isn't it? I'm determined to get the most out of this machine though and the only way is to keep using it isn't it? I might have a go at dumplings on Saturday, which is the next time I'm going to use it.

[ummmm]

I don't use mine. I much prefer things cooked on the hob but...I'm at home a lot.

[ethandron]

To be honest Ummmm so do it, which is why I've not bought one before even though I've come close a few times.
I used to really enjoy cooking, still do at times, but am finding it quite a chore now for various reasons so am hoping this thing will enable us to still eat healthily but make it easier for me.

[gingejbee]

If you have a "The Works" cheapo bookshop handy, I'd recommend you get a slow-cooker cookbook....the recipes will give you ideas, but there will be lots of useful hints on getting the best from it, timings, preparation of ingredients, thickening etc.

[237SJ]

If you do dumplings next time, take the lid off and float them on the top for the last half an hour or so of cooking. That will help concentrate some of the liquid as well