Programmable Slow Cooker

A programmable slow cooker is a great way to produce tasty nutritious meals easily. Lots of people lead extremely busy lives and find it a challenge to come home from work and then have to start cooking a meal.

Fortunately slow cookers provide a great solution to the problem. Simply prepare your ingredients the evening before or in the morning and pop them in the programmable slow cooker then hey presto your food is ready for when you return home.

What to Expect From Your Programmable Slow Cooker

It’s simplicity itself to set the timer and temperature to deliver perfect results for you time after time. Most programmable slow cookers come with an attractive stoneware inner that the food is cooked in. This can be also be used to serve the food at the table, so it saves on the washing up! If the food is ready then use the keep warm option until you are ready to serve. Then pop it in the dishwasher and the job is done.

Most slow cookers have a large capacity so why not cook plenty and freeze the rest for a quick meal another day. This is a great tip for those eating alone, cook for 4-6 people and freeze in individual portions any that is left over. Take a look at the hamilton beach programmable slow cooker range.

What Can You Cook?

The list is endless but here are a few ideas. Chilli is a real favourite in our house, as are meals like stews, curries, casseroles and even roasts! In fact using a slow cooker is the ONLY way I cook joints of meat these days, unless barbequing. The reason for that is the meat is so succulent and flavoursome, it just falls apart.

How to Cook a Roast in Your Slow Cooker

Put about 2-3cm of cold water in the slow cooker then add your meat; you could use chicken, joints of beef, pork or lamb whatever takes your fancy. Pop the lid on and let it slow cook for 5-6 hours. As it enters the last hour or so of cooking I usually find that the meat will start to brown a little.

Once the meat is cooked take it out and cover with foil and let it rest for up to 30 minutes. Use this time to do two things. The first is get your vegetables cooking. The second and the tastiest part is to pour the cooking liquid form the meat into a jug. Any fat will float to the top. Wait for 10 minutes or so and then skim off the fat. You are left with super juices to make a delicious gravy or sauce from without the added fat!

When everything is ready add the meat to the plates I promise you the meat will fall apart and be delicious to eat.

Programmable slow cookers are so convenient as well as being a truly great and yet versatile way to cook superb meals, that are packed with flavours. I can’t recommend them highly enough I certainly wouldn’t be without mine! The Rival programmable slow cooker is a good place to start!