Thompson - The everything slow cooking for a crowd cookbook: features 300 slow-cooker recipes to please any crowd!

Dear Reader:
My life is unbelievably busy. I bet yours is, too. I could simplify my life, but then Id miss out on so much I enjoylike fixing up my old farmhouse, reading, and spending time with my family. Sound familiar? I have two main strategies, however, that help keep me sane. First, I try to be organized. I make lists and plan ahead whenever possible. Second, I always try to be efficient.

This is the big one. Why make three or four small trips to the store, when I can prepare a comprehensive list to get everything the first time? Why buy one loaf of bread, when I can buy five and freeze four? A slow cooker is designed to be efficient; thats why I use it. It doesnt need babysitting and is very forgiving. I always double or triple recipes and freeze the extra, whether Im cooking for myself or for a group. If I didnt use my slow cooker, I wouldnt have time to read that new novel, fix that barn door, or have a party! I hope this book helps you get the most out of your slow cookerand your life. Best of luck!

EditorialProductionVisit the entire Everything Series at www.everything.com THE SLOW COOKING
FOR A CROWD
COOKBOOK Features 300 appetizing
home-cooked recipes Katie Thompson This book is dedicated to my mother, who believes in me. Copyright 2005, F+W Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews. An Everything Series Book.
Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Publications, Inc. Published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322.

U.S.A.
www.adamsmedia.com ISBN: 1-59337-391-0
Printed in the United States of America. J I H G F E D C B A Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Thompson, Katie, 1962
The everything slow cooking for a crowd cookbook : features 300 appetizing home-cooked recipes / Katie Thompson.
p. cm. (An everything series book)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-59337-391-0 (alk. paper)
1. 2. 2.

Quantity cookery. I. Title. II. Series: Everything series. TX827.T44 2005
641.57dc22
2005018841 This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered.

It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Adams Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters. This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases.For information, please call 1-800-872-5627.

Thank you to my friends who helped with this project and more. So youre going to entertain? Excellent! But youve got lots to do.

There are menus to make, foods to prepare, and drinks to mix. The list of preparations seems endless. You may be wondering how youre going to get everything done with a limited amount of time. Believe it or not, one of the most efficient ways to entertain is to go slowly. Slowly? Yesyou can use your time more effectively if you harness the power of your slow cooker. In fact, you can go even slower.

Borrow or buy another slow cookeror two or fourand your job will be even easier. You may think this sounds crazy. Everyone in todays world seems to be searching for a way to do things faster. There is high-speed Internet, one-touch speed-dial, instant messaging, and the popular power nap. Theres even fast food, speed dating, and express checkout at the grocery store. But slower is better in this case because your slow cooker helps you multitask.

Multitasking means efficiency. A slow cooker will do the work of an oven, a stovetop, and a serving dish, all while you take care of other things. On the morning of your party, you can set up one slow cooker with an appetizer, another with hot sandwiches, and a third with a dessert. And of course, youll need a couple more to prepare steaming, aromatic drinks for your guests. Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you are free. Slow cookers keep an eye on themselves, dont need stirring, dont mind if youre late, and can do their job wherever you can run an extension cord.

When guests arrive, the slow cookers are already in position. Just set out the plates and silverware, open the lids, and let your guests enjoy your creations. A slow cooker can help you look like a pro, even if you rarely cook or bake from scratch. And if youre already experienced in the kitchen and dont think you need another appliance, take a moment to reconsider. Slow cooking isnt cheatingits just smart! Entertaining is the best opportunity to use slow cookers. Using slow cookers for a party allows you to prepare dishes hours or even days ahead of time, serve multiple hot dishes at once, and keep food and drinks warm for the duration of your partyall without the use of your oven or stovetop.

Whether your event is a rowdy Super Bowl party, a childs birthday celebration, or a small dinner gathering with close friends, the recipes and time-saving tricks in this book will help you avoid stress, impress your guests, and enjoy your party.