Better Homes - Better Homes and Gardens The Ultimate Slow Cooker Book: More than 400 recipes from appetizers to desserts

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data The ultimate slow cooker book : more than 400 recipes from appetizers to desserts. p. cm. At head of title: Better homes and gardens Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-470-54032-9 (pbk.) ISBN 978-0-470-58765-2 (special edition) ISBN 978-1-118-28046-1 (ebook) ISBN 978-1-118-28047-8 (ebook) 1. I. I.

Meredith Corporation. II. Better homes and gardens. III. Title: Better homes and gardens. IV.

Title: Slow cooker book. TX827.U45 2010 641.5'884-dc22 2009035862 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Meredith Corporation Editor: Jan Miller Contributing Editors: Lisa Kingsley, Waterbury Publishing and Kristi Thomas Recipe Development and Testing: Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Publisher: Natalie Chapman Associate Publisher: Jessica Goodman Executive Editor: Anne Ficklen Editor: Adam Kowit Production Director: Diana Cisek Senior Production Editor: Jacqueline Beach Cover and Interior Design: Jill Budden Layout: Jill Budden and Holly Wittenberg Manufacturing Manager: Tom Hyland Our seal assures you that every recipe in The Ultimate Slow Cooker Book has been tested in the Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen. This means that each recipe is practical and reliable and meets our high standards of taste appeal. We guarantee your satisfaction with this book for as long as you own it. Cover photography: Kritsada Panichgul Food stylist: Nicole Peterson Prop stylist: Sue Mitchell Pictured (top row, from left): .

Introduction These days convenience and economy are top of mind for everyone, especially working moms. So what could be more necessary than your slow cooker? Its a busy familys most invaluable kitchen tool. It makes menu planning easier because many recipes are complete meals. Furthermore, there is such a variety of recipes you can make in a slow cooker that youll never run out of ideas. And, if you choose to make a big batch, leftovers are inevitable and economical. Slow cookers can also take an inexpensive tough cut of meat and turn it into a melt-in- your-mouth masterpiece.

And as a timesaver, you can simply put all of the ingredients in the cooker in the morning or afternoon, and your dinner is just hours awaywithout your constant attention! But the best part of all is the slow cookers versatility. If your slow cooker has been limited to the occasional pot roast, youll love this collection of recipes. From appetizers, beverages, breakfast dishes, main dishes, sides, and desserts, you will have a plethora of recipes to serve for any occasion or weeknight meal. We have to admit, what you hold in your hands is the ultimate slow cooker cookbookcomplete with answers to any questions you might have regarding slow cooking. Weve even included full-color photos of hundreds of the recipes! slow cooking smarts It doesnt take a lot of cooking know-how to make a tasty slow cooker mealthats the beauty of a slow cooker! However, a few easy tips and some slow cooker basics will help you make a sensational meal every time. type matters There are two basic types of slow cookers.

The first type has a crockery insert and two temperature settings: low (about 200F) and high (about 300F). The heating coils wrap around the sides of the cooker. This allows for the continuous slow cooking needed for the recipes in this book. It cooks foods at a very low wattage. The liner may or not be removable. The second type has an adjustable thermostat indicating temperature in degrees.

The heating coil is located in the bottom of the cookerthe only place heat is appliedand the element cycles on and off during cooking. When buying a slow cooker, look for these features: * A snug-fitting, see-through lid. * A removable ceramic or stainless-steel insert or liner. They are easier to clean if you can take them out of the cooker. The insert should also have large, sturdy handles to make it easier (and safer) to remove it from the base. A stove-top-safe insert is an excellent feature for one-pan browning.

Consider a stainless-steel insert if a ceramic insert feels too heavy. * A programmable timer to set the cooker to start if you will be gone all day. (Note: The cooker should be set to start within 2 hours of filling it.) Some timers can be programmed to cook on high for a set time and then switch to low. * Cookers with wraparound heating elements heat more evenly than those with the element on the bottom. * Oval-shaped cookers are better suited to oblong cuts of meat and are easier to pour from than round cookers. Cooker Size and Use Check out this chart for guidelines on how to select the right size cooker for your recipe.