Using Cooking Bags In Your CrockpotCan I use "oven cooking bags" in my crockpot?
Use Your Crockpot as an OvenI found I am able to use my crock pot as an oven. I have been trying everything in: acorn squash, yellow squash, zucchini, potatoes, yams, etc. - without any water. Often I leave some things like acorn squash, yams, and potatoes in the crock overnight - on the low setting.
Crockpot Baked PotatoesIn the past, I seldom baked potatoes because it takes so long to bake them in the oven, however, I do love them. Today, I tried baking some in the crockpot and they were scrumptious.
The Crockpot is a Great TimesaverWhen I went back to college and my kids were in school, I figured out a way to do things to where we still had a good meal. I used a lot of things and bagged them in freezer bags. Before I left, I took a bag out and placed it in the Crock Pot. It was ready by the time we all arrived home.
Crockpot for Simple Spaghetti SquashYou may leave your whole spaghetti squash in your crock pot with a 1/2 cup of water for 3 hours on low and when you want to, simply cut it open and scoop out the seeds then shred the squash meat into spaghetti noodles!
Using Slow Cooker LinersWe all know how easy it is to use a slow cooker to make dinner, but the clean up can be a time-consuming job. We recently found the Reynolds Slow Cooker liners at the grocery store, WalMart, etc. They have probably been on the market for a while, but we just realized how easy they make cleanup.
Make Gravy from Canned SoupI am not one to make gravy from scratch, so when I heard about this super easy trick, I had to try it for myself. When you need gravy for a crockpot meal, all you need is a can of cream of cheddar soup and a can of cream of mushroom soup.
Use Crock Pot to Make ApplesauceIt is so nice to have apple season approaching. What to do with all those apples? An easy way to make a very sensible applesauce or apple butter is to use your crock pot.
Use Cooking Bags To Make Two Crock Pot Meals At OnceI have a large crock pot and a small household, so I use two cooking bags and am able to cook two meals at once.
Crock Pot Food SafetyUsing your good old reliable crock pot can save you plenty of time and cash, but if your model is aging, give it a test. Bacteria can grow when food is kept under 140 degrees F for four hours or more.
Spray Crock Pots With Pam for Easy Clean UpBefore using your Crock pot or pans to cook food, spray it first with Pam. Food will not stick and clean-up is a breeze.
Cook Tapioca In Your CrockpotI have tried twice this week to cook Tapioca on the stove top without burning it. Failed both times. Tried it in the Crock-Pot and, Bravo, got it. That's the way to go and you don't have to stir it as much. But you need to check it every now and then in case you need to add more liquid.
Use a Lamp Timer With Your Crock PotUse a lamp timer when cooking with a crock pot and think you don't need the meal to cook all day. Use the lamp timer to start the meal while you are away.
Better Heat Distribution for Your Stock PotI like to cook large batches of stews, chili, soup, etc. to eat, freeze, or give to friends. For this I use a large stock pot. When I decided to buy one years ago, I discovered they were all very expensive or very thin.
Start Meat in the Crockpot, Finish It in the OvenI cook my meat in my crockpot for a few hours while I'm gone. Then I pop it in the oven for 20 or 30 minutes to brown and crisp up before serving.( while I fix the rest of dinner) My husband does not like meat from the crockpot. He never guesses.
By charleeta
Using the Crockpot to Keep Food WarmWhen entertaining use your crockpot to heat up side dishes such as canned veggies, or use it to keep mashed potatoes or a soup warm.
Avoid Cleaning CrockpotsCrockpots can be a pain to get clean. So, here's a clever trick to help you save some time, energy, soap, and even money. Place a cooking bag in the pot, fill it with the ingredients for your recipe, close it up and slow cook and serve as usual.
