Am I the only person on this site that despises the crockpot? I'm reading today & there are so many answers to put it in the crockpot. What do I do with these chicken breasts or loin chops? Put em in the freakin crockpot. If you put any kind of lean meat in a crockpot for 8-10 hours it might fall apart but it will be waaaaaaaayyyyyy overcooked & devoid of all flavor other than BBQ sauce you probably put in there with it. I've never been served a piece of meat from a crockpot that wasn't overcooked. Never! There's a huge difference between falling off the bone & being tender. I wish I had the capacity to explain how to grill these items. I don't know how to tell you when meat is cooked by the feel of it. And the grill is way healthier too. Please excuse my rambling.
2007-12-20 05:15:52 · 10 answers · asked by Bogeyman 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Aren't these forums great for venting??? I partially agree with you, but the crock pot can be a Godsend to some dishes (especially some cuts of very tough meat) . And you're right, there are things that DON'T work in the crock pot.....but for time strapped individuals who work and are single or with kids, they can be a marvelous tool in the kitchen......Happy Holidays......Enjoy!!!
Christopher
2007-12-20 05:33:58 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crockpots weren't intended to be a be-all-end-all. In fact, I can't think of any appliance that was meant to do everything. Even the microwave, which was touted as the only appliance you'll ever need, does a poor job of baking. You can use it for that purpose, but don't expect the best results. Ditto with a crockpot.
I use my crockpot for soups, chili, stews, pot roasts, and anything else that requires a long simmering process for the flavors to develop or a tougher cut of meat to tenderize. If I want a steak, I cook it on the grill and not the slow cooker.
It's just a matter of not asking more out out of a product than it can reasonably be expected to perform.
2007-12-20 13:39:44 · answer #2 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cook with my crockpot all the time...You obviously aren't cooking things right. I can put some chicken breasts in beofre I go to work with a can of something, and when I get home its flavorful & tender----never overcooked. Maybe you should try different recipes...
Now that being said, I love the grill, but that is my fiance's domain, & it being 20 degrees & snowing out, we don't use it. Plus I work full time!
2007-12-20 13:25:45 · answer #3 · answered by Sugar Magnolia 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well your not alone lol, I too feel that the only thing that belongs in a crock pot is a pot roast and I'm a little off even on that one........here's why..........When you make a pot roast the initial browning is what gives so much of the great flavour from all the pan drippings, and when you put it in a slow cooker crock of pots cooker (play on words intended lol) you are literally boiling the ingredients with no browning of anything to improve flavour.
Now whilst I can appreciate those that work and think this is a great way to cook, there are better ways to cook.
I find anything out of a crock pot is usually insipid and under seasoned. You cannot adjust seasonings if you are not there to check on it periodically.
I want my pot roast falling apart but, I want my prime rib med well and pink.........you cannot control the cooking in a crocked pot.
2007-12-20 13:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by wistaweee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After a while you start realizing that everything that comes out of a crockpot tastes just the same. The only thing I use mine for anymore is for BBQ. I put a pork butt in there with seasoning and salt and cook it 12 hours. Then pull it and chop for sandwiches and it is delicious.
2007-12-20 13:25:44 · answer #5 · answered by mbp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Crockpot meat usually isn't very good... Grilling is a million times better.
But, I think the crockpot is good for stew and soup because the longer is simmers the better it tastes. Plus it is really quick and ready when you get home from work.
2007-12-20 13:25:04 · answer #6 · answered by PinkKitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feel better? Crock pot is a tool, like anything else. I use it frequently but not for 10 hours unless I am making spaghetti sauce! And for telling when meat is cooked on the grill, I use my finger, give the meat a poke, the amount of Resistance tells me how "done" the meat is. Its my own technique, I know what works for me.
2007-12-20 13:23:51 · answer #7 · answered by lt4827 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tend to agree with you. Putting chicken (especially bonelss/skinless) in the crockpot will make it come out so dry. I prefer the grill myself.
The crockpot is good for soups, chilis and baked beans though.
2007-12-20 13:24:33 · answer #8 · answered by jake_deyo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you should start your own web site about this.
2007-12-20 13:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You tell'em Bogeyman!
2007-12-20 13:24:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋