crock pots?

Question

I just lost my wife in September, at age 49, after 15 years of marriage. so, I am trying to learn to cook for myself. Do I need a crock pot? A lot of receipes I see mention them. What should I buy? Whats the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker?

Answer 1

My uncle recently lost his wife as well and was in a similar position. He's really taken to cooking and has even entertained at a couple of family gatherings!

Often a crockpot has only 2-3 settings - low, med (maybe), high - to REALLY simplify things. A slow cooker may have a dial where you have more settings. But neither of these goes very high - you can cook slow or extra slow with either.

Shape may be a consideration. Crockpots are shaped for soups, stews, you might be able to fit a small chicken in standing up. Though extremely convenient, to me, after a few meals in a crockpot, everything begins to taste the same and have the same texture.

A slow cooker is usually longitudinal, so other cuts of meat, fish and veggies will fit better. You can also steam food in either, but a slow cooker may include a grill to keep food above water level. Because food doesn't have to be submersed in liquid throughout cooking, you can get different textures, crisper veggies, etc.

Good luck with your cooking and Bon Appetit!!!!

Answer 2

My condolences.
It must be difficult to begin cooking but perhaps it's a way to keep your mind on positive change.
A crock pot and slow cooker are the same. Find a smaller one perhaps 2-3 quarts if you are cooking for your self.
They are quite handy and comforting to come home to a hot meal. There are lots of good slow cooker cookbooks - costco and BJs always have them.
The one thing to keep in minf is that the food is going to be pretty simple. Because it cooks all day without opening the cover, the ingredients are added all at once and that makes for a simply seasoned meal. Good but not gourmet.
Often times to enhance the taste on some cuts of meat you may need to brown it before you slow cook it.
One more thing..take off the skin on any poultry otherwise it becomes inedible.
Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

Please accept my sincere condolences re: the loss of your precious wife......my heart goes out to you.........

Now let's get down to business:

Crock pots are usually a ceramic "crock" that sits inside a heating unit that heats from the sides and a bit from the bottom......

A slow cooker is essentially the same thing, but it just cooks from the bottom.......I prefer the crock pot to a slow cooker, just a preference.....

You didn't indicate how many you'll be cooking for, but crock pots are great if you have absolutely no time in the kitchen or are a novice cook......All the major food manufacturers

(Betty Crocker.com
Pillsbury.com
CampbellsKitchen.com
FoodNetwork.com etc)

have literally thousands of recipes from simple to show-stoppers......Although you really don't "cook" in a crock pot, per se, it's more of an assemblage of food and time.......that's the beauty of it, you can toss just about anything in it with some liquid, cover it, split for work and come home to a killer meal.......I don't know what your preference is, but you might want to check out the food sites and see if there is something that suits your taste and you be the judge to see if you'd like one to keep on hand........I use mine about 5 times a month, during those times that I know I'll be out all day and won't be home till 7 or 8 in the evening and don't want to cook, as I'm pretty exhausted......And you can pick up a nice one at Target for about 40 bucks, well worth the investment IMO.......Enjoy and happy "crocking"!!!!

Christopher

Answer 4

If you search the department stores May be the best advice
check both names
The Crock Pot may have been the first slow cooker.
Having a metal heating element to surround a glazed ceramic pot that is removable for washing or storage in the refrigerator
NOW the question do you still have family..or are you single..
size becomes important BUT basicly they are the same
the switch is off low high.and instruction are included..
There is an ad on theTV for one that has 3 pots ????
but consider the $$$. my Rival is 2 ½ Qt and cost ?? less than 20$$
You can also find them at the Thrift Stores cheep.
sorry about your loss..
BUT
Merry Christmas..♥

Answer 5

So sorry for your loss..A slow cooker is best..it has more temps of cooking instead of just high or low..Buy a named brand one.Most come with a cookbook inside for simple meals, and you can also look on line for more recipes..be sure your slow cooker is removable for washing in the dishwasher..i think now days most are..below is my fav site for crock pot recipes.

Answer 6

I am so sorry for your loss. Most slow cookers are the same, any brand will do, and crock pots are so great. Just throw in the ingredients and turn it on and when you come in from work, dinner is ready for you.

Answer 7

My condolences. Losing a loved one is hard, not just for the loss of the person, but for the loss of all the things they did and meant to you. Suddenly fending for yourself must be tough.

Do you need a crock pot? Well... no. That being said, I LOVE mine. I'm a working mom, with a working husband, and often, if we want to have dinner together, it has to be a really easy throw together or a crock pot meal.

What should you buy? Buy one appropriately sized for your needs. If you are cooking one serving in a huge crock pot, you'll burn it or dry it out. If you are cooking six servings in a tiny pot, it won't cook through in any sort of reasonable time. If you want to freeze meals and are diligent about eating them before they become unrecognizable, you are one step ahead of me :-) I have a tiny crock pot that perfectly fits a two person meal.

Crock pot was a brand name, and slow cooker is essentially what it is - a big ole electric pot that doesn't ever get above boiling. Its great for making really tough cuts of meat tender, or for having nice hot food the second you walk through the door.

A few really simple but extra delicious recipes :

Salsa Chicken ( Two chicken breasts, a small jar of salsa. Simmer on low all day or on high 6 hours. Top with cheese and sour cream, serve over rice )

Salisbury Steaks ( Using your favorite hamburger recipe, shape up 3 or 4 small patties and brown quickly in a pan. Transfer to crock pot, cover with one can of gravy. Simmer on low all day or on high 4-6 hours. Serve over mashed potatos or noodles. )

Meat Sauce ( One jar of prepared spaghetti sauce, four sausages, two cloves of garlic. Simmer however long you've got - four hours on high, up to 10 on low )

Barbeque Chicken ( Two chicken breasts, 1 cup of barbeque sauce. Simmer on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours. Shred between two forks, serve on buns. Great with store bought coleslaw ).

Good luck on your new adventure. If you need anything, feel free to email.

Answer 8

I'm sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and support, and may her memory be for a blessing.

A crockpot is a very useful and easy way to cook (and thus care) for yourself. "Slow cooker" and "crockpot" are the same thing. "Crockpot" was Rival's brand name. (Think of "Kleenex" and "tissue".)

Just stick a small chicken in it, fill with half a cup of wine and some veggies in the morning, and when you come home you'll have dinner.

To make chicken soup, cover a chicken, a few chopped carrots, a few stalks of celery, a quartered onion, and a handful of black peppercorns (optional) with water in the morning. Set it on low, and come home to a very comforting soup in the evening.

A larger crockpot makes enough to freeze a few extra meals, or perhaps to share them with someone in a similar situation.

Take care.