slow cooker - help wanted

[dragonfly]

As I said on a previous thread I love my pressure cooker but I have had a slow cooker for at least 10 years and used it for the first time this week. I only work afternoons so thought it would be good to put a stew in a slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot meal in the evening. I tried it out this week while I am at home incase it didn't work after all this time. The stew turned out ok (not as tasty as one done in the pressure cooker) but will be great to come home to in winter.
I have lost the instructions so don't know how long things should cook for and don't have any recipies so any help on this would be appreciated.

[Crocus]

Hi Dragonfly, I don't have a slow cooker myself but a very good friend of mine and my sister have. As far as I know they just put everything in this slow cooker in the morning and by suppertime it's ready. It's lovely for soups as well apparently. I went googling a bit and here's a link if you are interested
Dragonfly :http://www.slowcookerrecipes.net.au/

http://www.easy-crock-pot-recipes.com/

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Main-Dish/Slow-Cooker/Main.aspx

[mimi]

Hi Dragonfly, I also cook Gammon in my slow cooker,sprinkle peppercorns in the water along with a couple of bay leaves. Delicious.

[Katelb]

Yes I've tried that mimi,and your right it's yummy.I have had a slow cooker for almost as long as the pressure cooker.

[Crocus]

I had a pressure cooker a long time ago, but not know and must say I don't really miss it.
Perhaps if I get myself either a pressure or slow cooker I will realise what I missed!
Now when I want to prepare soup or stews I just start early in the day, let it slow cook on the hob's lowest setting. x

[keepersdaughter]

I use my slow cooker a lot in the winter. It's interesting Mimi & kate you mention you cook gammon in yours. I've tried the Nigella ham in coca cola recipe a couple of times in the slow cooker and it's been just awful; a greasy, slimy mess. Yet when i do it on the stovetop it comes out beautifully. Any ideas why that would be?

[dragonfly]

Thanks ladies. Crocus I have had a quick look at that site and there are some nice recipes. I am going to spend more time on it later when oh has gone to the pub and copy some of them.

[franbee]

Son's girlfriend cooked a piece of beef with veg in the slow cooker, it was lovely and tender.