Slow cooker and slow cooker cookbook recs?

[LarsMal]

I think I want one, but I don't know a whole lot about them. My mom and aunt both have really old "Crock Pots", but I know there are all kinds of new ones out there.

Any brand recs? Certain features I should look for?

What about cookbooks? Just a basic one will do (I'll have to adjust recipes to make them safe for DS, so the more basic the better!).

TIA!

[mommyp]

I have a Rival crockpot that is 3.5 qt, but I want a bigger one. It was a gift and I've been happy with it. I'd go for at least 5 qt. now though. I have one cookbook (something like Healthy Slow Cooker), but a great one that both my sisters have is Not Your Mother's Crockpot cookbook. I like having mine!

[brittone2]

Sometimes crockpot cookbooks are a PITB LOL. Some contain way too many processed ingredients for my personal taste, but some others are way too labor intensive, kwim?

2 that I've heard recommended that are more whole foods based are:

-Fresh from the Vegetarian Slowcooker (can always add meat into the recipes if you prefer. I'm not veg but I like having ways to use up my CSA veggies, etc.)

-Not Your Mother's Slowcooker

We do a lot of roasts, etc. especially in the winter. I just throw in a side (sweet potatoes, turnips, etc.) and with a salad it makes for an easy meal without weird ingredients.

eta: not sure what your DS is allergic to, but if you are dealing with dairy allergy, we make curries in the crockpot with coconut milk, etc. and that would work well for families who need to avoid dairy.

[rprav8r]

crockpot365.blogspot.com has tons of great recipes. The author has adjusted most of them to be gluten-free.

I have a really basic 5 or 6 qt crockpot. I am dying to get one with a timer and a "keep warm" setting. Also, the liner of my crockpot is dark-colored, and I'd like one that's white instead - I feel like I'm looking in a black hole, and that I can't quite see everything.

[Davids-Coco]

We have a Rival one sitting on our counter right now making broccoli and cheese soup... a comfort food for me while preggo.

I really like the "Fix it and Forget it" series of books. I also have looked at the "not your mother's slow cookers" meals, and need to try them more.

[Tondi G]

Rival is the original crock pot brand I believe. But there was discussion not too long ago about there being LEAD in the glaze of the crock. I've heard good things about the Cuisinart brand of crockpot/slowcooker. Hamilton Beech also makes them and some people who have them like them.

When the discussion about Lead in the glaze came up I know some people contacted various manufacturers to see what they had to say about it. Rival said something to the effect of it being the safe allowable amount by standards... is any lead safe???

I wonder if someone can search that old thread and see what company it was that was found to be safer/lead free? For some reason when i search this board it doesn't work right for me! :)

[lissa~K]

I have both "fix it and forget it" and "fresh from the vegetarian slow cooker" and I really like them both.

[Davids-Coco]

I probably shouldn't say this... but we use those bags... the ones that make clean up super easy. I know the plastic probably isn't any safer, but it isn't lead from the glaze. And yes, FDA standards allow certain amounts of lead.

[brittone2]

I probably shouldn't say this... but we use those bags... the ones that make clean up super easy. I know the plastic probably isn't any safer, but it isn't lead from the glaze. And yes, FDA standards allow certain amounts of lead.

:nono:


















Just kidding :ROTFLMAO: