Slow Cooker Cooking by Lora Brody – (Review)

Crock Pot Cooking

The first version of the "crock-pot" was in 1970 and was first called the "crock-pot" in 1971. Crock-Pot is a trade marked name but is wildly used as a generic name for the kitchen gadget that has helped working mothers for decades. The birth of the crock-pot coincided with the approximate timeline when women started to work outside the home. In the 15 years that I have been a mother I have seen at various times women, including myself, reentering the work force after extending breaks to raise their children. One of the main concerns after daycare is always how to continue to make healthy foods in less time. Overtime I put together a list of my favorite crock-pot / slow cooker recipes because when life is just too crazy, our slow cooker takes center stage, saves my sanity, and makes this CEOoftheHouse a hero.

For all of you out there who can only think of grandma's slow cooker stew, know that none of my recipes will look like your vision. Here is a full list of my Crock Pot Favorites.

This weeks Cookbook Review

Slow Cooker Cooking by Lora Brody – Review

I was very skeptical about this recipe because I have labored over a stove more then once in the name of a yummy risotto. Because we are a family of six, we decided to double the recipe. This increased the cooking time. On the variation notes is says that you can add a teaspoon of any dried herb of your choice. I will probably try that the next time around. Here is a list of some herbs that are common in risottos. Parsley, rosemary, thyme, or tarragon. For the following recipe we chose to make a Parmesan Risotto but in any case you can see how it would be easy to use this recipe as a base recipe and make many variations.

Risotto

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil
2 shallots, peeled and minced
¼ cup dry white wine
3 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ to 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions:

In a small sauté pan, heat up the oil and the shallots until the shallots soften.
Place the oil and the shallots into the slow cooker. Toss the rice in the oil.
Stir in the wine, broth and salt.
Cook on high for two hours, or until the liquid is absorbed.

For a full list of all the Cookbooks reviewed in 2015 click here.

Whether you call it a crock pot or a slow cooker, it is a fabulous tool for busy moms whether they are working outside of the home or not. We have all heard the saying that a mother's job is the hardest, most underpaid job there is, so let's embrace this fabulous kitchen gadget. Here is a list of some of our family favorites. I will continue to add to this list as time goes on so check back often. I would also LOVE to know what you use your slow cooker for. Please share in the comment section below. If you would like to link to a slow cooker or crock pot recipe on your blog, please message me your link up ideas. Enjoy your #busydays and #HappyCooking