I want a Crockpot for Christmas

[HelenaFitbit]

Hey there!

I'm looking for some guidance on this and I know you guys can help me! I'm planning to get a crockpot for Christmas, but I'm a bit lost on how to get started. Here's my dilemma:

1. I was eyeing the 3 in 1 crockpot, but I'm not sure if they are too many mini crockpots or should I get a larger one instead. If I get a larger one, is there a problem if you don't fill it or cook smaller portions?
2.  I can't seem to find a lot of recipes for smaller portions. I'm wondering if I make a big batch on the crockpot, how can I store it?
3. Pinterest is full of freeze + store + cook guides, but many of them have sauces, spices and products I cannot find or are pricy. If I make the sauces, soups and blends from scratch; will it affect the cooking process?

Phew! They were plenty of questions, but I do need a bit of guidance since all I have right now are a bunch of pinned recipes.

[EmilyEL]

One great thing about Crockpots is that you can hardly go wrong if you stick to formulaic blends of whatever spices you're used to having on hand. Slow cookers can be a lifesaver, but they do require advance planning! 

There are a ton of recipes that only require a few ingredients. I like to make oatmeal in my crockpot, but I'm also a fan of anything taco-related. Try sauteed beef and onions, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and garlic along with a can of beans....add some liquid for good measure and put it in to cook on low. Makes a great taco filling! It's really hard to go wrong once you get an idea for how much liquid to add.

Also, uncooked chicken + onions + a jar of salsa =  fantastic, cheap and quick taco filling. Or, serve it over some shredded lettuce to cut down on carbs. I ❤️ slow cookers.

[Terrie89]

I found this one site, 30 recipes right there... http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/08/30-easy-crockpot-recipes.html

I got a 8qt hamilton beach, we're a family of 4 and you do have to worry about if it's filled enough or too much as it can affect the cooking times. My manual has some recipes for different quarts so you can get an idea of how much meat you need. I did a chicken bbq from that one recipe. It was great but I feel that next time I should add more chicken and I would just double the ingredients. I mostly throw in whatever. You can even get some ideas from youtube. I love my slow cooker, I got to nap and not worry haha! Oh and I got to transfer the pot the fridge and take it out and warm it up the leftovers. I got the one big one because of space issues and I didn't have too many issues as far as under filling and for pork tenderloins I like to add potatoes and carrots. Freaking love it.

[betpchem]

I would go with the large one rather than the 3 in 1. To me, one of the best parts of the crockpot is the 1-pot meal. I don't want to be thinking about different components in different pots.

2. I make a big batch on Sunday and microwave it for lunch all week. It lasts. I'm sure you could also freeze portions.

3. I always use recipes as just a guide. I do a lot of canned soups, canned vegetables and prepared stock in my crockpot, so it's easy. I just throw whatever spices I have hanging around, I don't buy anything special. 

Enjoy your crockpot!

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@helenarriaza wrote:

Hey there!

I'm looking for some guidance on this and I know you guys can help me! I'm planning to get a crockpot for Christmas, but I'm a bit lost on how to get started. Here's my dilemma:

1. I was eyeing the 3 in 1 crockpot, but I'm not sure if they are too many mini crockpots or should I get a larger one instead. If I get a larger one, is there a problem if you don't fill it or cook smaller portions?
2.  I can't seem to find a lot of recipes for smaller portions. I'm wondering if I make a big batch on the crockpot, how can I store it?
3. Pinterest is full of freeze + store + cook guides, but many of them have sauces, spices and products I cannot find or are pricy. If I make the sauces, soups and blends from scratch; will it affect the cooking process?

Phew! They were plenty of questions, but I do need a bit of guidance since all I have right now are a bunch of pinned recipes.

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[NancyAnn]

You can foil wrap different items and cook them at the same time separately in the large pot.  I like that option.  IE: cleaned sw pot in the bottom, topped with foil packet chicken breast seasoned and last another foil pack of veggies. Hope that helps in your decision.  Crockpot meals keep us on track eating right.

[KD47]

I bought the Ninja 3 in one cooker.  (Make sure it has two knobs, the one with one knob isn't the right one).

What I like about this one is it has three options:  1)  Stovetop - so you can brown your meats prior to setting in on low or high for the crockpot setting, 2)  Crockpot - low or high, and 3) bake!!  It also has a timer, so when you set it on crockpot, you pick the number of hours/minutes you want it to cook, when the time is up, it goes into a warming setting.

This is the BEST crockpot I've ever owned.  I keep in on my counter because I use it so much! 

Here's the one I bought, it's on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond for $99 and if you use a 20% off coupon it's only $79.20 which is a GREAT price for this!!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/ninja-reg-3-in-1-cooking-system/1040520209

[HelenaFitbit]

@EmilyEL Tacos all the way!   I did not know you could make oatmeal on a slow cooker, does it get sticky or does it dry out? Do you put extra water or if it's milk, does it have a problem?

You brown the beef on an aside pan or do you brown it on the crockpot? 

[HelenaFitbit]

Thank you for the link @Terrie89 !  

I'm freaking out with recipes right now, but I think that as soon as I get it, it will feel like home. 

[HelenaFitbit]

Thank you! I was thinking on a breakfast/lunch/dinner thing, but you can only get soups and stews for so long. 

I was thinking on the soups and sauces @betpchem does it have to be the canned type? I've found some brands that are super pricy 

[Terrie89]

You're welcome I'm thinking I might try doing a chicken helper in it today. I tried ribs last time I used it and my husband loved it but I thought they were tough to chew. And I guess there are slow cooker liners at grocery stores. I keep forgetting to look for them but they're supposed to be near ziplock stuff. It would be wicked awesome for cleaning up because my sink is too small and the pot is a bit heavy.

[HelenaFitbit]

I had never thought of that, does it burn or does it stick to the pot?

[HelenaFitbit]

Not lying, I squealed with delight as soon as I saw it, it is beautiful!

[HelenaFitbit]

@Terrie89 are they some sort of bags you wrap the pot with? Do they stick or leak?

[Terrie89]

I haven't got around to getting some so I have no idea. And for the ribs you place them to the side of the crock pot and then you can stick them in the oven for a bit carmalize. They didn't stick or burn, just fall off the bones.

[EmersonFitbit]

Wow, sounds like I should get myself a crockpot!

[Terrie89]

Haha yeah they are the best. Man I wish I could get the ninja. Someone mentioned about browning meats with it and browing meats before putting them in the crockpot makes them more flavorful. I don't care to do it for the chicken but pork, yummm. I guess you can even make bread with them too so you really can cook anything with these.

[betpchem]

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@helenarriaza wrote:

Thank you! I was thinking on a breakfast/lunch/dinner thing, but you can only get soups and stews for so long. 

I was thinking on the soups and sauces @betpchem does it have to be the canned type? I've found some brands that are super pricy 

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No, absolutely not. Whatever you have lying around works beautifully. One of the best things I make in the crockpot is chicken soup. I buy one of those rotisserie chickens and have a meal from that. Then I take what's left - bones and all - and throw it in the crock pot with a carton of broth (but I'm sure water will work too) and some vegetables. It makes very delicious soup and I get a lot of meals out of that chicken. 

[HelenaFitbit]

I use rotisserie chicken too @betpchem ! Real Simple posted a list of 10 recipes for rotisserie chicken and is on constant watch on my kitchen's board, here is the link if you want to see it 

[GoldaT]

I love my crockpot --- bought the large one even though it's just me and my husband for most meals (serves up to 6 people).  You can make smaller portions (even for one or two) ---- if you can't find recipes, just divide the ingredients based on how many people the recipe says it will serve to create smaller portions.  There are a lot of good crockpot recipe books out there ---- check your local bookstores and ask the clerks to check on their computers.  As far as the internet is concerned ---- search "crockpot recipes" ---- there are loads of them online; you can pick and choose.  I print up the ones I like and keep them in a recipe file.  Also, just buy your meat, vegetables; add water, spices and set your crockpot to low or simmer overnight or even during the day while you're out --- you really can't go wrong --- be creative.  Almost any recipe will work in your crockpot.  Have fun!!!

[HelenaFitbit]

Thank you very much @GoldaT ! Great tips