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Small Appliances, Big Impact: New Uses for Your Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are one of the most versatile kitchen appliances that can be found in almost every home. They are great for preparing stews, soups, chili, and even desserts. However, their functionality is not limited to these dishes. In recent years, creative cooks have discovered new ways to use their slow cookers for unexpected purposes that can completely change the way we look at them. In this article, we will explore some of the best new uses for your slow cooker that can have a big impact on your kitchen.
Creative Uses for Small Appliances
Small appliances are often overlooked by home cooks, who tend to rely on their bigger and more expensive counterparts. However, these small appliances can be used in many innovative ways to create delicious and unique dishes. Here are a few creative uses for your slow cooker:
1. Homemade Bread
Did you know that your slow cooker can be used to make homemade bread? This technique is perfect for those who don’t have an oven or just want to try something new. Simply put the bread dough in the slow cooker, cover it, and let it cook for a few hours on low heat. The result will be a delicious and moist bread that will impress your family and friends.
2. Yogurt
Making your own yogurt has never been easier thanks to your slow cooker. All you need to do is heat the milk to the right temperature, then let it cool before adding the yogurt culture. After that, you can put the mixture in the slow cooker and let it ferment on low heat for a few hours. The result will be a thick and creamy yogurt that you can enjoy with your favourite toppings.
3. Infused Oils and Vinegars
Another innovative way to use your slow cooker is to make infused oils and vinegars. Simply add your favourite herbs, spices, or fruits to the oil or vinegar, then heat it all up on low heat for a few hours in the slow cooker. The result will be a flavoured oil or vinegar that you can use in your cooking or as a salad dressing.
4. Soap Making
If you’re into DIY products, you can use your slow cooker to make soap. By using the slow cooker, you can melt the soap base without the risk of scorching it. Once melted, you can add your favourite scents, colours, and additives to create a personalised bar of soap.
5. Artichokes
Believe it or not, your slow cooker can also be used to steam artichokes. Simply place the artichokes in the slow cooker with some water and let them cook on low heat for a few hours. You will end up with perfectly cooked artichokes that are tender and flavourful.
Conclusion
As you can see, your slow cooker can be used for more than just stews and soups. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you prepare a wide range of dishes that you never thought were possible. By trying these new uses for your slow cooker, you can add variety and creativity to your meals. So go ahead and experiment with your slow cooker, you might be surprised at what you’ll discover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Creative Slow Cooker Uses
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is an electrical kitchen appliance that can be used to cook food slowly over a long period of time.
What are some creative ways to use a slow cooker?
– Slow cook oatmeal overnight for a hot breakfast in the morning
– Prepare homemade yogurt
– Slow cook homemade tomato sauce
– Make apple butter or pumpkin butter
– Slow cook meat for tacos or fajitas
– Slow cook lasagna or other pasta dishes
– Prepare caramelized onions
– Prepare homemade chicken stock or bone broth
– Slow cook dried beans from scratch
– Make mulled wine or spiced cider for a party
– Prepare a hot cocoa bar with a slow cooker of hot chocolate
Can I use a slow cooker to make desserts?
Yes, slow cookers can be used to make a variety of desserts including rice pudding, bread pudding, apple crisp, cheesecake, and chocolate fondue.
Can I use frozen meat in a slow cooker?
It is not recommended to use frozen meat in a slow cooker as it can cause the food to cook unevenly and can contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria. It is best to thaw meat before using it in a slow cooker.
Can I cook seafood in a slow cooker?
Yes, seafood such as fish, shrimp, and scallops can be cooked in a slow cooker. However, it is important to keep in mind that seafood can overcook quickly so it is important to monitor the cooking time closely.
How do I convert recipes for a slow cooker?
To convert a recipe for a slow cooker, reduce the liquid by about half since the slow cooker retains moisture and liquid will not evaporate as it does in other cooking methods. Also, reduce the amount of seasoning as slow cooking can intensify flavors. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I leave a slow cooker unattended?
While it is generally safe to leave a slow cooker unattended, it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be cautious. Avoid leaving the slow cooker unattended for long periods of time and do not allow it to cook for longer than the recipe requires.
How do I clean a slow cooker?
After use, a slow cooker should be allowed to cool before being cleaned. The stoneware insert can be removed from the base and washed with warm, soapy water. The lid and base can be wiped with a damp cloth or cleaned in the dishwasher if they are labeled as dishwasher-safe.
What size slow cooker should I buy?
The size of a slow cooker depends on how many people you are cooking for and what type of dishes you plan to make. A 3-4 quart slow cooker is ideal for serving 2-4 people, while a 6-7 quart slow cooker is best for serving a family or small group of guests.
Can I use a slow cooker to reheat food?
Slow cookers are not recommended for reheating food as they do not heat food quickly enough to ensure that bacteria are destroyed. It is best to use a microwave or oven to reheat food.
How do I prevent my food from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker?
To prevent food from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker, make sure to grease the sides with cooking spray or oil before adding ingredients. You can also add a small amount of liquid such as broth or water to the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Creative Slow Cooker Uses
Here are some interesting and unique ways to use your slow cooker beyond just making stews and soups.
- Homemade Yogurt Maker – Slow cookers can also be used as yogurt makers. Simply mix your favorite ingredients, such as milk and yogurt starter, then set the slow cooker on low heat for 8-10 hours. Once it’s cooled, you’ll have delicious homemade yogurt.
- Baking – Believe it or not, you can bake cakes, bread, and even cheesecakes in a slow cooker. Use a small springform pan or baking dish that fits inside your cooker and cooks on low heat for 4-6 hours.
- Infused Oil Maker – You can infuse oils with herbs and spices in your slow cooker. Pour your oil of choice (such as olive oil) and your favorite herbs and spices into the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for several hours. Once done, strain the oil and use for cooking or as salad dressings.
- Mulled Wine Prep – Get into the holiday mood by preparing mulled wine in your slow cooker. You can use your favorite wine, spices, and sugar or honey. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours until all the flavors meld together.
- Candle Wax Melter – You can also melt candle wax in your slow cooker. Just fill the cooker with water and place your candle wax in a heatproof container or a can inside the cooker. Let it sit until the wax melts, then pour it into your candle mold.
Some relevant products available on Amazon to further support these creative slow cooker uses include:
- Instant Pot DUO60 Pressure Cooker – This device can double as a slow cooker and has various settings for cooking yogurt, baking, and more. It’s a versatile option that can also save space in your kitchen.
- Pyrex Basics 8-inch Square Baking Dish – This baking dish is the perfect size for fitting inside a slow cooker. It’s made of durable glass and can be used for both baking and storing.
- Ultimate Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser & Humidifier – This device can be used to diffuse essential oils into your oil infusions. It also serves as a humidifier and can create a relaxing environment in your home.
- Wine Decanter/Bottle Warmer – This device can be used to warm mulled wine and keep it at the right temperature. It’s the perfect add-on for holiday parties.
- Ozera 6 Cavity Silicone Soap Mold – This mold is perfect for making candles in your slow cooker. It’s made of silicone, so it’s flexible and easy to remove your candles.
Pros and Cons of Creative Slow Cooker Uses
Pros:
- Convenience: One of the best things about slow cookers is that they are incredibly convenient. Simply dump the ingredients in and let it cook, freeing up your time to tackle other things on your to-do list.
- Healthy Cooking: Slow cookers are also great for cooking healthy meals, as it allows for the retention of many nutrients that might be lost in other cooking methods. Additionally, slow cooking often requires less or no additional fats or oils, making it a healthier cooking option.
- Creative Meal Options: A slow cooker can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and even desserts. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen without needing to spend hours cooking.
- Cost-Effective: Slow cookers are often incredibly affordable, making them a popular kitchen gadget for many households. Additionally, since slow cooking often requires cheaper cuts of meat, it can also be a cost-effective way to cook meals.
- Time-Saving: Using a slow cooker to prepare meals in advance can save you valuable time during the week. You can simply cook a large batch of food and then portion them out for the entire week, saving you time and energy when it comes to cooking.
Cons:
- Limited Texture: While slow cooking is great for tenderizing meat and creating delicious sauces, it can often result in dishes with a limited texture. Vegetables can become mushy, and dishes can often lack the complexity of flavors found in other cooking methods.
- Less Control: Slow cooking often requires a “set it and forget it†mentality, which means less control over the cooking process. This can result in overcooking or undercooking dishes, which can be disappointing for home cooks working hard to create a delicious meal.
- Not Ideal for Last-Minute Meals: Since a slow cooker often requires a long cooking time, it’s not the best kitchen gadget for last-minute meal prep. If you don’t have hours to wait for a meal to cook, it might not be the best kitchen gadget for you.
- Not Ideal for All Cuisines: While slow cookers are great for cooking classic comfort foods like stews and soups, it may not be the best option for all cuisines. For example, dishes that require a lot of frying or sautéing may not translate well to a slow cooker.
- Cooking Odors: While slow cookers can be great for cooking food, they can also generate a lot of cooking odors. This can be a problem for people who are sensitive to strong smells or for small apartments that lack good ventilation.
