Entertaining with a slow-cooker (or crock pot) is a timesaver for hosts with very busy lives. Assemble the ingredients in the morning, turn the
heat on low and within hours, your slow-cooker will reward you with the tempting aroma of delicious fare just waiting for you to enjoy.
When cooking for a crowd, these recipes will satisfy and nurture your guests with welcome and comfort. Try serving the Savory Fork-Tender Beef Stew and Chocolate Cherry Cream Cheese Cake to your guests for an informal dinner party or for a birthday.
Slow-cooker tips:
- Using a slow-cooker is easy on your budget. Since meat is cooked on low over many hours, you may purchase inexpensive cuts and still have the same tender results as pricier types of meat.
- You use less liquid when using a slow-cooker. When cooking on low, the liquid won’t boil away, so the food will be moist and delicious.
- Slow-cookers are eco-friendly because they use very little electricity. And they don’t heat the kitchen as an oven does; a benefit in hot months!
- You may chop all of the ingredients the night before and keep in the fridge in airtight containers to save time in the morning.
- Pre-browning the meat is optional. It gives color to the meat and enhances the stew’s presentation, but is not necessary for flavor. You may elect to simply throw all your ingredients in the slow-cooker and omit the pre-browning stage if you are short on time.
