Slow Cooker Woes

[ethandron]

Second go, on Saturday, wasn't a resounding success.
I made dumplings and we both really disliked them, slimy and tasteless even though I added mixed herbs and some spices. Texture in the middle was ok so they were cooked but the outside was quite unpleasant.
I really have to get my head round the liquid problem, it's all just too watery.
It's now sitting in the utility room..

[Buenchico]

Did you turn up the heat for the final hour or so?
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1249633/herb-dumplings-slow-cooker

[woofgang]

If I am putting veg in the slow cooker then I put in very little added liquid indeed, maybe an inch in the bottom of the slow cooker just to stop stuff catching. I also put in LOADS of flavour. This next bit sounds weird but it works for me. I put in one of those packet gravies that you are supposed to mix with cold water then bring to the boil. I dump it in cold with the added liquid first, give it a roughish stir then dump everything else in except the dumplings. When the stew is done there should be liquid around everything but no liquid over the level if the meat and veg. You then turn up the slow cooker to a bubble and balance the dumplings on the top of the rest of the stew.

[Tilly2]

I have used mine today. I had loads of defrosted frozen veg which had to be used up. I just tipped everything into the cooker and turned it on. Later, when it had all defrosted, I added a glass of red wine, a beef stock pot,herbs salt and pepper and tomato puree. On top of this I put my cubed braising steak. I did not add anymore liquid. It has been on since 9.30am. I have just added some arrowroot to thicken it. It smells, tastes and looks divine.

Just add enough liquid to prevent the whole lot sticking. It's amazing how much liquid comes out of the veg and meat. Have another go and forget the dumplings for a while until you are used to the cooker itself.

[ethandron]

Thanks for your tips, I won't give up!
I bought some stewing steak, lamb steaks, and chicken breasts today in Costco so have the wherewithal for making some tasty casseroles in it.
I will definitely take in board the 'not putting in any water' thing, that's obviously where I'm going wrong.
Your dinner sounds lovely Tilly, might give something like that a go later in the week, yours too Woofy.
I've had the blooming thing on high each time Chris.

[Buenchico]

Always go for strong flavours when slow cooking. e.g. with red meat use red wine, paprika, cayenne etc (and don't skimp on those spices); with white meat consider dry cider with mustard, etc. (some cream helps too!)

[jamesnan]

If all else fails, cook the dumplings in the microwave for a minute or so, and then put into the slow cooker to cover with gravy!