Slow Cooker

[pinkiefriend]

Hello,

Well i have cooked with my slow cooker for the first time, i made a beef stew.  The only thing i am worried about is that i only have 2 settings on my slow cooker, low and High, i put it on high.  Is it going to be burnt when i get home from work, or should i go home on my lunch break to check it.  Also, what would you advise for us to along with a beef stew.  Other than tatties??  Also, is it possible for things to over cook in a slow cooker??

[shaneystar]

I put mine on the low setting all day and then turn it to high an hour before we are going to eat.If you are out all day low is the best setting.Even on high it won't burn. You could put some dumplings in the stew for the last half hour of cooking.Easy to make .Or you can get a Dumpling mix.Or cook a garlic bread in the oven and then slice it up and put the slices on top of the stew..Sometimes I bung in a tin of butter beans towards the end of cooking time. Stews,soups,chillis and curries won't overcook.Things like a pot roast would need keeping an eye on as you use less liquid.

[shaneystar]

P.S. As you won't want too much fiddling around cooking when you get home from work,after all that is the beauty of the slow cooker, those giant frozen yorkshire puds don't take long in the oven and you can ladle the stew into those.

[ursula62]

On my old slo cooker you used to do the first half hour on high and then switch to low once it had reached a simmer. Dunno if that will help.

[pinkiefriend]

that's a great idea, never thought of the giant yorkshire puds?  That's what i'm plannig having now.  Nice 1.

The only other thing is that i used 2 beef stock cubes for the sauce.  is this the right thing to do??  I really love cooking :o)  I do like a gravy so wouldnt want it to be too watery.

[shaneystar]

Stock cubes are fine .I usually brown the meat off first which I have coated in seasoned flour.You can always add a little cornflour towards the end if it is not thick enough for your liking.
Or cheat and use a beef casserole mix !! All trial and error really.I do hope you get used to it.They are a godsend when you work all day and it's nice to have a hot meal ready and waiting when you come home. Your best bet would be to look on amazon for a slow cooker cook book which will give you loads of ideas or you may be able to pick one up on Ebay.