My first attempt using a slow cooker

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Sort of a fail (meaning I could still eat what I made but it was overcooked).

I made a cornish game hen with carrots, string beans, onions, and red 'taters. Since I work nights I woke up around 2:30pm. I had pre-cut the veggies the night before so I washed the hen. I threw the veggies in first, added chicken broth, put the hen on top, seasoned it with salt, pepper and basil. Since I didn't have 8 -10 hours I set it on high for 3 1/2 to five hours.

I cooked it for 4 hours, and, well, it was waaaay over cooked. The bird fell apart when I removed it and the veggies were soft.

GRANTED this is my first time cooking with a crock pot. I'm not sure how it handles. I decided to try this recipe since it so close to what my dad used to make. He'd roast a chicken and put the veggies in the pan and the veggies would benefit from the drippings.

Plus, I have a smaller crock pot so I had to adjust the recipe a bit.

Maybe I'll have a better go of it next time.

[torker]

Slow and low, baby. Slow and low.

[zildjian361]

why aint you at the Baby Shower:huh:

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Because I haven't been on the board in a while and work takes up most of my life. That's why.

EDIT: And why aren't you?

[zildjian361]

:smoke::drunk:I got better thing's to do.:wink:

[DiabloSammich]

Cornish Game Hens cook way quicker than a regular sized chicken. Try again with a regular chicken and check the temp after 2.5 hours. Keep checking every half hour or so until you hit 160.

[PapaBear]

Keep checking every half hour or so until you hit 160.
That's probably OK for cooking on high, but when cooking on low, removing the lid seriously increases the cooking time. If you can spare a few bucks, there are some really nice slow cookers that have a thermometer. Mine can even be programmed to turn off when the food hits the desired temperature.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I got weak chicken and soft veggiesl I ALSO got at lease a cup of chicken broth for next time.

Next time I know mot to cook so long. I will eat the meal I made and save the broth. Nothing goes to waste.

[sr71blackbird]

I need to get my crock pot out now.. I used to line the bottom with celery, garlic, carrots, potatoes and put a whole chicken in with bay leaves and onions and seasonings and let it cook slow while I was at work and come home to a feast!

[El Mudo]

Nothing better than when my chick puts stuff in the crock pot...chili, stir fry, stews...YUM


Plus leftovers for at least 3-4 more days

[~Katja~]

I am actually using mine for the first time today... I threw everything in this morning and left it on low....

I am a bit worried about leaving the thing unattended...

[Liverspot]

Don't worry Katja, crockpots are designed to function unattended. As long as it is in a stable location it will be fine.:smile:

[~Katja~]

Don't worry Katja, crockpots are designed to function unattended. As long as it is in a stable location it will be fine.:smile:

good... I was worried I come home to fried/ boiled fish cause the tank is near the counter where the pot is sitting

[tanless1]

consider "the pressure cooker" pot roast w/ vegitables and a fine soup base for later. no need to add broth all in under 1 hr.

[Jujubees2]

good... I was worried I come home to fried/ boiled fish cause the tank is near the counter where the pot is sitting

Dinner for tomorrow?

[patrick187]

Instead of a game hen, try a baby.

[topless_mike]

fuzz,
another tip for the slow cooker.

try not to "premake" your meal the night before (or whatever comes to be your night. you have a really fucked up sched).

sitting in the fridge all nite, that pot retains the cold and adds heating time. i find that i can prep everything the nite before, just not in the dish in the fridge.

ps. somebody else said it.... low and slow, and DO NOT TAKE YOUR TOP OFF. it lets the heat out and takes time for it to recoup.

[Jujubees2]

fuzz,
another tip for the slow cooker.

try not to "premake" your meal the night before (or whatever comes to be your night. you have a really fucked up sched).

sitting in the fridge all nite, that pot retains the cold and adds heating time. i find that i can prep everything the nite before, just not in the dish in the fridge.

ps. somebody else said it.... low and slow, and DO NOT TAKE YOUR TOP OFF. it lets the heat out and takes time for it to recoup.

Don't listen to them ladies. If you want to take your top off while you cook, go right ahead (just remember to take pictures).

[topless_mike]

Don't listen to them ladies. If you want to take your top off while you cook, go right ahead (just remember to take pictures).

ugh.
just realized what i typed. freudian slip, i suppose.

[DarkHippie]

I love my crock pot. the meat always comes out so tender that it falls apart on the fork. I never cook anymore, i just use the crock pot

[~Katja~]

well now I need a lot of healthy crockpot recipes... even better if they are vegetarian

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

sitting in the fridge all nite, that pot retains the cold and adds heating time. i find that i can prep everything the nite before, just not in the dish in the fridge.


I'm a little confuzzled here. Are you talking about putting the cooking vessel in the fridge? I cut up the veggies and put them in tupperware. I cleaned the chicken that afternoon and then cooked it with the veggies.

[topless_mike]

I'm a little confuzzled here. Are you talking about putting the cooking vessel in the fridge? I cut up the veggies and put them in tupperware. I cleaned the chicken that afternoon and then cooked it with the veggies.

correct.
my wife, in her infinate wisdom, used to prepare everything in the porecelin vessel the nite before and put it in the fridge. in the morning, she would just place it into the heater thing and turn it on.

[DarkHippie]

I'm a little confuzzled here. Are you talking about putting the cooking vessel in the fridge? I cut up the veggies and put them in tupperware. I cleaned the chicken that afternoon and then cooked it with the veggies.

I usually put the vessel in the fridge so the meat can soak in all the delicious juices. But if you do so, you have to let it cook longer because the vessel will be colder at first