3 Reasons to Make Time for Slow Cooking


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By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen

Now that the holidays have dissipated back into the calendar, we’ve all been left in a cloud of tinsel, leftovers and empty wallets. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve made one of the following two resolutions: to save time, or to pinch your pennies- or both! We’ve got just the trick that will help you stay committed to your frugally minded resolutions. Look no further than your pantry and your slow cooker.

Slow cooking has been around for years, and has become a staple in many households. The benefits of slow cooking are seemingly endless! If you have never tried slow cooking before, we recommend you start. Be careful though, because you might get addicted! How can slow cooking benefit you? Read on!

Boost Your Flavor. Not only will you be doing your dishes a favor by boosting their flavor, but you’ll also be making your wallet happy because you can buy cheaper cuts of meat.  Slow cooking tenderizes cheaper meats and really kicks up the taste. Plus, you can throw just about everything but the kitchen sink into your slow cooker and have a delicious meal. Have a single carrot in the crisper? Don’t be afraid to throw it in the stew!

Save Time. With many slow cooker recipes, you can just throw all the ingredients into the same pot, set the timer, and walk away until mealtime. You can cook wonderful, hearty meals while you’re at the office, running errands, or spending time with the ones you love.

Make a Mistake. It’s hard to go wrong with slow cooking! The low cooking temperatures make it difficult to burn, scorch, or overcook your meal. In fact, oftentimes the longer cooking times bring out the savory flavors and really help to marry your ingredients together.

Check out these brand new recipes!
Slow Cooker Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Slow Cooker Pork Spare Ribs
Slow Cooker Harvest Stew
Slow Cooker Orange Rosemary Chicken

Even more slow cooking recipes:
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs
Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage and Sauerkraut Soup
Slow Cooker Apple Onion Soup with Cinnamon Cheese Toast
Slow Cooker Stuffed Green Peppers
Slow Cooker Cheese Stuffed Meatballs and Sauce

Read More From Kitchen Basics.

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Reader Comments:

54321

I haven't yet bought your new cookbook but am planning on purchasing it next time I go to Barnes & Noble if they have it. The only drawback on a bound book is that they don't always lay straight. I personally like a spiral bound book so I can lay them out flat. Thanks for making your recipes with normal ingredients so that the average person can find the ingredients. Thank You.

By Reba on October 20, 2011

54321

Paula Deen, You are the Best and I'm always trying a new recipe from you. I have alot of your cookbooks and i enjoy watching your tv cooking show. I have your red cookware and i have yor steak knives and so other stuff you have put out. thank you for sharing your recipes with us.

By Mary Jane Lynch on January 12, 2011

54321

This is a great reminder. I have one and have been forgetting to make use of it.

By ciaobello on January 12, 2011

54321

Love your shows

By dee bowman on January 12, 2011

54321

I have several Paula Deen cookbooks. I used several recipes from them for Christmas 2010. The Cranberry Pineapple Punch recipe was a hit with my family and from a Paula Deen 2009 weekly calendar a friend gave me last year. My husband's birthday was December 24 and I made the Bourbon Brown Sugar Pound Cake, as he is not a chocolate lover like me. The Bourbon Brown Sugar Pound Cake is from "The Deen Family Cookbook." I also made the Pecan Cranberry Salad from "Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics." All these recipes are good ones. They were all a hit with my family.

By Judith Phillips on January 12, 2011

54321

Paula, I want to thank you for all your wonderful cooking tips. I'm cooking for my daughters family. She has stage 4 colon caner and is going through chemo at this time. Her husband has MS so he can't cook. I cook meals and leave them in the fridge or freezer. She is a "foody" as she calls herself, she loves following all of you great chefs. I've always just been a "regular" cook. Just want to thank you for all you wonderful recipes and ideas. Love your FB posts too.

By Judy Armfield on January 12, 2011

54321

Paula, I recently purchased a set of your Robin egg cookwear for my future daughter in law, she LOVES it!

By Nancy Cain on January 11, 2011

54321

These all look great and I'm going to give them a try this winter smile Thanks so much

By Diana on January 11, 2011

54321

I use my slow cooker a lot since I work over 40hrs a week. The other day I thought I'd try my meatloaf in the slow cooker. The meatloaf was very tender but the sauce I cooked it in cooked down way to much and almost carmelized.I turned it on high an hour before I got home. Lesson learned I will add more h20 and sauce next time and leave on low. Still yummy=)

By Tracey Woodward on January 11, 2011

54321

Paula - my sister and I both tried the Italian Chicken and Pasta Bake - it was a big hit - took it to work also and everyone loved it! Keep those good recipes coming!!! Sue

By Sue Tiek on January 11, 2011

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Wonderful ideas!!! Thank you so much for sharing this information about such a great occasion! Cindy, your ideas always helpful and creative.
Sandra in Baby Showers and Sprinkles on June 15, 2013 at 10:59 am

Everyone calls Paula dean because i cook for friends and family and they say i talk like Paula tho i am 71and never as pretty as Paula i want to be like Paula i love her and her family
normal maskell in The Great Party Challenge on June 12, 2013 at 10:11 am

Susan Lott is a great party planner! She has tons of great ideas that she needs to share with the online world. I have been begging her to start a Facebook page or Etsy account. The graduation gift that she made me was hand drawn with my name and different definitions for each letter. She framed it and I cherish it.....I also would have paid about $50 for it in a store. Thanks for sharing her idea but this idea is nothing compared to some of her other quick and money saving tips! You should hire her for your creative team! Love you Susu!
Adrienne Hilliard in Baby Showers and Sprinkles on June 11, 2013 at 10:55 pm

I love this idea!! It is too cute! smile
Sandi K in Baby Showers and Sprinkles on June 11, 2013 at 4:04 pm