Slow cookers, generally referred to as "Crock Pots" by their brand name, have been in culinary fashion since the 1970s. Like other fashions and trends, slow cookers declined in popularity over the decades.
But there has been a quiet revival, or maybe it was just a well-kept secret that leaked out of kitchens across America. Slow cookers are safe, easy to use and are versatile for cooking almost any dish you can imagine. Almost anyone can prepare a great meal using a slow cooker.
Despite the convenience, ease of use and safety of slow cookers, many people are afraid to use the appliances for various reasons.
Don't Fear the Slow Cooker
You may consider that, while there is no cooking method that is 100 percent absolutely safe and without hazards of some kind, slow cookers are relatively very safe.
For example, deep-frying is a popular cooking method. But accidents can occur, which could cause severe burns. If you follow proper safety precautions while deep-frying, the danger decreases significantly. The same applies to pan frying; grease can spatter and cause injury. Again, think safety first when in the kitchen.
The greatest fear that people seem to have lies in the thought of leaving a slow cooker on all day while they are away from home. This is an understandable concern. It is difficult to overcome emotional concerns and fears with data and facts.
But slow cookers are designed specifically to operate at low temperatures while using modest amounts of electricity.
Becoming Fearless with Slow Cookers
Consider trying this simple exercise to overcome your fear of slow cookers:
- Level 1: Go to your kitchen. Select a dish from a slow-cooker recipe book. Prepare the dish according to the recipe instructions; some recipes will instruct you to cook on the high setting.The higher temperature will work well for this exercise because it reduces cooking time. Also, the recipe book will determine the cooking time for your particular recipe and slow cooker model. Once the slow cooker is set, leave the kitchen and do not return until the recipe time is completed. You do not have to leave your home. But do not return to the kitchen to peek and see if the slow cooker is "OK." Your dish will cook just fine without you hovering over the device. Congratulations! You are ready to advance to the next level.
- Level 2: Next, follow the same steps in Level 1 as above, except use the low heat setting. It will take longer to cook your meal. But remember—no peeking! Congratulations again! See how easy this is?
- Level 3: Follow the steps in Level 1 above using the high heat setting. This time, however, leave your home for the cooking duration. Maybe do some outside chores, visit with a neighbor or take the kids to a local park for a few hours. When you return home, your dish will be ready! Congratulations again!
- Level 4: Select a special recipe that you want to enjoy for your victory celebration feast for overcoming your slow cooker fears. Place the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low heat and leave your home for the entire cooking time. If you set the slow cooker and go to work, you are facing your slow cooker fears head on, because you cannot simply run home to see if the slow cooker is "OK." Were you able to complete all the exercises without fear? If so, congratulations! If not, go back to a level that you are comfortable doing and repeat the process until you are ready to move on to next level.
Now that you're comfortable using your slow cooker, here's a flavorful dish you can prepare with your appliance.
Slow Cooker Spareribs and Sauerkraut
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, coarsely chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 to 3 pounds country-style pork spareribs
- 1 two-pound bag prepared sauerkraut*
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic to skillet; sauté just until vegetables are browned and soft, about 10 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Place spareribs in skillet, and cook, browning on all sides, for about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Place the following ingredients in a slow cooker in even layers, repeating layers as necessary to fill the cooking chamber of the slower cooker: cooked spareribs, sauerkraut, cooked onion-and-garlic mixture, peppercorns, caraway seeds and red pepper flakes.
- Cover, set cooking temperature to the low heat setting and cook for 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, turn off appliance and let the dish rest for 1 hour to allow the juices to redistribute to the meat. Serve. Refrigerate leftovers, discard remaining cooking grease or liquid.
*Note: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based Kissling's Sauerkraut is an especially good brand of sauerkraut to use in this dish. If Kissling's Sauerkraut isn't available in your local area, substitute with another readily available brand.
Disclaimer: Read and follow all manufacturer's safety and cooking instructions included with your slow cooker manual. Follow all safe food handling precautions. The author and Suite101.com are not responsible for any injuries or losses sustained from malfunctions, improper use or any other adverse occurrences that are a result of slow cooker usage.
Mike Brandolino - Mike is a Research Biologist and Environmental Professional. His writing topic interests are wide and varied.
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