Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Cook Delicious Crock Pot Meals Every Time


Crockpot cooking makes it incredibly easy to have a delicious dinner ready and waiting for you when you get home. Simply fill the crockpot with the proper ingredients, turn the knob, and off you go to work or school. Once you get back home, you will be welcomed by the enticing smell of a fully-prepared and delicious meal. Here are a few tips to ensure that your crockpot meals are not only convenient, but tasty as well.


In the hectic world we live in today, a crockpot is a great way to help free up some of your time. While your off working all day, why not have your crockpot simultaneously working for you?Brown your meat firstOne of the big mistakes new crockpot owners make is over filling it. When you are adding ingredients, try to keep the crockpot level somewhere between half-way and three quarters full. If the pot is filled beyond these amounts, your food will not be cooked properly. If the pot is under filled, you will likely come home to an overcooked dinner because your food cooked too quickly.Don't overfill the crockpotIf your recipe calls for fresh vegetables, be sure to place them on the bottom of the crockpot. Vegetables need more time to cook than meat, so you will want to keep them closer to the heat. On the other hand, if you are cooking with frozen vegetables, you can place above the meat because they take less time to cook.A great way to enhance the flavor of your meat is to brown it before you put it into the pot. Browning renders the feat and caramelizes the natural sugars within meat, both of which work to enhance its flavor. After you brown your meat. try deglazing the pan with some wine or broth. Add these delicious pan drippings into your slow cooker for added flavor to your dish.Keep vegetables on the bottomKeep the lid on

In the hectic world we live in today, a crockpot is a great way to help free up some of your time. While your off working all day, why not have your crockpot simultaneously working for you?




Tips To Making Your Crockpot Cooking Better


The crockpot may be the perfect cooking appliance for a new cook. It's no wonder it's become so popular in so many American Kitchens. You add the ingredients and turn it on. Let the slow cooker do the rest! Plus, it's really hard to mess up a crockpot recipe.


As for cooking time as directed by recipes - keep in mind that one hour on high in a crockpot is equal to about 2 hours on low. If your slow cooker recipe calls for a four-hour cook time on high, but you want to eat in eight hours, cook your dish on low.Try to buy a crockpot that's big enough to hold more than the normal amount of food you will need. That way, you'll have extra capacity available when you need it unexpectedly.No matter how good the meal starts to smell resist the temptation to open the lid. Each time you do, heat escapes, and the cooker will take longer to finish your meal. The ingredients at the bottom will cook faster than those on top, but it is not necessary to stir as often as you would a stove-top recipe. Keep that lid on except when it is absolutely necessary to stir your recipe.Crockpot cooking can be easy, fun and really tasty. Check out our assortment of crockpot cookers at http://www.searchkitchenappliances.com/Small-Kitchen-Appliances/Cookers-SteamersMany crockpot recipes call for some sort of meat. Some of the best pot roasts and chicken dishes I've had have come from a crockpot! Remember when slow cooking meat to trim off excess fat. Due to the prolonged cooking in a slow cooker, that excess fat can really get cooked in giving your dish an odd taste.Make sure not to over-fill the pot when you are adding ingredients. The experts recommend filling it between one-half to two-thirds full maximum. This will facilitate even cooking and avoid the mess when it bubbles over.The best crockpots have a removable liner. The crockpots that have built-in liners are very difficult to clean. You will enjoy cooking in an appliance that is easy to care for. There are many inexpensive models of crockpots available now.

Crockpot cooking can be easy, fun and really tasty. Check out our assortment of crockpot cookers at http://www.searchkitchenappliances.com/Small-Kitchen-Appliances/Cookers-Steamers




Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Annual chili fling


"Bring your own Crockpot of chili" is the word from Karleen and Mike Krywucki to members of Persimmon Hill Associates, the support group for the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center. The eat, drink and be merry party will be from 6:30 until 9 p.m. May 15, at their home, 1233 Glenbrook Terrace.


Volvo Trucks in a joint program with Trace Engineering, Arlington, WA and Fontaine Modification, Dublin, Va., recently announced the availability of a "Shore Power" package. A Trace Engineering Trace Inverter/Charger converts the truck's 12 VDC into normal "household" AC power to run convenience equipment such as microwaves, TVs, computers and power tools. On the road, at idle or with the engine off, the Trace unit supplies full time power to the AC wall outlets in the sleeper. Whenever the truck is "plugged-in" to shore power, at home for a weekend or overnight at a plaza, the unit automatically supplies AC power to the outlets and charges the battery with a built-in, high-performance charger.

In the meantime, the Cowboy Hall will be hosting its annual Children's Cowboy Festival and Chuck Wagon Gathering on May 29 and 30. Open each day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the popular event will feature continuous stage entertainment, including acclaimed western singers Red Steagall and Don Edwards. Don, who played the role of Robert Redford's friend, Smokey, in the hit movie, The Horse Whisperer, did a fine job of singing The Star-Spangled Banner at the recent Western Heritage Awards dinner. He'll appear at noon and 2 p.m. May 29. Emotional finale First Presbyterian Church was the perfect setting for the final concert of the season for Canterbury Choral Society, which featured Russian Cathedral Music, sung a capella. Sonorous but melodic, the music brought forth the richness of voice in the 150-member Canterbury group. Breaking into the seriousness of the concert, conductor Dennis Shrock explained that Grigory Lvovsky's Ghospodi, pomifuy meant Lord, have mercy and that the composition was comprised of singing that 78 times. That's right. The total composition was that same phrase, over and over. It was impressive. Just before the final song, Shrock turned to the audience and praised the singers for their dedication, talent and commitment to choral music. This brought one of several standing ovations. This was Shrock's final concert with Canterbury and the audience indicated it would miss him, and tears in the eyes of them and many of the singers emphasized that many, many would be missing him. Trading jokes First Lady Cathy Keating and Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson of Memphis traded jokes the other night at the Phillips Pavilion where he and five others were being honored at an informal dinner. Not good at remembering jokes, we won't try to repeat them but if you call her, she'll be glad to tell you hers -- and his. The next night, at a black-tie banquet, the honorees were formally inducted into the Sales and Marketing Executives International's Academy of Achievement and Hall of Fame. Co-honorees with Wilson were B. Thomas Golisano, Rochester, N.Y., CEO of Paychex; Ralph Mosley, Nashville, Tenn., CEO of Southwestern/Great American; the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, who's wife, Ruth, came from New York to accept the award; and Paula Marshall-Chapman of Tulsa, head of the Bama Companies, who was unable to attend at the last minute. Jerry D. Choate, Northbrook, Ill., head of Allstate Insurance, was honored as Ambassador of Free Enterprise. All of the honorees expressed pleasure at being in Oklahoma and complimented the friendliness of our community. Wilson also offered tips for success: * Work only a half a day. The first 12 hours or the last 12 hours. * Work is the master key to open the door to all activities. * We all climb the road to success one step at a time. * No job is too hard as long as you can get someone to do it for you. Also offering inspirational advice about succeeding in a free enterprise world of business was keynote speaker Choate, who was born in Oklahoma and raised in California. He said, "If you want to succeed, you need the courage to change." And, accepting his award, Mosely quoted baseball player Dizzy Dean: "When ya done it, it ain't braggin'." Portraits of these honorees will join those of previous Academy of Achievement inductees on display at Enterprise Square U.S.A. The awards program is in its 10th year and was initiated by the late Ken Arbuckle for whom a fellowship is named. From the notebook An invitational champagne reception is planned May 16 to preview the Dianne Gumerson Memorial Room at the Overholser Mansion, 401 NW 15th St. The reception is planned by Friends of the Overholser Mansion, an organization to which the late honoree belonged and to which she devoted much time and effort. The historical mansion in Heritage Hills has been renovated and refurbished and is open as a museum depicting the city's early day history. Friends of the University of Oklahoma Institute for Breast Health will meet for lunch at noon May 20 in the Coach House. Guest speaker will be Joyce Sequichie Hifler, Oklahoma author and nationally syndicated columnist. A luncheon and fashion show by Balliet's is planned at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, with proceeds benefiting the Daily Living Centers. Tickets are $25 per person and tables of eight or 10 may be reserved. Honorary chairman is Ursula Lewis with Susan Gardner as fund-raising chairman. For more information or tickets, call 755-1002. Suzanne Wallace Mears will host a reception tonight to show her latest paintings, prints and ceramics. Scheduled from 5 until 9 p.m., the exhibit and sale will be in her Oklahoma City studio at 4317 Butler Place. Coming up May 17 at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club will be the annual golf tournament sponsored by Executive Women International to benefit their scholarship and philanthropic programs. A shotgun start is scheduled at 1 p.m., followed by a 19th hole party to award gifts and prizes. Fee for a four-player team is $1,000 with individual players priced at $250 each. This includes cart, green fee, lunch and the after party. For information, call Fran Corey at 297-2424. A tour of studios of area artists is scheduled Saturday and Sunday by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, a nonprofit arts group seeking to nurture and encourage visual artists living and working in Oklahoma and to create public interest in their arts. The tour, priced at $10 in advance or $12 at the, will be from noon until 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon until 6 p.m. Sunday. Some studios will offer demonstrations. Artists participating include John Seward, Steven Walker, Marion Thompson, Janice Montgomery, Diane Coady, Linda Cunningham, Debbie Van Swearingen, Connie Herlihy, Kay Orr, Shirley Houx, Jeanene Carver, Brunel Faris, Katy Scales, Shawn Meyers, Christine Vertein, Shala Rahimi-Reynolds, Marie Kash Weltzheimer, Gayle Singer and Wanda Nobbe. Call Cindy Mason at 728-4707 for more info. Joan Gilmore welcomes your comments and contributions. You may reach her by phone at 278-2842, by fax at 278-2890, or by e-mail, dpage




Author: Joan Gilmore


The Very Best Sloppy Joe Recipes!


Looking for fantastic Sloppy Joe recipes? Check out this great collection!


3 bottles of CatsupOne fleet that has had good success with inverters is Arlington, Washington-based Smokey Point Distributing. "The inverter makes life a whole lot more pleasant on the road," said Pat Murray, who along with his wife Sandy, team drives for SPD. "It's a heck of a great addition to our lifestyle. I think all trucks will eventually offer AC power-the benefits are too great to ignore."For more information on Trace Engineering, go to www.traceengineering.com.3 Tbs. vinegar1 can Campbell's Vegetable Soup1/2 tsp. paprika1 large pkg Frozen onionsA simpler version of a barbequed beef sandwich, sloppy Joe�s are know for the simplicity and easy of preparation. You can make them quickly on the stove top or use a crockpot for that slow-cooked taste. Kids love them and with a side of fries and slaw you have a complete meal. That makes this a great meal for busy moms and their families.3 tsp. brown sugarSloppy Joe Recipe1 1/4 C. waterCover and cook on low 6-8 hours; or high 3-4 hours. Serve on buns or over noodles.Brown the first 5 ingredients together and drain off fat. Combine all ingredients in the crock pot, stirring well.How does it work? Wired to the battery bank, an inverter electronically converts 12 VDC into normal household AC power. The output is permanently wired to a power strip or standard electrical outlets in the cab. While the engine is running the battery is charged from the alternator, and when the engine is off equipment continues to run for hours from the batteries. With a "shore power" cord you can plug into any AC power (like plugging in a block-heater) and the inverter passes AC to all the appliances, plus charges the batteries at the same time.2 larges cans Vegetable Juice1 lb. hamburgerThe truck's battery bank can run accessories for hours, because the heavy-duty inverters have very high efficiencies over their whole power range. High efficiency means less battery is used to run loads, so the battery lasts longer. Also, built-in battery protection shuts down the AC output before the battery voltage is dangerously low.1 garlic clove minced1 tsp. dry mustard1 or 2 Tbs. Chili powder (add as much or little as you like for taste)Sloppy Joes are an American dish made from ground beef, tomato sauce, onions and spices. It has become very popular as it is easy to make and you can double, triple and even quadruple the recipe and serve it at parties. The name comes from the fact that this is a messy sandwich to eat. In many parts of the country, sloppy Joe�s are served open-faced and eaten with a fork.1/2 Tsp. salt & pepper1 C. onion, choppedIngredientsSometimes you don't want things to be complicated. Make some of these Sloppy Joes--only two ingredients!Directions1 can tomato paste, 6 oz.Brown hamburger in large roaster pan on Med to High. Drain grease. Add rest of ingredients.1 green pepper, choppedFamily Get TogethersCrockpot Sloppy Joe RecipeBrown hamburger and drain grease. Add soup and 1/4 to 1/2 can water and heat. Serve on slices of bread or as a sandwich.Many times, the solution to the dead battery problem is to leave the truck idling. Unfortunately, this increases the cost of operating the truck, by using more fuel and creating wear and tear on the engine. Also, many local and state governments are cracking down on idling trucks. Some fleets have solved the idling problem by adding generators to their trucks, but these are expensive and add considerable weight to the rig.3 beef bouillon cubes, crushed3 lb. ground chuckEasy Super Simple Sloppy JoesIn the meantime, the Cowboy Hall will be hosting its annual Children's Cowboy Festival and Chuck Wagon Gathering on May 29 and 30. Open each day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the popular event will feature continuous stage entertainment, including acclaimed western singers Red Steagall and Don Edwards. Don, who played the role of Robert Redford's friend, Smokey, in the hit movie, The Horse Whisperer, did a fine job of singing The Star-Spangled Banner at the recent Western Heritage Awards dinner. He'll appear at noon and 2 p.m. May 29. Emotional finale First Presbyterian Church was the perfect setting for the final concert of the season for Canterbury Choral Society, which featured Russian Cathedral Music, sung a capella. Sonorous but melodic, the music brought forth the richness of voice in the 150-member Canterbury group. Breaking into the seriousness of the concert, conductor Dennis Shrock explained that Grigory Lvovsky's Ghospodi, pomifuy meant Lord, have mercy and that the composition was comprised of singing that 78 times. That's right. The total composition was that same phrase, over and over. It was impressive. Just before the final song, Shrock turned to the audience and praised the singers for their dedication, talent and commitment to choral music. This brought one of several standing ovations. This was Shrock's final concert with Canterbury and the audience indicated it would miss him, and tears in the eyes of them and many of the singers emphasized that many, many would be missing him. Trading jokes First Lady Cathy Keating and Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson of Memphis traded jokes the other night at the Phillips Pavilion where he and five others were being honored at an informal dinner. Not good at remembering jokes, we won't try to repeat them but if you call her, she'll be glad to tell you hers -- and his. The next night, at a black-tie banquet, the honorees were formally inducted into the Sales and Marketing Executives International's Academy of Achievement and Hall of Fame. Co-honorees with Wilson were B. Thomas Golisano, Rochester, N.Y., CEO of Paychex; Ralph Mosley, Nashville, Tenn., CEO of Southwestern/Great American; the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, who's wife, Ruth, came from New York to accept the award; and Paula Marshall-Chapman of Tulsa, head of the Bama Companies, who was unable to attend at the last minute. Jerry D. Choate, Northbrook, Ill., head of Allstate Insurance, was honored as Ambassador of Free Enterprise. All of the honorees expressed pleasure at being in Oklahoma and complimented the friendliness of our community. Wilson also offered tips for success: * Work only a half a day. The first 12 hours or the last 12 hours. * Work is the master key to open the door to all activities. * We all climb the road to success one step at a time. * No job is too hard as long as you can get someone to do it for you. Also offering inspirational advice about succeeding in a free enterprise world of business was keynote speaker Choate, who was born in Oklahoma and raised in California. He said, "If you want to succeed, you need the courage to change." And, accepting his award, Mosely quoted baseball player Dizzy Dean: "When ya done it, it ain't braggin'." Portraits of these honorees will join those of previous Academy of Achievement inductees on display at Enterprise Square U.S.A. The awards program is in its 10th year and was initiated by the late Ken Arbuckle for whom a fellowship is named. From the notebook An invitational champagne reception is planned May 16 to preview the Dianne Gumerson Memorial Room at the Overholser Mansion, 401 NW 15th St. The reception is planned by Friends of the Overholser Mansion, an organization to which the late honoree belonged and to which she devoted much time and effort. The historical mansion in Heritage Hills has been renovated and refurbished and is open as a museum depicting the city's early day history. Friends of the University of Oklahoma Institute for Breast Health will meet for lunch at noon May 20 in the Coach House. Guest speaker will be Joyce Sequichie Hifler, Oklahoma author and nationally syndicated columnist. A luncheon and fashion show by Balliet's is planned at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, with proceeds benefiting the Daily Living Centers. Tickets are $25 per person and tables of eight or 10 may be reserved. Honorary chairman is Ursula Lewis with Susan Gardner as fund-raising chairman. For more information or tickets, call 755-1002. Suzanne Wallace Mears will host a reception tonight to show her latest paintings, prints and ceramics. Scheduled from 5 until 9 p.m., the exhibit and sale will be in her Oklahoma City studio at 4317 Butler Place. Coming up May 17 at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club will be the annual golf tournament sponsored by Executive Women International to benefit their scholarship and philanthropic programs. A shotgun start is scheduled at 1 p.m., followed by a 19th hole party to award gifts and prizes. Fee for a four-player team is $1,000 with individual players priced at $250 each. This includes cart, green fee, lunch and the after party. For information, call Fran Corey at 297-2424. A tour of studios of area artists is scheduled Saturday and Sunday by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, a nonprofit arts group seeking to nurture and encourage visual artists living and working in Oklahoma and to create public interest in their arts. The tour, priced at $10 in advance or $12 at the, will be from noon until 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon until 6 p.m. Sunday. Some studios will offer demonstrations. Artists participating include John Seward, Steven Walker, Marion Thompson, Janice Montgomery, Diane Coady, Linda Cunningham, Debbie Van Swearingen, Connie Herlihy, Kay Orr, Shirley Houx, Jeanene Carver, Brunel Faris, Katy Scales, Shawn Meyers, Christine Vertein, Shala Rahimi-Reynolds, Marie Kash Weltzheimer, Gayle Singer and Wanda Nobbe. Call Cindy Mason at 728-4707 for more info. Joan Gilmore welcomes your comments and contributions. You may reach her by phone at 278-2842, by fax at 278-2890, or by e-mail, dpage20 lbs. hamburgerIt's easy to understand how a driver could fall asleep with the TV on or an electric blanket running then wake up with dead batteries. Running the batteries dead results in a possibly delayed load and a bill for jump starting or recharging. Also, deeply discharged batteries tend to fail sooner than batteries kept in the normal charge range.Now though, as more and more truckstops are offering A/C power connections for trucks, another solution to the onboard power problem is becoming effective. Industrial strength inverters are being used to supply 120 volts of power on the truck, provide protection against dead batteries and offer a convenient way to keep the batteries charged.Many of these items require 120 volts, which means they can only be used where A/C power is available. While some 12-volt appliances are available, they tend to be expensive and don't operate as well as the 120-volt versions. A further result of all of these convenience items is that a heavy burden is placed on the truck's batteries.

Brown hamburger in large roaster pan on Med to High. Drain grease. Add rest of ingredients.




Author: Kathryn Steed


Powering those 120-volt appliances in the truck cab


Inverter/Chargers can convert a truck's 12 VDC power into normal 'household' AC electricity, while protecting the batteries and reducing idling.


1 C. catsup1 pkg. Taco FlavoringThis is a favorite in my family. My children love when I have this ready for them at dinner time.This recipe create enough sloppy-joe filling for 50 sandwiches.SPD shop foreman Mike Young believes inverters are all about making drivers happy. "With a good trouble-free inverter, it makes our drivers' lives easier, which in turn makes our life a lot easier," he concluded. "A happy driver is a good driver. And that will continue to help us keep driver retention a nonissue."Crock Pot Sloppy JoesThe modern over-road-truck contains a wide assortment of comfort and entertainment features to help improve living conditions for the driver. Lights, fans and stereos are just a few of the dozens of electrical devices inside the cab. Other items that can be found in many, if not most, long haul trucks include refrigerators, color TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens, coffee makers, computers, fax machines, vacuum cleaners, power tools and even hair dryers and crockpots.2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauceSloppy Joe Recipe For A Crowd1/4 tsp. pepper

For more information on Trace Engineering, go to www.traceengineering.com.




Author: Marshall, Lawson


Au Gratin Potatoes Crockpot Recipe


This is an absolutely delicious recipe and a great crockpot recipe to try as the fall season starts. Just like most crockpot recipes, this is a simple recipe to cook by adding the ingredients below, and letting the crockpot do the rest of the work.

  • 1/4 lb diced cooked bacon
  • 2 medium thinly sliced onions
  • 4 medium thinly sliced potatoes
  • 1/2 lb shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper
  • butter


Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 to 9 hoursThis is a crockpot recipe that you will cook over and over again.

This is a crockpot recipe that you will cook over and over again.




Author: Divine Recipes


Keep Your Kitchen Cool with These Hot Crock Pot Recipes


Crock Pot recipes can make the end of a long day easy. Give your oven a rest, and keep your kitchen cool this summer with these easy crockpot meals.

BEANIE WEENIES

This crockpot recipe is a simple kid pleaser! Great to have after a long work day.

2 (28.00 ounces) cans pork and beans
1 (16.00 ounces) can pork and beans
1 (1.00 lb) package hot dog, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons prepared mustard
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

In a crockpot, combine all ingredients; mix well.

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.


CHILI CHEESE TACO DIP

1 lb. hamburger
1 can chili (no beans)
1 lb. mild Mexican Velveeta cheese, cubed or shredded

Brown hamburger; drain and place in slow cooker. Add chili and cheese; cover and cook on low until cheese is melted, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to blend ingredients. Serve warm with taco or tortilla chips.


CHEESY SHRIMP PASTA

1 (2 pound) block Velveeta cheese
1 (16 ounce) carton half-and-half
1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound raw shrimp
Cooked pasta of choice

Place cheese, half-and-half, Ro-tel tomatoes, onion and garlic in crockpot. Cook on LOW for 4 hours.

Add shrimp and cook for 30 minutes longer.


CROCK POT CARAMEL RUM FONDUE

7 ounces Caramels
1/4 cup Miniature marshmallows
1/3 cup Whipping cream
2 teaspoons Rum or 1/4 tsp rum extract

Combine caramels and cream in Crock Pot. Cover and heat until melted, 30 to 60 minutes. Stir in marshmallows and rum. Cover and continue cooking 30 minutes.

Serve with apple wedges or pound cake.


APPLE BROWN BETTY

3 lbs. cooking apples
10 slices of bread, cubed (about 4 cups)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted

Wash apples, peel, core, cut into eighths; place in bottom of crockpot. Combine bread cubes, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, sugar, butter; toss together. Place on top of apples in crock. Cover. Place crock into outer shell. Cook on low setting 2 to 4 hours.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Hope you enjoy these easy crockpot recipes. Try one at home today!

I guarantee your nose will thank you when you walk into the house to the delicious aromas of a home cooked meal.




Author: Suzanne Webb-Brikas


Cook Delicious Crock Pot Meals Every Time


Crockpot cooking makes it incredibly easy to have a delicious dinner ready and waiting for you when you get home. Simply fill the crockpot with the proper ingredients, turn the knob, and off you go to work or school. Once you get back home, you will be welcomed by the enticing smell of a fully-prepared and delicious meal. Here are a few tips to ensure that your crockpot meals are not only convenient, but tasty as well.


Don't overfill the crockpotBrown your meat firstOne of the big mistakes new crockpot owners make is over filling it. When you are adding ingredients, try to keep the crockpot level somewhere between half-way and three quarters full. If the pot is filled beyond these amounts, your food will not be cooked properly. If the pot is under filled, you will likely come home to an overcooked dinner because your food cooked too quickly.A great way to enhance the flavor of your meat is to brown it before you put it into the pot. Browning renders the feat and caramelizes the natural sugars within meat, both of which work to enhance its flavor. After you brown your meat. try deglazing the pan with some wine or broth. Add these delicious pan drippings into your slow cooker for added flavor to your dish.Keep the lid onIf your recipe calls for fresh vegetables, be sure to place them on the bottom of the crockpot. Vegetables need more time to cook than meat, so you will want to keep them closer to the heat. On the other hand, if you are cooking with frozen vegetables, you can place above the meat because they take less time to cook.In the hectic world we live in today, a crockpot is a great way to help free up some of your time. While your off working all day, why not have your crockpot simultaneously working for you?While your crockpot is busy doing its thing, try your best not to remove the lid. If you have to add more ingredients into the mix, add them at one time to prevent the crockpot from losing too much heat. It can be quite tempting to want to smell your food or take a quick taste, but you should try to keep it to a minimum. Each time you remove the lid, you can add about 20 to 30 minutes of extra cooking time.

In the hectic world we live in today, a crockpot is a great way to help free up some of your time. While your off working all day, why not have your crockpot simultaneously working for you?




Author: Brian Greenwich


Community events


Thursday, March 10


Sunday, March 13Volcanologist Donald A. Swanson will discuss, "Beauty and the Volcano: Tracking Lava from Vent to Ocean at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii." He is involved in a study of the explosive history of Kilauea with colleagues from the Smithsonian Institution. Free.Wednesday, March 16-- The crockpot. Surprise! Chef Cora's top kitchen essential is a slow cooker. "They are making a huge comeback," she says. "When you walk in the door at 6 p.m., it's as if a chef has been cooking all day." If you have the space in your kitchen, Cora recommends buying a large-size pot so you can simmer up soup or chili for a Sunday football crowd. One good choice is West Bend's six-quart oval Versatility Slow Cooker (www.westbend.com), which comes in black for about $63 plus shipping (check retail stores or www.acehardware.com) or stainless steel for $4 more. Remove the pot from its heating base and use it on the stove or in the oven.Luck O' the Irish, is the topic of tonight's class at the Pleasant Grove Macey's Little Theatre. Learn how to make special St. Patrick's Day treats, games and activities with Jeanne Mather. Class begins at 7 p.m. Call 796-6601 for information. Free.-- The cookware. Toss your mismatched pots and pans, and "buy something that will last," says Cora. Start with a basic cookware set that has five to eight pieces, such as Cuisinart's Chef's Classic seven-piece set for $100 (the set includes two saucepans with lids, an open skillet and a stockpot with lid). Cora likes stainless steel because it is versatile and strong, and it costs less than pricey copper core or copper-sided cookware.Casseroles -165 degreesThe Brigham Young University Center for Economic Self-Reliance, the Romney Institute of Public Management and the Rollins eBusiness Center will host the 2005 Economic Self-Reliance Conference, "Building Economically Self-Reliant Families," Thursday and Friday, March 10 and 11, Wilkinson Student Center. Registration for the conference is $50, $15 for students. The fee does not include the awards banquet. For more information on the conference and to register, please visit marriottschool.byu.edu/conferences/self- reliance/.Soups - 165 degreesThese tips should give you the added confidence that any food you have prepared is safe and hopefully delicious!Fossil Tracks and Trails is the topic of today's youth education class at Thanksgiving Point's Museum of Ancient Life. Have you ever wanted to dig up a fossil? Discover what it is like to find a dinosaur as you learn about fossils and what they mean. Classes are for ages 6 to 8 years. Class is from 4-5:30 p.m. Cost is $15. Call 768-2300 for information and registration.Scrapbooking is the feature class at 11 a.m. at the Spanish Fork Macey's Little Theatre Kitchen. Ilene Beal has a fun Easter page set for today. Call 798-9803 for information. Free.Fondue Wizardry is the topic of tonight's Kobblestone Kitchen class at Thanksgiving Point. Zac Black will create a little magic with special fondue recipes using everything from cheese to chocolate. Class is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Call 768-2300 for information.Since vegetables cook slower than meat, place the vegetables on the bottom. Then add the meat and cover the food with your broth, sauce, or water.It is not recommended that you use a slow cooker to reheat these leftovers.BYU Slavic Club presents "Students for Children Talent Showcase" at 7:30 p.m. in BYU's Wilkinson Center ballroom. Cost is $5 will all proceeds going directly to helping Russian children in orphanages. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The event features the BYU Men's and Women's A cappella group, BYU folk Dance Team and more.Genealogy classes are offered on the second and fourth Sundays for every month by the Utah Valley Regional Family History Center on the second floor of BYU's Harold B. Lee Library beginning at 1:30 p.m. Classes range from beginning to advanced with classes offered for specific research and general use knowledge. Classes are open to all members of the community. Call 422-6200 for information.And when it comes to leftovers, make sure you refrigerate them within two hours after cooking is finished. Store them in shallow covered containers.Friday, March 11If possible, set the slow cooker setting on high for the first hour of cooking to get the food warmed up quickly. Then switch it to low for the rest of the day. If it is not possible, the Food Safety and Inspection Service says it is still safe to cook foods on low for the entire time, since the temperatures stay hot enough for long enough to prevent any bacterial growth on the food.Roasts -145 degrees (medium rare) -160 degrees (medium) -170 degrees (well done)Keep the lid on. Experts say that removing the lid can add 20 minutes to the cooking time! This is because it takes that long to re-generate the lost heat and steam. Remove it only to stir the food or check for doneness.

If you have announcements for the events calendar, please fax them to Genelle at 437-7624 or e-mail to utahcounty@desnews.com.




Kitchen accouterments spice up humdrum kitchens


As co-host of "Kitchen Accomplished" on the Food Network, chef Cat Cora treats viewers to makeovers of their humdrum kitchens. If you're making over your own kitchen on a budget -- or outfitting your first one -- what are the essential tools you should own? Cora recommends three must-have accouterments.


Fresh Family Cooking is the topic of the Spanish Fork Macey's Little Theatre Kitchen class at 7 p.m. Learn brand new meal ideas for your family with Emily Zimmer. Call 798-9803 for information. Free.The annual Quey Hebrew Memorial Lecture at Brigham Young University will host a special guest speaker from the U.S. Geological Survey at 7 p.m. in Room 2084 Jesse Knight Building.Cutting food into smaller chunks helps to ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly. For example, don't cook large pieces of meat such as a whole chicken in the slow cooker. Doing this increases the opportunity for bacterial growth because it takes a longer time to get to proper cooking temperature. Meats and vegetables can be cut up in advance but make sure you store them separately in covered containers.

Cora says a lot of companies are coming out with great lines of affordable stainless steel sets, such as Calphalon's eight-piece Simply Calphalon. Emeril Lagasse's new seven-piece set is stainless steel and copper. Each collection costs $150. Look for these brands at Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens 'n Things. Jamie Oliver's nine- piece stainless steel set for T-Fal is $150 at Amazon.com.




Author: Kiplinger's Money Power


Crockpot Cooking Safety Tips


Although I have never had a bad experience with my crockpot (and I'm sure you won't either), there are a few safety measures you need to follow to ensure food safety. Some of them are pretty basic and common sense and you are probably doing them already. But it never hurts to go over them and to just continue to be aware of the importance proper food handling and preparation techniques.


Ground Meat- 160 degGalway Kinnell, Pulitzer Prize-winner and National Book Award recipient will be the featured reader at today's BYU English department reading series at noon in the Harold B. Lee Library auditorium. Kinnell is chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, His volumes include "A New Selected Poems" in 2000, "Imperfect Thirst" in 1996 and "When One Has Lived a Long Time Alone" in 1990. He studied at Princeton University and the University of Rochester in New York.If you have announcements for the events calendar, please fax them to Genelle at 437-7624 or e-mail to utahcounty@desnews.com.Provident Living 101 at the Pleasant Grove Macey's Little Theatre. Tonight is class No. 6, featuring use of beans, legumes and rice from food storage. Class begins at 7 p.m. Call 796-6601 for information. Free."Prehistoric Animals" is the topic of today's Saturday safari class at 9:30 a.m. in BYU's Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. Children ages 5 to 10 are welcome. Registration is $8 per child. Call 422-5051 for information.A food thermometer can be used to test for 'doneness' on your meat and poultry to make sure they have reached a safe internal temperature:If you are away during the entire slow-cooking process and you know that there has been a power outage, don't take any chances. Throw the food out. Although it may look done, it could also be unsafe for consumption. You can know if there was a power outage by the time flashing on your other appliances such as microwave or VCR.Be sure to handle ingredients carefully. Since slow cookers can take a while to get to temperatures hot enough to kill off bacteria, it is imperative to keep the ingredients constantly refrigerated prior to food preparation. Remember that bacteria multiply on food quickly at room temperature. Therefore perishable foods should remain refrigerated until you need them.Stuffing - 165 degreesAlways start clean, a clean cooker, clean utensils, a clean work area. And wash your hands before and during food preparation.Cooking Made Simple is the topic of the Pleasant Grove Macey's Little Theatre class at 7 p.m. Learn quick and easy meals with Heather Black. Call 796-6601 for information.Copy Cat Repeat Class is the topic of tonight's Spanish Fork Macey's Little Theatre Kitchen class. Class begins at 7 p.m. Rosie Tippetts will share recipes from famous restaurants. This is a once- a-year event. Call 798-9803 for information and reservations. Free.Saturday, March 12Dinosnorzzzz tonight at the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. From 6:30 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday. $20 for adults and $39 for children. Children spend the night at the Museum of Ancient Life, tour exhibits, watch a movie, participate in a series of paleontology classes, enjoy snacks, breakfast and other activities. Call 766-5013 for information.Cora says a lot of companies are coming out with great lines of affordable stainless steel sets, such as Calphalon's eight-piece Simply Calphalon. Emeril Lagasse's new seven-piece set is stainless steel and copper. Each collection costs $150. Look for these brands at Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens 'n Things. Jamie Oliver's nine- piece stainless steel set for T-Fal is $150 at Amazon.com.If you are home during a power outage, complete the cooking another way -gas stove, etc.Defrost your meats and poultry prior to putting them in your slow cooker. This helps the crockpot achieve proper cooking temperature faster, eliminating the possibility of bacteria growth on your food.Tuesday, March 15Poultry - 170 deg for chicken breast - 180 deg for chicken thigh

Copyright 2006 Tony Buel




Author: Tony Buel


Baking can be fearless


I tried something over the weekend I'd never done before --- baking in the crockpot.


My kids suggest coming up with gift ideas for me is impossible, 'cause I already have everything I want. I think that's a cop-out; an excuse for lack of imagination. I can think of several cool things I want, and with all this high-tech dot-commery, nano-technology an genetical-engineery stuff we have today, they dang sure ought to be available.Contributing: Amelia Nielson-StowellAnd I learned that baking times can vary greatly depending on the size of the crockpot.Along with her family and a lot of friends, she entertained so many people Saturday that there were enough crockpots to trip the breakers at the Frodshams' Farmington farm.The recipe, which I found on www.bettycrocker.com, had a layer of apple pie filling on the bottom and a pumpkin cake on top. It said it took 90 minutes to 2 hours to bake, but it took closer to 3 hours. It was worth the wait, though, and I wasn't worried about it burning."She had to do something to get her mind off it," Barbara said."We have had issues with the professional homeless," Bret said. "They roll up in brand new Suburbans and send the kids in to get stuff. These days we have the Delta Center security, who have helped to cut down on that a lot."It worked--too well. Tearing the Velcro loose activated the magnets. Popping the magnets free cinched up the compression straps. Messing with the compression straps caused the Chinese puzzle buckles to engage. I'll have to sell it with a Winchester 94 .30-30 in it. It ain't coming out. Not in one piece, anyway and I'm not gonna take a cutting torch to it.Cool CakeE-mail: jgreaves@desnews.comIt started 15 years ago when Barbara Frodsham's friend came to her days before Christmas, miserable about a divorce she was going through.The Frodshams have seven children, 27 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren, all of whom travel from near and far to attend the event. But these days, the event is so large they need a lot of help from the community."Everyone wants to do something, they just don't know when and where," said Frank Frodsham, Barbara's husband. "We just provide a place."To get you thinking about what might be a winner, we have some recipes from Jennifer Hennes, of Berryton, who plans to enter in the cookies and pie categories. Her pie crust recipe intrigues me --- I'm looking forward to tasting it.

Send requests or recipes to be shared to: Lisa Sandmeyer, Recipe Exchange, The Topeka Capital-Journal, 616 S.E. Jefferson, Topeka, Kan., 66607-1194 or lisa.sandmeyer@cjonline.com.




Author: Capital-Journal


And a cartridge in a bare tree


I've written three Christmas Gift Guides for three different gun-and-cop magazines in the past two weeks, and it just hit me that ain't nobody, nobody, ever inquired once what I might want for Christmas! What's wrong with this picture, pals? Now admittedly, that might be partially ascribed to the fact that it's mid-sweltering-summer as I write this for Pete's sake. but if I can whup up some festiveChristmassy-cheer and fat-man-in-a-fur-suit gift-giving enthusiasm while sweatin' out juices like a six-pound London Broil in a crock-pot cooker, then why can't somebody else?


1 package cake mix (yellow or white) 1 large package gelatin or 2 small packages, any flavor 1 container Cool Whip Prepare cake mix as directed. While cooling, poke holes in cake with fork. Mix gelatin as directed. Slowly pour gelatin over top of baked, cooled cake. Chill. Before serving, spread Cool Whip over top. Refrigerate leftovers.Also in that box is my gunwriter-sample of the failed prototype Speed-Slick Competition Rig from Air-Launch Holsters. Inc. This forward-canted hip-hanger employed an infrared beam to detect drawing-hand movement, and a C[O.sub.2]-powered pneumatic pump. It was supposed to activate when you began your drawing stroke, an' boost the pistol up into your waiting mitt. The timing, however, needed work. and the air-powered Roscoe-lifter was, shall we say, a bit "exuberant." If I wiggled my fingers or shrugged my right shoulder, it Munched my 1911 like a non-ballistic missile, to land about 15 yards downrange.And I won't toss hints at my editors. His Imperial Editoriality Roy Huntington always sends me a gift. but ... one year it was a case of two dozen dry-iced "gourmet treats"--genuine Coney Island Rat-On-A-Stick! Another time, he sent me a nicely framed photo of Himself and Suzie enjoying their Christmas vacation on a sparkly beach in Aruba. The scribble read. "Connor: Had a wonderful time--YOU WEREN'T THERE! HaHaHaHa!!!"I want G-Bay!--a worldwide clearing house for gun-junk! My first ad would be for a "Big Box Fulla Useless GunLeather." One piece is a vintage SuperSafetySaddleScabbard from the now-defunct Wild Hoss Leather Co. Using a conglomo-combination of Velcro. key-locks, compression straps, Chinese-puzzle-buckles and industrial magnets, it was designed to keep your saddle-gun securely ensconced in your scabbard no matter how high, hard, and hairy your broomtailed trail-nag bucked."I know what you want. cave man." she breathes, and somehow I forget the subject--sometimes my middle name, too.I checked with my wife. the Memsaab Helena. She just smiles, bats those big blues, and gives me a little hip-bump while passin' me in the hall."The community really takes over," Bret said. "People who have been served in previous years have come back to be hostesses and return the favor."It "flung" pretty good groups, I gotta say: With practice, I could get eight outta 10 throws" into a 30-gallon garbage can at 40'. The same company made an internal assembly for 1911s called the "MagAirAssist." Hit the mag release, and it would shoot your empty mag out so hard it would either fracture foot-bones or spike the mag 2" into the ground.On Saturday, 600 people were invited from local groups and centers, and there were more than 600 volunteers. Participation was by invitation only. (There have been problems in the past with people taking advantage of the community's generosity.)But when you're cooking for 600, you need a few crockpots.I'm continually amazed at the kinda junk that sells for BigBucks on e-Bay, dudes. My son auctioned off a rusty Saab V-3 hub cap for $35, and the Memsaab made a killing on sales of a buncha old. decapitated Barbie dolls that somehow sent our daughter. Little Red. into a frenzy of mutilation when she was Little-Teensy-Red.(Editor's Note: We're cutting Connor off right here, before he irreparably insults muscular, older women who wear canvas aprons with large pockets and don't mind packing guns and picking up empty brass. I don't need the grief And I know what I'm giving him for Christmas, and this year it won't be autographed--Jeff John) P.S. Say something gushy and Christmassy (before he cries anymore crocodile tears) to Connor at TheOddAngryShot@yahoo.comSo Frodsham and her friend brought homeless and needy Utahns to the Frodshams' home on Christmas Eve to give them their own holiday celebration. With the help of donations from neighbors, the Frodshams threw a Christmas party for 67 needy people.It's the first time the school's PTO has done a contest in conjunction with the chili feed, but I'm betting there will be lots of entrants. Categories are breads/muffins, cakes, cookies/ brownies, pies and Kids in the Kitchen.

(Editor's Note: We're cutting Connor off right here, before he irreparably insults muscular, older women who wear canvas aprons with large pockets and don't mind packing guns and picking up empty brass. I don't need the grief And I know what I'm giving him for Christmas, and this year it won't be autographed--Jeff John) P.S. Say something gushy and Christmassy (before he cries anymore crocodile tears) to Connor at TheOddAngryShot@yahoo.com




Author: John Connor


Holiday treat for Utah needy


FARMINGTON -- Barbara Frodsham knows how to celebrate Christmas.


My gift-history with Jeff John here at GUNS Magazine only goes back one year. He sent me an autographed copy of the Deadline Schedule. The one for the past year. With red-slashed notes on deadlines I missed. Yeah: that got me all warm and fuzzy ..."A lot of people donate very lovely things," Barbara said. "We tell them if you wouldn't wear it or you don't want it, we don't want it, either.""We want to make it a family oriented event," said Bret Frodsham, Barbara's oldest son.Makes 2 crusts."You really can't feel any separation between hosts and the homeless," Brett said. "The name tags fade away. Once they're through the gate, that separation fades away."And, I want bore snakes! No, not Bore Snake pull-through cleaners, not the regular kind, anyway. I mean living, breathing, slithering, armorer-trained bore snakes! Kept in your gun safe, all you'd have to do is place your dirty weapons inside with their actions open, close the door and leave. Your bore snakes would then slither-an'-slide in, out, and over 'em, cleaning and lubing your shooters while you snooze. They should feed exclusively on grit, dust, and carbon deposits, but I wouldn't mind tossin' 'era a mouse now and then.2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teapoon salt 2/3 cup Crisco (butter-flavored is the best) 1/2 cup hot water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 egg Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Cut in Crisco. Gently add egg, water and lemon juice until all in moistened (don't overwork). Let rest covered for 10 minutes. Then roll into pie crusts.Add butterscotch chips if desired.The family farm was the site for Saturday's 15th Frodsham Community Christmas for the Homeless and Needy, an event that invites those who may not have much of a Christmas to share a family celebration with the Frodshams (although, these days, much of the community is there, too).This Saturday, other people are doing the baking for me. I've been invited to judge the bake-off at Holy Name School's annual chili feed. Also judging will be Tym Bonilla, the school's principal, and the Rev. John Reynolds.For them, a family event seems to include wrapped gifts, Santa's workshop, pictures with Santa, quilts, clothes, food, marshmallow bonfires, horse rides and sleigh rides. Children leave with a sack of goodies, and everyone eats well.I Don't Want Much, ReallyNow, for a "Range Bag," versus a "range-bag," I ...Send requests or recipes to be shared to: Lisa Sandmeyer, Recipe Exchange, The Topeka Capital-Journal, 616 S.E. Jefferson, Topeka, Kan., 66607-1194 or lisa.sandmeyer@cjonline.com."Some kids never get to ride a horse or roast a marshmallow," Barbara said. "This is just for people who need things."Amish CookiesPie CrustChili, with cinnamon rolls for dessert, will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the school at S.W. 10th and Clay. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger. Contest judging starts at 6:15 p.m.Guests and volunteers line up in the street to get in. But once they're inside, it's a different story.

E-mail: jgreaves@desnews.com




Author: James Greaves Deseret Morning News


Tips To Making Your Crockpot Cooking Better


The crockpot may be the perfect cooking appliance for a new cook. It's no wonder it's become so popular in so many American Kitchens. You add the ingredients and turn it on. Let the slow cooker do the rest! Plus, it's really hard to mess up a crockpot recipe.


Here are some tips to make your slow-cooking better.Try to buy a crockpot that's big enough to hold more than the normal amount of food you will need. That way, you'll have extra capacity available when you need it unexpectedly.If you still don't quite embrace the concept, here's another reason to try it my way. Because it takes the brain longer to switch between complex tasks, multitasking may actually cause you to take more time to get several important things done than if you focused on first things first in linear fashion.Sometimes, multitasking can even make you downright dangerous. For example, on virtually any road in America, there's some fool tailgating, straying across the lines, braking at nothing, and running stop signs. Pull up alongside and you're sure to see a driver on a cell phone.OK, modern technology helped with five of those eight tasks, but it didn't make me feel exhilarated and it didn't give me a sense of supreme productivity. It wasn't even 8 a.m. and I was ready for a nap.Make sure not to over-fill the pot when you are adding ingredients. The experts recommend filling it between one-half to two-thirds full maximum. This will facilitate even cooking and avoid the mess when it bubbles over.The best crockpots have a removable liner. The crockpots that have built-in liners are very difficult to clean. You will enjoy cooking in an appliance that is easy to care for. There are many inexpensive models of crockpots available now.

Crockpot cooking can be easy, fun and really tasty. Check out our assortment of crockpot cookers at http://www.searchkitchenappliances.com/Small-Kitchen-Appliances/Cookers-Steamers




Author: Jeff Jones


So, You Have A Crockpot. Now You'll Want Crockpot Recipes.


To those of us that don't know, crockpot recipes are among the best out there! Did you receive a crockpot as a gift at your wedding shower or perhaps as a birthday gift and have no idea how to use it? Crockpots are great kitchen tools that offer a convenience like none other. Many meals from basic chicken recipes to fancy Christmas recipes can be made in the crock pot. Crockpot recipes can be made ahead of time, say in the morning, and cooked slowly throughout the day. Then, when you come home from work, tired and worn out, dinner is waiting for you! Finding free recipes is easy.


Merriam-Webster's Colkgiate Dictionary defines multitasking as "the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer." The operative words here are by a computer. Humans weren't built to do several things at once, although the demands of modern life have forced it upon us. But, although we wear multifunction gadgets practically 24/7 like extra appendages, they can't change the basic wiring of our brains.

Many times, you can through together a crockpot dinner from the things you already have within your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Also, be sure to cut your ingredients to the proper size in order for the to cook properly. Cutting too small will cause them to over cook or turn mushy. Cutting too large, may keep them from being fully cooked. Lastly, make sure you read and understand how to use your crockpot. They have different settings for different types of food. Different types of meat will cook at different speeds. Same goes for vegetables. You need to understand how your crockpot works in order to prepare a delicious meal. Following the instructions on the recipe and understanding your crockpot will surely help you turn out a wonderful meal using simple crockpot recipes!




Author: Mike Yeager


Let's Hear it for Monotasking


Do you work in an office where people routinely eat lunch at their desks while making phone calls while reading e-mail? Multitasking is epidemic, turning us into a nation of distracted chubs who don't even remember what we ate that got us this way. It's time to stop and smell the sandwich.


Many times, you can through together a crockpot dinner from the things you already have within your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Also, be sure to cut your ingredients to the proper size in order for the to cook properly. Cutting too small will cause them to over cook or turn mushy. Cutting too large, may keep them from being fully cooked. Lastly, make sure you read and understand how to use your crockpot. They have different settings for different types of food. Different types of meat will cook at different speeds. Same goes for vegetables. You need to understand how your crockpot works in order to prepare a delicious meal. Following the instructions on the recipe and understanding your crockpot will surely help you turn out a wonderful meal using simple crockpot recipes!Many crockpot recipes call for some sort of meat. Some of the best pot roasts and chicken dishes I've had have come from a crockpot! Remember when slow cooking meat to trim off excess fat. Due to the prolonged cooking in a slow cooker, that excess fat can really get cooked in giving your dish an odd taste.There are many websites that offer them recipes free of charge to anyone. Things like fondue recipes and even specialties like Mexican recipes can be easily found. To find these websites, simply type "recipes" in your search box. Many will appear, browse through some until you find what you are looking for. Within the website, you will be able to search for what types of recipes you are looking for. To do this, type in "crockpot recipes" and the will appear. If you do not have the Internet, go to your local library to find books on the types of recipes you are looking for. Crockpot recipes are full of good ingredients. Make sure to purchase the correct flavorings or correct cuts of meat for your recipe. Fresh produce can sometimes be replaced with frozen, but make sure to follow the directions on the recipe.Switching between multiple tasks happens in your prefrontal and parietal cortexes. It may only take a fraction of a second, but that time increases with the complexity of the tasks, and those seconds begin to add up. Because the brain releases adrenaline and Cortisol as it juggles, the more often you have to switch, the more stress you feel. Over time, these corrosive hormones begin to wear you down and bring on premature aging. Constant multitasking can also leave you feeling out of control and depressed because you never think you're doing enough.But when you have bona fide downtime (which never occurs behind die wheel), that doesn't mean you shouldn't make good use of it. While standing in lines, sitting in waiting rooms, riding as a passenger, you can read, write, plan, and think.As for cooking time as directed by recipes - keep in mind that one hour on high in a crockpot is equal to about 2 hours on low. If your slow cooker recipe calls for a four-hour cook time on high, but you want to eat in eight hours, cook your dish on low.Decisive and deliberate monotasking is all it takes to hop off the merry-go-round and start increasing your efficiency and sleeping better. Do just one thing at a time, and do it well.No matter how good the meal starts to smell resist the temptation to open the lid. Each time you do, heat escapes, and the cooker will take longer to finish your meal. The ingredients at the bottom will cook faster than those on top, but it is not necessary to stir as often as you would a stove-top recipe. Keep that lid on except when it is absolutely necessary to stir your recipe.Many children today are multitasking addicts, which may partially explain the seemingly overnight prevalence of attention deficit disorder and companion medications. Kids get bored if they're not IMing friends while talking on the phone with music and TV blaring in the background while they're supposedly doing homework.Crockpot cooking can be easy, fun and really tasty. Check out our assortment of crockpot cookers at http://www.searchkitchenappliances.com/Small-Kitchen-Appliances/Cookers-SteamersOne recent Saturday morning, I tested my multitasking abilities by throwing a load of laundry in the wash, switching on the dishwasher, assembling dinner in the Crock-Pot, whipping a batch of brownies into the oven, recording a movie, and putting color on my hair to process for 45 minutes while I read the newspaper and ate my breakfast.I did have to undergo a period of adjustment after spending too much time trying to do everything. To get a grip, I kept telling myself, "One thing at a time. Everything else waits." I call it monotasking.

Remember, just put first things first.




Author: Wormald, Karen