Slow Cookers for Dummies

Slow Cookers for Dummies
by Tom Lacalamita [641.7 Lac]

My initial reaction at seeing this book was disbelief. What could be simpler than using a slow cooker? You read the little manual that accompanies your slow cooker and you're ready to go. But after several months I finally picked up this book, prepared to ridicule it, and was pleasantly surprised. The author begins with an interesting history of the slow cooker and the various brands available (FYI: "crockpot" is a registered trademark of the Rival Corp). Learn the difference between slow cookers, and appliances that cook slowly. He expands on your little instruction manual on use and care, and most importantly the "whys." Avoiding salmonella is one of your main goals here and a handy Cooking Temperature guide is included so you'll know the safe cooking temp needed for each food to achieve. Not necessary for success in using your slow cooker but a nice piece of info to have regardless. Additionally is included a table of how long you can store foods safely in the fridge (and freezer) before you've created a cool bacterial science project. How many of us have wondered if that 5-day-old chicken casserole in the back of the fridge is still safe? (No.) Learn how to convert your conventional recipes to a slow cooker. The author provides several recipes prepared in the conventional fashion and then as a slow cooker creation. A good half of this book includes recipes, as well as tips on how to handle any problems you might have. Also interesting, a list of Special Occasions for which you might use your slow cooker and sample menus(Super Bowl Chili Party, skiing trips, summer picnic). Overall, a basic, enjoyable, informative book on a topic you thought you already knew all about. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Publisher's official Slow Cookers for Dummies web site ] | [ Publisher's official Tom Lacalamita web site ]

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