While I was
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Menu planning
I've been trying to help Michael help me out around the house, and this week I discovered that if I make a menu and post it on the fridge, it helps make the grocery list easier to figure out (which means its easier for M to go to the store for me), and it's easier for him to start dinner when I'm running late in the evening (which is almost always).
While I wasprocrastinating surfing the web, I found Menu Plan Monday. Okay, so it's Thursday, but I didn't do the whole week on Monday. I don't know if I'll post my menu plan, but it meant that there was yummy crockpot corned beef for dinner tonight.
While I was
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8 comments:
Hey, speaking of crockpots, do any of you know anything about good quality slow cookers? The price range is all over the map! What makes one better than another? Is the $250 price tag for the Williams Sonoma one with the cast aluminum insert worth it? I really want to get one, but I don't want a piece of junk that never gets used.
Mostly you pay for features and looks. I've always had crockpot branded slow cookers and never paid more than $50.
I look for 1) a removable insert that is easy to wash and will retain heat, 2) a lid that you can see through so you don't need to take it off as it is cooking, 3) the right SIZE for your family, and 4) some for of timer that will change from cook to keep warm for those times when you're running late. I think the timer is the least important feature, but I find it handy.
We have an oval one that I picked up from Costco a few years back. I use it almost weekly in the winter.
I like the idea of the menu planner. Jim and I used to do really well when we would plan menus out but we got away from doing it. I do like a crockpot because then dinner is ready as soon as you come home.
My husband (our main cook) adds to what Julia says that the more mass to the insert the more it will retain heat and provide even temperature. Jim wants to get a turn on timer for his next one so that we can have something that kicks on when we are away. Ours came with a cover (which we rarely use). We happen to be watching Alton Brown atm and he said in one show that there is very little difference between the $50-80 ones and the $200 ones.
So which ones retain the most heat, then, the stoneware ones? And can those be used on the stove, too? And what's the right size for a family of 4? 6-7 quart?
I just bought a new one, so I did some research...
If you ever want to do a whole chicken or a larger roast, an oval shape is good, but things will cook a little faster as there is more surface exposed to the heat. A family of 4 would be about a 5 qt one, you want it to be at least half full. Your kids are little yet. I bought a 6 qt. and it's a little big, but mostly because Rachel and William don't eat anything from it. I did not get a timer, but I'm home during the day so not a big problem for me. The Crockpot (Rival) ones don't get as good reviews as the Hamilton Beach ones, the heating is apparently not as even. There is a newer one now that has three bowls (2, 4, & 6 qt) that all fit into the same heating element. Good for versatility, but the bowls are round not oval. It did get good reviews. I ended up with a Hamilton Beach Stay or Go, which I've been pretty happy with so far.
Usually the stoneware inserts cannot be used on the stove top. You'll need to read the fine print to make sure the insert can be used on the stove.
Also, just a reminder that you shouldn't use a crockpot to reheat foods.
I've never had any luck with my crockpot. Of course I have a Rival, but John and I find things really dry and chewy usually. I think from what you are saying here it's too big for the two of us.
We do a menu every week and I have them for the last few years. Would be interesting to post, we've talked about putting them on the web to get input and new ideas. We tend to get in ruts for a while and eat the same things.
You definitely have to have enough liquid, too, I've had little luck with things that aren't kind of "stewy" to start with.
Menu planning is GREAT. I highly recommend "Saving Dinner", which I found on the Fly Lady website. I've not had any dud recipes (except in terms of picky kids), and she gives you 6 days worth of menus, by season, and a complete grocery list.
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