Customer Reviews

Crockery Cookbook (Better Homes & Gardens)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book in the bookstore shortly after buying my crockpot three years ago -- initially, to cook standard soup and bean recipes with little effort. I was so pleased with the first couple of 'non-standard' crockpot recipes I tried that I began sharing the book with friends and family; within a few months, at least four copies found homes in their own kitchens!

The Easy Cassoulet, Split Pea and Ham Soup, and Zesty Beef and Vegetable Soup have become regulars in my work lunches, while Beef Stroganoff, Easy Italian Chicken Breasts, and variations of the Hearty Beef Stew and Beef Pot Roast have made their mark in our regular meal portfolio. And the Italian-Style Meat Loaf taught me that you can enjoy a tasty meat loaf in the middle of summer without heating up the kitchen! And back to the soups -- my friend introduced me to the Calico Ham and Bean Soup (note that black beans will turn the entire dish dark, still tasty but not so pretty!); my sister's family adores the Wild Rice and Chicken Soup; and my brother likes serving the colorful Herbed Vegetable Soup when entertaining.

If you, like me, wondered whether anything good came out of a crockpot besides chili and soup, this little book will help open up the possibilities!

I thought that crockery cooking was something only my mother did because she hated cooking. But I rediscovered this type of cooking after my friend made me the Eggplant and Tomato Stew and I loved it. As a busy working mom, I found I can find time for preparation of a meal (during naps), but had very little time for stove top cooking. This cooking is a perfect solution. And these recipes are wonderfully current. I also enjoy Vegetable Curry, Butternut Squash (with raisins and cranberry sauce), soups, stews and this week I'm making an apple crisp for company. Enjoy the fall with this fun cookbook.

I was very pleased with this collection. Often in older books, the recipes are quite fatty. With this collection, care has been given not only in creating tasty recipes, but what is healthy. Nutritional info is provided for each recipe, and I find the cooking times/serving sizes to be accurate. Itis spiral bound and will lay flat. There is room on the page margins for notes, but so far none of the recipes I've tried required any adapting -- we like the seasonings as is.

There are a few pages in the beginning about buying a slowcooker and some techniques like using foil handles to lift out a roast. There is metric information/conversion tables in the back. I would suggest getting a crockpot that has a removable liner, because then you can load it up before bed, turn it off when you get up, shove it in the fridge, and reheat it later when you come home from work. It's also easier to clean up.

Chapters include: Appetizers & Beverages, Soups & Stews, Meats, Poultry, Meatless, Vegetables and Side Dishes, Quick Fix-Ups, Desserts. The ones I've made freeze well like the beef brisket, chicken curry, italian chicken, etc.

Vegetarians won't have much of a selection in just one chapter of meatless dishes, but those living in households that have vegetarian and non-vegetarian members may find that slow cooker recipes make for easier compromises since there is minimal handling of meat when you cook it in a slow cooker.

Overall, I'd definitely suggest this book as your first crockpot recipe purchase. It's an excellent starting point.

This book has been a life saver for my house. Like many other both people work. No one can afford to go out to eat every night, nor can we spend the time on dinning out. This book has been wonderful! You can cook so many things in your crockpot. Soups, Stews, Roasts, Chili's, and much more. You can prepare your ingredients the night before, and let things cook overnight, or do so during the day. Crockpot cooking is wonderful. The slow cooking method really brings out the flavors. You and your family can enjoy tasty meals again with this great book.

I was looking for a book to give me some guidelines with basic crockpot cooking. This book has those, but the recipes help you expand your cooking abilities with this appliance. There are also recipes for breads, desserts, and beverages - which I never knew you could do in the crockpot. Good basic/beginning book.

I have had this cook book for some time and tried many of the dishes in it. My favorite is one for a zesty veggie soup that takes 10 minutes to put in the pot and tastes wonderful. For those of us who can't live without our crockpots, I beleive, this one is a must have.

I bought my first Crock-Pot back in the seventies when they were all the rage. There were also a lot of cookbooks issued, the best of which was Mable Hoffman's "Crockery Cooker" by HP Books. Then, in the eighties and into the nineties, everyone seemed to forget about the poor old Crock-Pot as we whizzed our way through food processors and convection ovens.

Surprise! Crock-Pots are back, better than ever. The least glamorous kitchen appliance can also be the most-used, and this cookbook illustrates how. It is especially useful for those young people not previously exposed to the principles and advantages of slow cooking. Slow cooking can do wonders for the cook on a tight budget as well as the cook with little time to play in the kitchen. Additionally, many believe that the lower cooking temperatures generated in a Crock-Pot can help preserve vital nutrients in the cooked foods over higher-temperature methods.

Like many other excellent cookbooks, this book can be used as a starting point, a springboard from which the curious cook can adapt and modify to suit particular ingredients. Like all kitchen appliances, the Pot must be used enough, with enough recipes, and then knowledge will foster respect.

I disagree strongly with any and all of the negative reviews of this book. I am a good cook overall but when I want something that is good old fashion home cooking and don't have time to be in the kitchen I pull out this cookbook. I have tried many of the recipes and each of them have turned out well. Of course, like with any cookbook you end up with your favorites that you go back to over and over again. I also recommend preparing your crock pot meal the night before, sliding it in the fridge and just plugging it in the next morning. What could be simpler? Especially great for working Moms. Also, if you have a larger crock pot you can easily 1.5X or double the recipes. This also makes a terrific bridal shower gift accompanying a crock pot. Happy home cooking!

I received this wonderful book for Christmas from a new neighbor. I have tried many of the recipes already. My husband and son have loved every recipe so far. I am excited when I try a new recipe from this book. I just know it's going to be another great meal!!

I just recieved this book and have used it several times. It has a wide range of recipes, that taste great and are easy to prepare. I highly recommend this book.