Customer Reviews

Food Made Fast: Slow Cooker (Williams-Sonoma)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

If you're looking for something quick ... just throw everything in the pot & leave for the day ... this is not the cookbook for you. Most recipes require the ingredients be browned, simmered, sauted, & the pan deglazed with juice, wine, etc. before item can be tucked into the crock for a day of slow cooking. Even the vegetables need to be sauted. These are all very good recipes, but more suited to a good iron casserole simmering on top of the stove.

The last third of the 100 page book is filled with oven, grill & top of stove recipes.

I have tried several recipies and all were beyond wonderful. There are beautiful pictures in this book as well. The book is sectioned by prep time (15 vs. 30 min hands on) and I found that to be pretty accurate. I like browning meats prior to slow cooking anyway because it brings out the flavor, so that time is to be expected. There are some standards and some recipies that were new and exciting. A great addition to my collection.

Fast slow-cookin' is true when it comes to the recipes in this book. Each recipe is easy to follow and is accompanied by a beautiful photo of the finished meal. And, what's best is that each meal can be prepared - with standard everyday ingredients - in 30 minutes or less. It doesn't get any better than this, right? The title is great in every respect and I highly recommend.

i love this cookbook, it's so easy to follow and the recipes are delicious. the only thing to be aware of is the recipes are for a 7 qt crock pot. mine is only 3 1/2, so i just halve the recipes.

The "Food Made Fast" series from Oxmoor House is composed of cookbooks featuring recipes that are as quick and easy to prepare as they are palate pleasing and appetite satisfying. The one seeming anomaly is "Slow Cooker", a compilation of simply wonderful recipes that are designed for kitchen cooks with minimal time for preparing meals. Each showcased recipe only requires three (or less) steps from beginning to end and easily prepared in half an hour or less. By allowing the dish to cook in a crock pot (or any other form of slow cooker) all day, a delicious, nutritious, and table-gracing dish will be ready for any dining occasion from the simple family meal to the celebratory dining event. From 'Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage'; 'Pork-Roast with Dried-Fruit Compote'; and 'Chicken Adobo'; to 'Split Pea Soup with Ham'; 'Polenta Gratin with Bolognese'; and 'Mole Enchiladas', "Slow Cooker" is an excellent and recommended addition to any cookbook collection -- but most especially to kitchen cooks who are short on time but high on expectations for their table fare. The other very highly recommended titles in the Oxmoor House "Food Made Fast" cookbook series include: "Soup"; "Weeknight"; "Baking"; and "Pasta".

So much better than other slow cooker recipes that I have. Not "add 2 cans of mushroom soup" cookbook. The browning and deglazing makes this slow cooker food that you would actually want to eat. This does take some time, but it is worth it. The pulled pork sandwiches were a big hit and the adobo chicken and cuban chicken were also tasty. It is the first cookbook for slow cookers that I haven't been disappointed in. Quite pleased with it and the dinners that it produces.

I just bought a really nice Allclad slow cooker and needed a book of slow cooker recipes. After reviewing some on Amazon (thank you for being able to do that!), I decided on this one for all of the delicious looking recipes and photos! So far have made the split pea soup, and it is delicious. I wanted to be able to make some soups to freeze in individual portions, and use later, and I think this will work well. If I am in the market for another cook book, I definitely would buy another Williams-Sonoma, as they have different kinds!

This book has excellent recipes and is particularly good if you own the All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker. (The liner is a piece of heavy-duty nonstick cookware. You brown the meat and onions in the liner on top of the stove, add the liquid and spices, transfer the liner to the slow cooker and walk away.) Most of the recipes require this type of preparation. The book is organized by prep time and times are given for cooking on high and low. I prep 2 or 3 meals on the weekend and then just throw them into the slow cooker before work during the week. So even if you don't own the All-Clad you could prepare the recipes this way. If you appreciate good flavor, fresh ingredients and don't mind investing in some prep time, this book is for you. Be sure to try the Spring Veal Stew with asparagus, peas, mushrooms and creme fraiche - outstanding.

While I love the recipes (mole and bolognese sauce)and pictures, the title is misleading. Many of the recipes call for extensive prepping. The whole reason I like to use my slow cooker is so that I can basically throw the ingredients into the pot, turn on the timer and enjoy a few hours later...that's what I consider "easy."

My husband and I are big W-S fans and have enjoyed our collection of their original series of cookbooks immensely. This new "food made fast" cookbook, however, has left us very disappointed. The flavor and instructions fall far short of their usual standards. I suggest sticking with their earlier versions.