What's the best crockpot recipe?

[Onlooker]

I'm a pretty good cook, but bought a nice crockpot and haven't been happy with any of the recipes I've chosen. Things come out bland or dry. Do you have a recipe that shows off the benefits of crockpot? Or is the only benefit of a crockpot that you can throw in everything and dinner is ready when you come home from work?

[eleny]

1. Funny you should ask!

Here's one we were just discussing the other day. It's a recipe that Empress shared. I tried it and plan on making it again and again. Next time with the dark meat of the chicken just for a variation.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=236&topic_id=22311&mesg_id=22313

[KyndCulture]

2. Pork short ribs and apples for the crockpot.

3 lbs of country ribs cubed or pork short ribs
floured and browned in a bit of oil.

Add browned meat to crock pot with:
1 cup of apple juice
2 cups of water
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg
1 small white or sweet onion sliced in rings
1/4 tsp rosemary
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/8 cup cider vinegar

cook meat for about 2 hours,

add 2-3 large apples, peeled and cubed (I like a more tart apple, but whatever you like)and add a bit more water if needed (not too much though you want it to be syrupy)

Cook until the meat is falling apart and it smells like heaven. About 4-5 hrs in all.


Grandma Kynd liked to serve ontop of sauerkraut but that's up to you! This is a classic sweet and sour german recipe.

[Onlooker]

3. Couple of questions

How should I cook the meat for 2 hours? In the oven? At what temp?

What setting should I put the crockpot on? High? Low? Medium?

The recipe sounds delicious.

[KyndCulture]

4. you just need to braise it a bit and throw it in the crockpot

with the onions and all the liquids.... and let it go.. it will create a nice syrup. The only reason you don't put the apples in right away is because they'll disintigrate before the meat is fully cooked. You wanna add the apples about 2 hrs before it's done...

[Arkansas Granny]

5. One of my favorites is a breakfast cobbler.

Peel and cut in chunks 2 - 3 cooking apples (like Granny Smith), put in crock pot and toss with juice from one lemon. Add a couple handsful of your favorite granola, 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey, 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir gently to mix and cook on low for about 6 hours or overnight. Serve warm with half & half. A few chopped nuts and/or raisins are a really good addition.

[Dora]

6. My mom makes a green chile pork that's delish...

She roasts a loin or small pork roast, then shreds it and adds canned pinto beans, canned posole/hominy, and canned green chile. Salt & pepper to taste....

mmmmmmm