Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining
By Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann
Harvard Common Press, 2007
$18.95
Filled with mouthwatering photographs and equally tantalizing descriptions, this slow cooker cookbook will have you speed-dialing your closest friends to invite them over. And why not? Even those for whom hosting a party is more stress than pleasure will find this cookbook helpful in preparing a meal for a crowd in the most painless way possible.
Cookbook-writing team Hensperger and Kaufmann are no strangers to the slow cooker—they've also written the predecessor to this book, Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook, as well as a version that focuses on recipes for two.
Hensperger and Kaufmann give a thorough introduction to the slow cooker, including information on choosing sizes, shapes and other features. A multi-paged list of slow-cooking tips and information will inform even those who've been using the appliance for years. And a handy conversion chart will even help adapt traditional recipes to this medium.
The recipes will definitely inspire. From classic to creative, and spanning all cuisines and levels of formality, there's something for everyone here. There's a large section of dips and appetizers (including a number of seasoned nut recipes), as well as an assortment of drink recipes that will turn your slow cooker into the perfect "punch bowl" for Mulled Cider with Cardamom and Saffron or Spiked Wassail.
One drawback is that the recipes don't all use the same size cooker—for instance, dips are made in a small or mini cooker, while main courses would utilize the largest size. This means you might want to invest in another size (which would be wise if you intend to prepare multiple dishes from this book at the same event). Soup and stew recipes are unusual and upscale, with an emphasis on ethnic versions like Yellow Split Pea Dal with Mango and Homemade Pho with Chicken. Main courses will definitely offer a departure from the dull roasts you've relied on—try Rolled Turkey Breast with Prosciutto, Crème de Cassis Chicken, or Lamb and Fruit Tagine.
Since so many of the recipes are saucy or stewlike, there's even a section of salads (not made in the slow cooker), a perfect fresh accompaniment, and an assortment of unusual cornbread recipes to accompany the many chili recipes).
Finally, dessert is not forgotten; there are three sections devoted to the sweet stuff: a section on making puddings, cakes and breads; one on fruit-based desserts and compotes; and one on dessert fondues, sauces and chocolate truffles.
With the inspiring recipes in this book, you'll find yourself relying on your slow cooker for just about every party you host.Recipe Highlights
- Buttery Rosemary Pecan Halves
- Layered Artichokes and Green Chiles
- Hot Eggnog
- Homemade Pho with Chicken
- Red Wine Barbecue Sauce
- Carrots Glazed with Marmalade, Brown Sugar, and Butter
- Pumpkin-Sage Risotto
- Slow-Cooker Cornmeal Dumplings
- New Year's Black-Eyed Peas
- Cherry-Glazed Pork Pot Roast with Herbs
- Sticky Steamed Pumpkin Pudding
- Lemon Cornmeal Cake in Fragrant Fig Leaves
- Slow-Poached Pears in Raspberries and Red Wine
- White Chocolate Pina Colada Fondue
- Low-Fat Chocolate-Nut Truffles
