Crockpot novice needs advice . . . .

M

magnoliainchicago

Well-known member
I am the new recipient of a crockpot. I've made one trial run batch (to test it out and make sure my house didn't burn down or implode while I am gone!), but I have a question, which I hope you all may be able to help me with.

What adjustments would I need to make to cut a recipe in half or into two-thirds? The recipe made SOOO much. Even eating it two times a day for several days I couldn't finish the batch as I am only one. Yes, I could freeze, but I don't currently have room in the freezer (working on that!)

I assume it is possible to just reduce the amount of meat and veggies appropriately, but do I need to make any adjustments for cooking times, etc.? That really is my question. Any insight (and recipes) would be appreciated.

TIA!

 
Hi Magnolia. What size is your crockpot? Some are quite small and sized for ...

...portions appropriate for a small family, or maybe 2 people.

Michael

 
Zoinks! I'm not a crockpot expert, so I'll defer to the talent on this board to answer.

You may want to get to that freezer project!

Michael

 
Hi! I have both a small one and a larger one, maybe

2.5 qts? I just fill up whichever one, according to how much I want to make. That doesn't help you, however!

I'd say just adjust the amount of food to whatever your needs are. If you have a large one (6.5 is huge, you might want to fill it and measure that you actually have that size), just make sure that you don't have less than 2 inches of food in it when you start. The vegetables, etc. will release water, of course, but if you have too shallow of a layer, you could risk burning it and even starting a fire if you leave it on high for a long time.

I usually fill mine at least 2/3 full, to be on the safe side, so you may want to buy a smaller one, or clean out your freezer soon ;o) Good luck!

P.S. Melissa is right - use less water - use a little less water than you'd expect, and use fewer spices/herbs they say, but I always tend to underspice things anyway, so no problem there.

 
I'd appreciate any insight also. I have 3 crockpots. Small, medium and large.

I only try regular crockpot recipes. Everything I try tastes like it was boiled and is very watery. I hear people rave about using their crockpots. What am I doing wrong. The only thing I'm using them for is to keep things warm. Why on earth did I buy 3?

 
My name is Melissa and I have a crockpot addiction.... I have 5

Two large, and three mediumish. Oh wait - make that six - one came with the little mini dipper one.

I can't get rid of them because even if you don't use them for cooking, they are so useful for parties.

Oh well, The main thing is watching the amount of liquid you add. I rarely add as much liquid as most recipes call for and especially if I am converting a regular recipe.

Only when I am making 'caramel' from sweetened condensed milk do I use a small amount of anything. Otherwise, it's usually at least half full but I have left leftovers on warm even when there is only a little.

 
Hi Melissa. How do you make the Carmel from sweetened condensed milk?

Does it come out like Dulce de Leche?

 
Magnolia, I use a crockpot and will add my advice

My advice to you is to pass your large crockpot on to someone else and get a very small one- the 2.5 qt for instance. They are very inexpensive. Why fight the big one and try to cut down recipes? It seems silly if you are only cooking for one.

 
Agree with Cathy....Mags, I think you will like it. I make a point to use ours. There is nothing

better than being out all day and return home to the wonderful aroma of a meal prepared. This time of year, I enjoy/use ours more for soups, gravies, etc.... It is not my "go to" for cooking, so I have to really think/challenge myself to use it, but once done, always enjoyed!~

 
Yes - comes out pretty good since DH will not let me cook it in the can

O'Charley's restaurant makes the most awesome caramel pie - graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, whipped cream sprinkled with the tiny chocolate chips and chopped pecans. OMG - now I want a piece and I am snowed in. I have the sweetened condensed milk, and I think most of the ingredients.

 
So I assume you pour the sweetened condensed milk into the crockpot.

Am I missing something? Do you cook it on high or low and for how long? The ones I've seen on the internet cook the milk in the can but I assume you don't because your "DH will not let you cook it in the can"

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top