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Eat happily

meal planning

Maximize your slow cooker by adding… layers!

February 25, 2013 6 Comments
nwafoodie slow cooker crock pot layering layers

Let’s continue our slow cooker series. Earlier we talked about which size slow cooker was right for you and today you are going to learn how to maximize your slow cooker to reach its fullest and deepest potential.

Let me explain.

Ever been frustrated by slow cooker recipes where everything turns out as one big unidentifiable mush?  Or, ever been proud of yourself that you preplanned a slow cooker dinner only to remember that you still have to prepare the side dishes?

Today you are going to incorporate something new in your life by adding layers in your slow cooker.

 

Yes, layers.

In the opening photo you will see beef ribs, Yukon gold potatoes, and canned Italian tomatoes nested together in my slow cooker.  If I had left the tomatoes on the bottom of the crock and not in its own separate container, the slow cooking process would have left it a mushy mess, indistinguishable due to rib juices swallowing its tenderness.

Instead, this is how it turned out.

nwafoodie slow cooker crock pot separate layers juices

 Nicely intact.

Next time your recipe calls for a deeper layer on the bottom, no worries… simply place a canning jar in the middle and use it as a stand for another layer. A poached egg holder is another excellent slow cooker layering support.  Any ovenproof container will work great, just be sure there is enough air space at the top to allow circulating air to assist in cooking.

I hope this tip opens up a whole new world for you when it comes to planning out your next slow cooker meal.

Happy layering!

Lyndi

Eat well, my friends. Eat well.

PS:: Next time we will talk about how you can prepare a slow cooker meal ahead of time so your elderly parent or young child can easily have a hot meal ready for them.

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Recipe Rating




  1. blueberryacresfarm says

    February 25, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    My short ribs are always "muddy" in flavor when I cook them in the crock pot. Can't wait to try this!

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      February 25, 2013 at 11:22 pm

      I'm excited for you to try it out… no one has been disappointed yet!

      Reply
  2. Vicki says

    February 26, 2013 at 12:04 am

    That is such a great idea! I want to try that soon. Thanks for the great tip 🙂

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      February 26, 2013 at 12:23 am

      You're welcome… I'm sure you will ship up something very Pioneer-womany like you always do!

      Reply
  3. Jenny Marrs says

    February 26, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    Such a helpful tip!! You know I love a slow cooker recipe and this will definitely come in handy!

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      February 26, 2013 at 10:14 pm

      Awesome! The reason why I do this blog is to be helpful! So glad you found it handy!

      Can't wait to see you again!

      Reply

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author image of thejoyofeatingwell blogWell hello! Thanks for stopping by. I’m Lyndi Fultz and I have a passion for simplicity.

I believe that planning, prepping, and cooking meals can be a joy and not a daily dreaded chore.

Want to start eating happily? Join me as I encourage kitchen joy by focusing on simplicity.

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simplejoyfulfood

Encourager of eating happily @simplejoyfulfood // local eats @nwafoodie

Lyndi Fultz
Are you using your pressure cooker to its fullest Are you using your pressure cooker to its fullest potential? I've barely scratched the surface but I gotta' tell you... I use it all week long for soups! Recently I decided that I wanted to use it to make a dessert and started browsing around on Pinterest. I decided to make creme brulee in my Instant Pot! After playing around with it, I posted (link in bio) a recipe for creme brulee with a touch of lemon.🍋
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The stars of this healthy salad are the hearty veggies: sweet potatoes and radishes. You’re going to roast them first. That’s right, roast!
A healthy salad is wholesome. Substantial. Strong A healthy salad is wholesome. Substantial. Strong enough to sail on its own, yet perfectly willing to tag along with the main course. In fact, I think you’ll love serving this salad whenever you may have someone at the dinner table that is drawn to more-veggies and less-meat.⁠
⁠
It’s pretty isn’t it?
Savoring.⁠ Not rushed. ⁠ Not complicated. ⁠ Savoring.⁠
Not rushed. ⁠
Not complicated. ⁠
Special. ⁠
Eating happily is in the moments of a meal.⁠
⁠
Do I do this with every meal moment? I don't, yet I'm trying. And, when I do... it IS really special. Not special like, oooo look at this perfectly grilled filet with candles and fresh flowers. Instead, it's more like, hey - look at this moment we're enjoying  together or alone. It's about savoring, keeping it simple, and really focusing on the moment.⁠
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I recently traveled and someone commented that they could never have me over because they would be embarrassed to cook for me because they don’t cook fancy. That made me sad and I was quick to say how much I focus on the simple things, the simple foods. The ones that aren't fancy! Honestly, mostly my food may look complicated but that's just styling. If you look at my pictures on my IG profile - or recipes on my blog - they're simple. Simple ingredients. Pecans. Beans. Fish. Martinis. :)⁠
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If you ever need encouragement that you're on the right track by slowing down to savor, I'm here for you.
Oh hi! Want to know what makes me cheerful?⁠ ⁠ Oh hi! Want to know what makes me cheerful?⁠
⁠
A well-stocked pantry, that's what.⁠
⁠
I find that keeping a lean and purposeful pantry makes me breathe easier AND - ironically - makes me more creative in the kitchen. Have you ever felt that way?⁠
⁠
I am curious to know what are the top ingredients that you like to keep stocked in your pantry. 
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I'll start:⁠
⁠
1) nuts for snacks⁠
2) canned diced tomatoes (for soup)⁠
3) small yellow potatoes⁠
4) spices⁠
5) pre-made sauces (for last minute assistance)⁠
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Your turn!
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“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. Then you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.” – Julia Child

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