ellen1159
Assistant Cook
Just joined this site and looking forward to learning from the experts!
I'm a divorced mom of three teen/early 20's kids, working temp while I job hunt for a full time position after a long time at home (yup, good luck with that). I'm trying to eat healthier and simpler, less processed foods for my overall health and that means more scratch cooking than I've done since I was a newlywed.
I like to use my slow cooker/crockpot on days that I do get called in to work so that something is ready when my youngest and I roll in at 5:30 from a long day at the office or school and cheer practice.
One of the reasons I sought out this website was to find out why, when I make a soup or stew in my slow cooker, the fresh vegetables never seem to be done. At the end of the recommended cook times the meat is tender and falling apart but the vegetables are still al dente.
Is this just the way it is, or is my crockpot not working properly?
I've attempted to make baked beans from soaked overnight, dried beans and even with almost doubling the cook time, the beans are still a bit chewy.
If it's the crock pot's fault, then I know what I'm asking my kids for Christmas this year!
best,
Ellen
I'm a divorced mom of three teen/early 20's kids, working temp while I job hunt for a full time position after a long time at home (yup, good luck with that). I'm trying to eat healthier and simpler, less processed foods for my overall health and that means more scratch cooking than I've done since I was a newlywed.
I like to use my slow cooker/crockpot on days that I do get called in to work so that something is ready when my youngest and I roll in at 5:30 from a long day at the office or school and cheer practice.
One of the reasons I sought out this website was to find out why, when I make a soup or stew in my slow cooker, the fresh vegetables never seem to be done. At the end of the recommended cook times the meat is tender and falling apart but the vegetables are still al dente.
Is this just the way it is, or is my crockpot not working properly?
I've attempted to make baked beans from soaked overnight, dried beans and even with almost doubling the cook time, the beans are still a bit chewy.
If it's the crock pot's fault, then I know what I'm asking my kids for Christmas this year!
best,
Ellen