BOOK REVIEW: 101 Things to Do With a Slow Cooker

101 Things to Do with a Slow Cooker by Janet Eyring and Stephanie Ashcraft

Gibbs/Smith Publishing 2003 (128 pages)

I don't want complicated right now.  I've got a lot of things going on and the holidays are right around the corner.  That's why I'm looking for ways to simplify my life.  One way?  Make dinner time super easy so I can eat healthy and without a lot of hassle.  In an era of endless, complicated recipes, Janet Eyring and Stephanie Ashcraft's book is a refreshing return to simplicity.  This cookbook is not for the gourmet who likes to spend hours perfecting a dish, but for the home cook seeking reliable, flavorful, and above all, easy meals.  With a friendly, "fix-it-and-forget-it" approach, the book transforms the slow cooker from a device for the occasional stew into an indispensable everyday kitchen tool.  The recipes may be familiar, but maybe not using the recipe in a crockpot, which is the ultimate tool for having a hot meal ready with no hands on.  Plus, it helps get me over the hump of running out of ideas on what to put on the table.  The spiral-bound format of this edition is a thoughtful touch, allowing it to lay flat on the counter for easy reference, and the updated design is a welcome modernization of a timeless collection.

What makes this book shine is the impressive range.  From hearty main courses and comforting soups to surprising desserts and even beverages, Eyring and Ashcraft showcase the slow cooker's versatility.  Recipes are generally straightforward, relys on pantry staples and with minimal prep.  This is a deliberate choice that makes the recipes accessible to beginners and a boon for busy parents or anyone with a demanding schedule.  A prime example of this no-fuss philosophy is the simple yet satisfying Creamy Italian Chicken, which requires just three main ingredients.

The use of canned goods and some prepackaged mixes make this book good for those with fully stocked pantries who need to make an emergency quick dinner.  Because the crockpot is used, you are mainly just assembling the ingredients.  The book also provides helpful suggestions for serving and modifying dishes, which adds a layer of personalization to the convenience.

It isn't a culinary text, but it didn't set out to be that.  The aroma that fills your kitchen as you get home from work, picking up kids or shopping will more than win it a place on your cookbook shelf.

Here's a sample recipe from the book to show how easy the recipes are.  Serve it over pasta or rice with a side salad for a complete meal.

CREAMY ITALIAN CHICKEN

4 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup

Instructions:

Grease a 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine

Cover and cook on low heat for 10-12 hours, or on high heat for 6-8 hours.

Makes 4 servings

Stephanie Ashcraft, author of numerous cookbooks, has a hobby of cooking and she loves teaching people how to save time and money in the kitchen. Janet Eyring is a cookbook author best known for co-authoring 101 Things to Do With a Slow Cooker, part of the bestselling “101 Things To Do With” series. Her work focuses on simple, comforting, and practical recipes designed for everyday home cooks.