Quick help Re: slow cooker!

[sara86]

Hi!!

I just put together tonights dinner and its currently in the slow cooker. Its the McCormicks "beef and mushroom ragout" recipe base.
I followed the instructions, but it doesnt seem like its got enough juices. it seems too dry.

Will it turn more saucey as it cooks?
Has anyone used this recipe base?
How did yours turn out?
Did you do it to the packet directions?

Sorry, im sorta new to the whole slow cooker thing! only used it a couple of times before!

TIA! :flowerz:

[Tam-I-Am]

I haven't done that one, specifically - but most of the stuff that I put in the slow cooker appears really dry. The slow cooker draws moisture out of the food in the cooker, though, so I think it should be right. Perhaps just check it after a couple of hours (about halfway through your cooking process) and if it doesn't look right, add a little hot water.

[TeamAwesome]

Agree with Tam also I used the one for the roast and I noticed it said cook on high for 8 hrs where as I know the meat is done about 4hrs into cooking at the most. (for the size roast I cook at least, ave about 1.2kgs and I also ahve all my vegies in the cooker as well) I didn't lift the lid once and there were plenty of juices after 4 hrs.

[delirium]

It's meant to be like that. The heat builds up and kind of steams it. Mushies are mainly water so they simmer down and add to the liquid. Don't add more than the recipe suggests as you'll end up with too much sauce when you serve.

[sara86]

Ahh ok great thanks heaps!

Also another question i wanted to ask....

Am i meant to stir it occasionally? or just fully leave it alone and dont touch it?

[delirium]

I do once or twice in the 8 hours but you don't have to. Don't take the lid off too much as you are letting the heat out and breaking the moisture seal.

[sara86]

Ok thanks!

Ill come back in here later, and also once we have eaten it to let you know whats its like incase anyone else has wanted to try that one! :)

[Tam-I-Am]

Up to you. It's not necessary to stir it - slow cookers have no point of heat (like pans, for example). Rather, the heat is dispersed evenly throughout the whole ceramic insert. So it won't burn or stick if you DON'T stir it.

However, when it does develop some moisture, it can be helpful to give it a bit of a stir in the middle there to make everything moist.

:)

[sara86]

Ok so the end result....


**DRUM ROLL.....**

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:


There was 4 of us eating it, me, my DP, and my parents... my mum and DP are both very fussy eaters! and all of us ended up with clean plates, full tummies, and a smile! :D

It was very nice, and plenty of sauce!! We just served it with mash potato.

:flowerz:

[delirium]

Welcome to the delectable world of the slow cooker :cool: I do curried sausages, beef strog and heaps of others and my family loves it too.:D