Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Aimeekay review: The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook by Christina Dymock

Cookbook
159p.
Available Now
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Source: From publisher for review
It's every busy mother's dream-come-true: dinner that makes itself! With the help of your trusty slow cooker and these healthy, easy recipes, like Peppery Cilantro Salmon, Sausage Stew, and Dark Chocolate Mini Cakes, you can put dinner on the table even on the craziest of days. Don't let the whirlwind of life stop you from feeding your family the food they deserve -- delicious, home-cooked meals straight from your slow cooker.
AimeeKay's thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading and using The Hungry Family Slow Cooker. I loved the size and the pictures. I tried quite a few of the recipes in the book, and while I'm not sure if they look quite as good photographed as the food in the book they did come out quite tasty. I also liked the fact that the author took time in the beginning of the book to really explain the uses and types of slow cookers; from the reasons for using
Steak and Potatoes
one, the different types that are available, to how to care for them. She really took the time to walk a newbie through it. I have been using slow cookers for years, but I have to say that I really would have appreciated instructions like this in the beginning. lol.

I only had two problems with the book. One is the chapter on Seafood, Pork and Other good stuff. I really didn't like how the recipes were organized. Personal preference, but I would have preferred if it had been first one, then the next, then the next. Maybe all seafood, then the pork, then the other? But instead they were intermingled. Again, personal preference, nothing to lose a star over or anything.

The second problem I had was with some of the recipes. I tried to vary which ones I tried. I definitely plan on trying more. For the most part the recipes are very easy. They all took me less than 30 mins to prep. For someone capable of moving a bit faster that prep time would probably be even shorter. Anyway back to what bothered me. After all the effort the author went into to explain slow cookers in
Pork Tenderloin
the beginning of the book she kind of let the reader drift in the recipes. For some of them it would have been nice to know that different cuts of meat would have been ok to substitute for the ones stated in the recipe. For others, items are mentioned, that if it wasn't for Google, I wouldn't have known what they were. A great example of this is the roasted chicken recipe. The author says to place 3 ramekins in the cooker to help prevent the chicken from soaking in its own juices. In this day and age it took me less than a minute to pick up my phone and google ramekins and see what they were. Since I have cooking experience it took me about two minutes more to pull similar items out of my cupboard and use them instead. But I tell you if it had been ten years ago? Um yeah, I wouldn't have had a clue. Of course when I mentioned ramekins to my mother she knew exactly what they were without Google..... I'm just saying that without Google I would have had to wait to complete the recipe, something that isn't always possible when it comes to certain ingredients. I think that with all the effort that was put in at the beginning the author would have thought to go into more detail on the items used in the recipes.

Overall I think the book is awesome. I tried quite a few of the recipes and plan to try more. The recipes are generally easy to prep and get started and all of them that I tried turned out wonderfully.

20 comments:

  1. I'm starting to think I really need to get a slow cooker, so many great cookbooks and dishes. Thanks for a great review! :)

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  2. Aren't ramekins what you make mini-quiches in? God, I have nothing like that in my possession. Why would she use that as a form of measurement? Still, as long as the recipes are yummy and easy to make, I'm on board.

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    1. It wasn't for measurement. It was to keep the chicken from sitting in its own juices. But still wished it had given me something to use as a substitute.

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  3. We don't have a slow cooker but several family members and friends do so I'll be sure to pass on the details of what sounds like a resourceful book.

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  4. I love my slow cooker although I don't use it enough.

    I like when cookbooks offer alternatives (especially to cuts of meat) or explanations. I go into the grocery store with my list and can't find what the recipe says and have to google it. (Thank God for those phones! lol)

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  5. oh gosh I have come to a conclusion i really need a slow cooker. But I have no idea which one is worth it :(

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    1. The book offers some suggestions in the first part.

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  6. Thanks AimeeKay for doing the review. The food looks delish!! I'll be over for dinner, k? :D

    I just wish Google would cook for me.... then I would be SO set! LOL

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    1. I know right? Just Google a recipe and out pops dinner!
      Thanks for getting me this one, it was fun!

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  7. Slow cooker, eh, I need it fast

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  8. Freak yes - I am totally getting this. I was just saying the other day I NEED more recipes to cook in my slow cooker cause hey that is the closest thing to not cooking other than take out

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  9. I love my slow cooker. Like you AimeeKay, I would prefer the meat, fish etc were broken out into sections. Great review!

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  10. Hmm, wonder why the inconsistency on the directions. To be so thorough in the beginning and leave you hanging in the important part... I would love to know which other recipes you tried!

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  11. The food in the cookbooks always looks so much better than the food I make! I'm vegetarian so I only buy vegetarian cookbooks anymore (though I never use them really). But I'm glad this one worked for you!

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  12. Slow cookers rock. I've never made a steak in it though, but am definitely intrigued.

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  13. Ih it's nice, O love books like that! What you made looks yummy!

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  14. These cookbook review posts always make me hungry... Maybe it's because I always visit around lunch time? I should know better. LOL Great post, as usual. :)

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  15. I have a slow cooker which my husband told me I need to make something cause it is still in the BOX! LOL

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  16. Glad you all enjoyed the review! I had great fun reviewing the book!

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  17. This sounds great, I always love slow cooker recipes because I can prepare it and leave it, and they're usually really flavorful. It does sound like the organization and details in the recipe could have been better, but glad you enjoyed the food you made!

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