Review of Adventures in Slow Cooking cookbook.
From Sarah DiGregorio.
Including an overview of what’s included in this slow cooker book.
And a few examples of some of the recipes I’ve tried from it.
For my top 10 UK slow cooker book list, see my page linked below.
Adventures in Slow Cooking Recipe Book
Author: Sarah DiGregorio.
Amazon UK release: November 2017.
Formats available: Kindle Edition and Hardcover.
Description: Showcasing a beautiful, engaging design, inviting color photographs. With 105 original, innovative recipes thoroughly tested in a variety of brands of slow cookers. Adventures in Slow Cooking provides a repertoire of delicious food for any time of day. [Source: Amazon]
Miss Marple BBC Radio 4 Dramas
What’s in the Book
Introduction
First the introduction of this book includes a very good and comprehensive description of how slow cookers came about and how they work. Plus tips on buying slow cookers. And how to get the most out of slow cooking.
As for the recipes, these are split into the following chapters:
1. Basics and building blocks
This is one of my favourite chapters. And where this cookbook really stands out compared to the other slow cooker books that I own. As it shows you how to batch cook staples. From stocks, broths, tomato sauce, cabbage greens and caramalised onions. To polenta, lentils, beans and grains. This is what makes this book so useful. As it shows you how to cook up component ingredients in bulk. Which you can then use throughout the week to quickly make into lunches and main meals.
2. Preserves and Condiments
Preserves such as jams, marmalade and chutney. And condiments such as BBQ sauce, ketchup, pumpkin butter and apple sauce. A perfect way to stock up your storecupboard with useful and delicious sauces.
3. Appetizers, Snacks and Cocktails
Includes plenty of unique and different ideas for your slow cooker.
4. Breakfast and Brunch
Sweet and savoury breakfast ideas. From stratas (bread and cheese bake) to overnight oatmeal.
5. Weeknight Dinners
Including no-cook grain bowls, using the building block batch cooked grains and pulses, from the first chapter. This book shows you how to use them in weekday family meals and lunches. Other notable slow cooker recipes in this chapter include tuna and tomato comfit, turkey and pork meatballs (see my version in the post linked below) and braised aubergine with chickpeas.
6. Parties
In this chapter, the book has some really interesting and unique recipes. Such as ox tail and short rib pho or coriander, mint and green chile lamb biriyani.
7. Desserts
Some lovely and unusual sweet recipes in this section. Such as Vietnamese coffee pots de creme and sticky toffee pudding with maple caramel.
Recipes from this Slow Cooker Book
These posts detail my version of recipes from this book. Converted to use UK measurements and ingredients:
Slow Cooker Smoky Chipotle Ketchup UK Recipe.
Turkey and Pork Slow Cooker Meatballs.
Slow Cooker Easy Polenta UK Recipe.
Cooking Brown Rice in a Slow Cooker.
I’ve also made a batch of the Sichuan sticky chicken wings recipe from the appetizers chapter. Photo included below.
Slow Cooker Cookbook Review
Overall, this book is more varied than the slow cooker books I’ve included in this blog so far. With an exotic and interesting mix of cuisines from around the world. As this is an American cookery book. There are a few ingredients that are not as easily available in UK shops. And would require a search online to source those ingredients. Or requiring an internet search to find the UK equivalent. For example, Mexican ingredients like Masa/Tamale flour, tomatillos (tomatoes and lime juice would be a good replacement), cotija cheese (a bit like Feta cheese) or some types of chillies.
And as this is a US book, it uses cups (i.e. volume) measurements rather than weight. However, as cup measures are now in UK supermarkets, again this is an issue that can be overcome.
Dick Francis BBC Radio 4 Dramas
Recommended!
If you’re looking for a slow cooker book that has interesting and different slow cooker recipes. And would like more creative ways to use your slow cooker. Or if you would like to use your slow cooker to batch cook to help you prepare for the week’s meals ahead of time. I think you will enjoy this slow cooker book. In fact I’d recommend this book based on just the no-cook grain bowl recipe ideas alone!
Top Slow Cooker Book – Available from Amazon UK
*For more details and reviews, visit: Amazon UK.
For more recommened cook book, check out my latest Best Slow Cooker Recipe Books UK list.
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