Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Crock Pot Pasta

By Ken Kudra

Delicious pasta dishes are only a crock pot away. While it is true that pasta can be a bit tricky in the crock pot, with a little knowledge you will soon be turning out perfect pasta. There are several ways you can do pasta when you use the crock pot, and it all depends on what recipe you decide to make.

Putting on the Kettle

In some recipes, it is recommended to cook your pasta completely before adding it to your recipe. Alternatively, your crock pot contents might be served on a bed of noodles. You may find this works well with stroganoff, roasted meats with sauces, and other similar recipes.

Other recipes may require that the pasta be partially cooked until it is just tender. The pasta is then added to the crock pot for the last half hour to cook with the rest of the ingredients. This approach works well with chicken Alfredo, casseroles, some soups and other dishes. The noodles will finish their cooking in the crock pot and soak up some of the flavors while they are at it.

It is true that cooking your pasta separately takes more work on your part. Instead of just dishing up, you need to boil the water and cook the noodles. This method does make sure your noodles are just right, but it will not work with every crock pot pasta recipe.

Cooking Pasta in the Crock Pot

Some recipes that you find for the crock pot call for uncooked pasta. They mean less work for you, though in most cases the pasta is still added in towards the end. This technique works well for homemade chicken noodle soup, ramen or goulash. Standard types of pasta should be added to your crock pot about half an hour to an hour before serving. If you are making a ramen soup, the thin noodles only take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook if your crock pot is on the high setting.

Some recipes require you put the pasta in at the beginning, with the other ingredients. Crockpot lasagna is one example. You can also make an incredible macaroni and cheese in the crock pot, but do not leave it for eight hours. This is a recipe that will be done somewhere between 90 minutes and 2 hours. You can also make baked ziti, stuffed pasta shells, and other similar dishes. Be sure to watch the time on these dishes. They probably will not take all day to cook, and you do not want to end up with mush instead of pasta.

As you can see, you can cook pasta in the crock pot. You just need to tailor your techniques to the recipe. Pasta is a bit delicate as a crock pot ingredient, so watch the pot until you know how a recipe will turn out. With some, it may take an attempt or two to get it just right.

You will soon be feeding your family delicious meals featuring pasta from your crock pot. Pasta is true comfort food, and it has never been easier. - 32170

About the Author:

Soup is a favorite for most kids. They love to slurp the liquid from their spoon. Noodles are fun additions that always make them smile. Sit your kids down in front of a hot bowl of soup and see. Add some fun garnishes that they will like, such as grated cheese or popcorn.

Consider Making These 5 Soups

By Patricia Cox

If you're short on ideas for an appetizer, you might want to consider making a soup at home. It's light, it warms the body, and the right ones are absolutely delicious. I have a whole cabinet full of recipes and I'd like to share some ideas with you.

There are so many different things you can do with soup, and people often seem to overlook the many possibilities. Having prepared hundreds of different kinds of soup, I've done my best to make what some people believe to be a boring dish a very interesting one.

Butternut squash is a great soup, but I like mine even more with apples in it. Mincing some apples with this soup makes it delicious, but I'd go one step further and puree them. This is one of my favorite soups out there and I believe you'll love it too.

2. Broccoli soup with cheddar cheese croutons. You've probably had the broccoli and cheddar combo on its own, but the cheese flavored crouton here is a game changer.

If you're a fan of potatoes, try throwing a nugget into the middle of a cream of potato soup. Not only does it add to the flavor, but it gives your soup a great texture, as the warm potato will really enhance the overall experience.

Pumpkin is in season right now and people love a good pumpkin soup. Making one of these from a fresh pumpkin can be absolutely delicious. There are a number of different ways this can be served, both hot and cold. Use your imagination and get creative with the many possibilities.

5. Ham and cheddar cheese soup. This is an original recipe that consists of a cheddar cheese brother, with bits of ham. The ham is best served boiled, which should probably go without saying if it's inside the soup.

There's a good chance that one of the above soups may appeal to you. If I haven't done my job, keep on thinking and I'm sure that any one of these ideas could ultimately lead to something else. - 32170

About the Author:

This writer also covers chimney sweep brushes and fireplace damper issues.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Slow Cooker History

By Ken Kudra

Crock-pots... almost everyone has one, but do they use them? Many just stay in the cupboard, completely underused. Slow cooking has been used for hundreds of years to get the most out of food, but it used to be a lot more work than it is today.

Way Back When

People have been slow cooking their meals ever since they learned how to smelt iron and make a pot. A large kettle could be simmering over the fire throughout the day, or a small, covered Dutch oven could be set into the coals for cooking. It has long been known that slow cooking has many benefits for our food. The downside to the old methods is the constant tending needed for the fire, as well as frequent stirring of the food.

Slow cooking tenderizes even tough cuts of meat through the gradual softening of the fibers in the meat. The low heat gradually melts the natural collagen within; making a delicious, thick, and gelatin-rich meal that is full of nutrition. Long cooking times over low heat slowly breaks down the fibers in tough root crops like rutabagas, parsnips, and turnips. It also tenderizes stored crops like dried beans and lentils until they are not only tender, but also delicious.

The Crock Pot

The Beanery was introduced in the'50s by the Naxon Utilities Corporation of Chicago. It was designed to make baked beans. The Beanery was a ceramic pot fitted inside a pan lined with heating elements inside. This design allowed for even heating without direct contact with the food, making it easier not to burn the contents.

Naxon was bought by Rival in'70. The Beanery was reinvented as the Crock Pot. During the'70s, more women were joining the workforce, and the Crock Pot helped them manage to feed their families as well. It was easy enough to fill it before they left for work and be able to come home to a hot meal.

As the years have progressed, so has the Crock Pot. Now they feature removable ceramic pots for easier cleaning and storage of leftovers. The old ones were a single piece, making cleaning difficult due to the attached electrical cord. The new ceramic liners are even dishwasher safe, making them even more convenient for busy families. Many of the newer slow cookers also feature a warming setting as well as Low and High. Some are electronic and will automatically switch to warm when the food is done.

While women made many dishes slow cooking the old way, today's crock-pot is even more versatile. Beans, stews, casseroles, and roasts are the most common dishes made in the crock-pot. You can also make foods like lasagna, barbecued pork, and even your favorite chicken noodle soup recipe in your crock-pot.

You can also emulate your ancestors and bake breads by slow cooking. The more you use your crock-pot, the more creative you will get. You may even try desserts and dips if you get adventurous. - 32170

About the Author:

Soup recipes can be simple or elaborate. Depending on the type of soup you want to make, you may need a list of ingredients a mile long, or one that just contains a few key items. The results you get are always delicious and soothing. Try making a soup this week!

These Easy Soup Recipes Could Make Your Meal!

By Ken Kudra

Most of us eat soup from a can from time to time. After all, it is easy to make and relatively cheap, too. The downside is that it can get pretty boring, and for those of us without much time, it may be the only solution. Fortunately, you do not have to be stuck with dull soup. There are some great ways to make your soup better without a lot of work. Here are a few.

Try adding some vegetables, either fresh or leftover. Chop up whatever's around that seems like it will work well in your soup, and heat it in the microwave. For more flavor, put a little oil in a frying pan and saute your veggies. Then, add the precooked vegetables to your soup and heat it up.

Frozen veggies can work well, too. Take a commercial can of chowder and add some corn, carrots, peas, or green beans out of the freezer bag, then heat as usual. You will notice a real difference in the taste, and you do not have to put in very much more effort.

Meat can make an excellent addition to soups, as well, and it is a great way to use up leftovers. For a tasty chicken soup, save bits from a previous chicken meal, warm them briefly in the microwave, and add to your canned meal for a better taste. Any kind of meat, including seafood, can be used. Just make sure you cook it thoroughly before eating, for safety's sake.

If leftovers are not common in your kitchen, you can try canned meats instead. Chicken, shrimp, or other options make a canned soup a lot more interesting. Add canned crab to a standard can of clam chowder for mixed seafood chowder. Put chicken in vegetable and noodle soups. Everyone loves a great cup of soup.

Grains make great soup addition, as well. If you have a half cup of rice, a spoonful of pilaf, or half a serving of pasta left some night, don't throw it out. Instead, put it in a bag in the fridge, and then add it to your next soup meal.

Spices and condiments can really change tastes, as well, and may make dull soups a lot more interesting. Garlic and onion, herbs, seasoning salt, hot pepper, or black pepper could be just what you need. Wine and sherry make things better, as do interesting vinegars. Try hot sauce, soy sauce, or even a little ranch (in a cream soup) and see what happens.

Cheese and other dairy products work well, too. Grate a little fresh cheese on top of a soup, or add it to cream soups when heating for a delicious cheesy option. How about a spoonful of sour cream? Add it after heating the soup to make your meal a little richer. - 32170

About the Author:

Homemade chicken noodle soup is not only delicious, it is good for you. Studies have proven that Grandma was right... chicken soup does help you get better when you are ill. There are compounds in the broth that give your body the energy it needs to fight off illnesses like colds and flu.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Crockpot Chicken

By Ken Kudra

With how easy it is to cook chicken in the crockpot, you would think they were destined to be together. Chicken is one of the most versatile foods you can buy. Cooking chicken in the crockpot makes it easy to create delicious meals ranging from stew to coq au vin. It could be possible to eat chicken every night for a year using your crockpot and never eat the same meal twice.

Using the crockpot keeps your meat tender and moist. To lower the fat content in your recipe, simply take off the skin and extra fat before putting the chicken into the pot. You will not need to worry about the meat drying out since the crockpot uses moist heat. If you like to keep the skin on, you may want to try browning them first. This will make the finished dish more attractive on your plate.

Using a crockpot will let you make easy one-dish recipes, stews, soups, or entrees with very little fuss. Put all your ingredients in first thing in the morning, and when you get home you can enjoy a delicious meal waiting just for you.

Easy Chicken Recipes

Using the crockpot to cook your chicken gives you a lot of easy recipes to choose from. From whole chicken-to-chicken stroganoff, you will be amazed at the variety of recipes you can create. If you want to try some ethnic recipes, make Chinese chicken or chicken tacos in your crockpot.

A chicken soup recipe is a good, easy meal to try in the crockpot. Just add your vegetables and chicken into the pot when you get up and you will find a delicious bowl of soup waiting for you when you get home. This is a perfect meal on a cold night. To top it off, serve it with bread or rolls.

Creative Recipes

Just because you are using a crockpot does not mean you cannot get creative. Try something new like a chicken ratatouille, chicken teriyaki or make your own version of chicken pot pie. For something filling, you cannot beat a good chicken stew. Use thighs for extra flavor and goodness. If you want your meals to be extra healthy, try chicken quinoa or a hearty chicken and lentil soup.

For the kids, you cannot beat brown sugar chicken in the crockpot. Made with brown sugar, vinegar, and seasonings, it offers a bit of tang with a nice sweetness your family will love. Simply adding chicken parts with a sauce or canned soup can make a great dish to serve over rice or noodles. Try different flavors to see what you like best. You can even jazz up your crockpot chicken with a jar of your favorite salsa and some canned vegetables.

So, unpack your crockpot. Fill it with whatever chicken you have in your freezer. Use wings, thighs, breasts or even a whole chicken. Add a few tasty ingredients and go on with your day. When you are done, come home to a delicious meal just waiting to be dished up. - 32170

About the Author:

Making your own chicken noodle soup recipe will do your family good. Not only is it nutritious and delicious, your family will be impressed that you made a soup from scratch. You will rise in their estimation as your culinary skills continue to grow.

Add Some Pumpkin Soup Varieties to Your Life

By Ken Kudra

Pumpkin soup is one of those recipes that has many variations. While most people think of only classic pumpkin soup, there are many other ways to create a soup out of pumpkin. One of the easiest recipes is for a honey roasted pumpkin soup. The ingredients are drizzled with honey before roasting. Then it is made into soup.

Pumpkin and cheese makes another easy combination. Simply use canned pumpkin puree in this simple soup. Combine the ingredients of cream, spices, broth, grated cheddar cheese, and some brown sugar to create a lovely dish. Serve with hot fresh bread or melt additional cheese on top of the bowl, like French onion soup.

A further variation on pumpkin soup uses Marsala wine and real maple syrup. The rich flavors combine to create a delicious soup. Always use real maple syrup for this variation. Imitation syrups do not create the same flavors in your soup.

Pumpkin soup can be changed according to the cuisine. You can make Thai soup, Haitian soup, Mexican or even Jamaican pumpkin soup. Each of these soups contains pumpkin, yet the spices of the hosting cuisine prevail, adding a new touch to them all.

For a more exotic flavor, try pumpkin ginger soup. Ginger will give this creamy soup a bit of heat and Asian flavor. If you like it hotter you can add some chilies as well. Garnish the soup with a little chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds. If you like a whiter soup, try using white pumpkin. This soup is not your average pumpkin soup! Serve it as an appetizer for an Asian themed meal or serve it alone.

Try adding some specialty ingredients to change your soup. Shrimp adds a nice seafood flavor to the soup, while chocolate can create an unusual dessert soup. Make your soup spicy or mild. Peppers will add some kick to your soup if you like it hot. Use chipotle if you want a milder heat. Peanut butter can be combined with pumpkin soup to make an unusual flavor. Add bacon or sausage to bring it all together. This fast recipe can be done at the last minute.

It is common for fall produce to be used in pumpkin soup. Apples are often added, as are other winter squashes and even sweet potatoes. These ingredients will give different levels of flavor to your soup and make it more complex. Add some herbs to create more of a savory flavor. In the heat of summer, make a chilled pumpkin soup that will keep you cool as a cucumber.

It really does not matter what variation of pumpkin soup you make. The results will be a rich, delicious soup that will fill you up and warm you to your core. The velvety texture of this creamy soup is satisfying on all levels. It may become a new favorite for your family or friends. If cooking time is at a premium, throw your ingredients in the crockpot and let them cook all day long. You can enjoy it in the evening at your leisure. - 32170

About the Author:

Many people want to know how to cook pumpkin soup. The truth is that this soup is super simple to make. The really hard part will be pretending how hard it was so everyone appreciates your genius in the kitchen. Serve it as a meal or an appetizer.

Making Soup in the Slow Cooker

By Ken Kudra

There is something so comforting about a nice hot bowl of soup. The soup warms you, making you feel cozy. Many people are intimidated at making homemade soup, but it actually is pretty easy once you have tried it a time or two. It is even easier when you use your slow cooker.

What Can You Make?

Just about any kind of soup can be made successfully in a slow cooker. If you like simple soups like chicken noodle beef barley, the slow cooker can do it for you. If you like fancier soups like vichyssoise or French onion soup, your slow cooker can handle that too. Delicate soups like seafood chowder can also be made quickly in your slow cooker. If you prefer ethnic soups like Indian Dal or Mexican tortilla soup, you are good to go.

It does not matter what your favorite is, you can make it in your slow cooker. Use leftovers or fresh ingredients. If you have a little ham, add it to some navy beans for a delicious bean soup. Likewise, you could add split yellow or green peas and make a wonderful pea soup.

Even soups that seem more complicated, like cheddar cheese or clam chowder, can easily be made in your slow cooker. Whether it is something simple like chicken soup or more complicated, you can make all your favorite soups. Use your favorite ingredients like noodles, dumplings or rice... whichever you prefer.

Something New

You can also find many recipes for soups that will be new to you. It is always fun trying something new! Why not try a new slow cooker soup? How about a cheesy meatball soup? Ever heard of taco soup? What about garden cabbage soup or deviled chicken soup? There are so many you can try that may become new favorites.

All you need is a little inspiration to create your own slow cooker soups. Why not try making your own recipe? The slow cooker allows for imperfection. A tough piece of meat will be tenderized by the long cooking time. Vegetables and herbs add their flavors, creating a complex broth. Add a little milk or cream towards the end to create a nice creamy soup if you prefer. You are limited only by your imagination.

Old traditional favorites like chicken soup, beef barley and chicken and dumplings are always good, too. For a change of pace, try an old favorite with a different ingredient added. Maybe try pork barley or rabbit and dumplings. It is fun to try a new twist on an old favorite.

You can even press your slow cooker into service after the holidays to make your day after easier. Add leftover turkey from Thanksgiving to the slow cooker to make a delicious turkey soup. Add rice, potatoes, or noodles, whichever you like best. Add in leftover vegetables like peas, squash, carrots, or leftover gravy. You will end up with a new way to enjoy the fruits of your labors from before the big day. Slow cookers are a great way to use up these leftover goodies. - 32170

About the Author:

The very best chicken noodle soup is the one that you make. Your family will appreciate all the effort you put into your soup, and they will eat up every drop. Serve it in big bowls with bread or salad. Some kids enjoy crumbling crackers in their soup so they get every bit.

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