Hello need some input looking to buy a new crock pot (slow cooker). All th ones I see are to big 4 to 8 quart. I am cooking for one and sometimes two. Looking for 2 quart and have the programmable features or at least one that when the timer setting is met that it will go into keep warm mode.
Any suggestions or experences
Thank You
Like the others said, get one with the removable stoneware pot and the heating element that is on the bottom and the sides. I wouldn't bother with the timer and all the fancy add ons; if you cook something on low all day, it won't matter if you cook it an hour or two longer. As far as size, you can cook smaller amounts in the regular size one -- but if you cook more, most crock pot recipes are even more delicious the next day (or you can freeze portions for the future.)
What to cook? Pretty much anything that benefits from a slow, moist method of cooking. Ribs, chili, soups, roasts, chickens, spaghetti sauce, stuffed peppers, sausage & sauerkraut, whatever you're hungry for basically!
Hmmm, I'm thinking this would be a great day for chicken soup. Here's my quickie recipe:
Cut up a pound or so of skinless chicken -- I usually use the frozen chicken breasts from Costco. Put in crock pot with 1 qt of chicken broth (or 1 qt. water with 4 or 5 chicken boullion cubes); add 1 chopped onion, 3 or 4 celery ribs with the leaves, chopped; 4 or 5 chopped carrots; add 1 tablespoon of Mrs. Dash seasoning (and a bay leaf if you want to be fancy). Add in 1/2 bag of extra wide egg noodles -- or whatever other noodles you prefer. Add additional water to cover all ingredients - don't stir until ready to eat. Cover. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours or until chicken & vegs are tender. Mmmm, tasty!