Using a crockpot or a slow cooker is a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen. It is also really helpful for cooking in large batches which is great if you have a big family to feed.
Some people avoid crockpot cooking because they don’t know how to achieve the right flavors and textures. If you don’t know how to cook with a crockpot then all you need is the right cookbook.
These crockpot cookbooks have all been written by female chefs (see also: 7 Female Chef Turkish Cookbooks You Do Not Want To Miss)and will help you to create wonderful meals in your crockpot or slow cooker. Keep reading to find the best cookbook for you.
If you are inexperienced with crockpot cooking, or with cooking in general, then this book will help you to become a pro.
Even if you have a lot of cooking experience, it is still a great book for giving you inspiration and offering new and exciting recipes to shake up your weekly menu.
There are over 1200 recipes in this book so you will be able to find something for everyone.
There are breakfast ideas, appetizers, soups, sides, meat dishes, vegetarian dishes, vegan dishes and more.
You can plan endless menus of crockpot dishes with this cookbook.
As well as the step by step instructions, this book also includes useful tips and tricks for slow cooker shopping and grocery lists so you know exactly what you will need to buy to make each recipe.
Pros
Recipes - There is an excellent range of recipes to choose from
Instructions - The instructions are step by step and easy to follow
Advice - There is helpful advice and great tips
Cons
Photographs - The book could do with more color photographs to accompany the recipes
If you have recently got a slow cooker or crock pot and you’re not sure what to do with it then this cookbook will be really useful.
It is ideal for beginners, with advice on how to get started using your slow cooker.
The recipes are simple and easy to follow, and the ingredients are affordable. This makes delicious food accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level or budget.
Pros
Simple - The recipes are simple and easy to follow
Ingredients - The ingredients are budget-friendly
Recipes - There is an excellent range of recipes for all meals
Cons
Photographs - There are some black and white photographs of the meals but no color ones
This cookbook will teach you how to use your crock pot to make your life easier.
No more standing over the stove after a long day at work - the crock pot does all of the hard work for you.
All you need to do is basic chopping and mixing, and you can enjoy delicious home-prepared meals. This means that anyone can do it, even if they aren’t skilled in the kitchen.
Pros
Advice - As well as recipes there are useful tip and tricks
Simple - The step by step instructions are simple and easy to follow
Recipes - There are over 1000 delicious recipes to try
Cons
Photographs - There are no color photographs to go alongside the recipes
If you need a cookbook with recipes that cater for smaller households then this one is ideal.
The recipes are designed for two people - perfect for couples or someone who lives alone and enjoys eating leftovers.
The recipes are suitable for beginners and the book includes a time saving meal plan.
Pros
Portion Size - The recipes are perfect for couples
Recipes - The recipes are easy to follow
Advice - There is helpful advice about cooking
Cons
Photographs - The only photographs included are in black and white
How To Choose The Best Crockpot Cookbook
All of these cookbooks are excellent, but how do you know which one is going to be right for you?
Here are some things that you should consider when choosing your crockpot cookbook.
Recipes
There is no point buying a cookbook if you won’t enjoy the meals that you make with it.
It is great to try new dishes and experiment with different flavors, but you should check that there are some recipes that you will definitely enjoy.
You should also make sure that there are plenty of recipes in the cookbook for you to choose from, as this means that the book will last you a long time.
Instructions
The instructions are an important part of any cookbook. They should be straightforward and easy to follow, preferably in a step by step format.
It is helpful if the cookbook includes some photographs of the finished recipes so you know what you are aiming for, and even some instructional photographs or diagrams to help you along the way.
Portion Size
Some recipes are designed to feed 2 to 4 people and others are suitable for bigger groups of 4 to 8.
If you have a large family then you need to make sure that the recipes can feed plenty of mouths, or can easily be doubled up to make more portions.
Similarly, if you live alone or with one other person then you need to check that you can make smaller meals without lots of waste.
Ingredients
A useful thing to check when choosing a cookbook is whether the ingredients are readily available and easy to get hold of.
It is also very helpful if the ingredients are affordable, as this makes it easier to cook on a budget.
Summary
Any of these cookbooks would make an excellent choice if you want to learn how to make tasty meals with a crockpot.
Your family and friends will be impressed by the delicious flavors you will be able to whip up without having to spend hours standing over a stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about crockpot cooking.
What Is The Difference Between A Crockpot And A Slow Cooker?
A Crock Pot is a particular brand of slow cooker. You can make any crockpot recipe using a slow cooker and any slow cooker recipe using a crockpot.
Can You Cook Frozen Meat In A Crockpot?
It is best to fully thaw any frozen meat before using it in a crockpot recipe.
Slow cookers and crock pots cook food low and slow, so the temperature doesn’t get high enough to cook frozen meat. It would take so long that the texture of the meat would be ruined.
Can You Leave A Crock Pot Unattended?
The great thing about crockpots is that you can chuck the ingredients in and then get on with something else while the food is cooking.
Make sure the crock pot is out of reach of animals and children when leaving it unattended.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
