Summary
Cook it slow, cook it smart
Leave it to the experts at Martha Stewart to figure out the best ways to use this favorite appliance. The 110 recipes in this book make the most of the slow cooker's assets (low heat, hands-off cooking), while also uncovering its hidden potential. Readers will find that they can not only braise cuts of meat until meltingly tender and let soups and stews simmer away untended, but also gently poach fish, cook up creamy scalloped potatoes, and bake a perfect cheesecake. This book has everything home cooks need to maximize flavor and make life a whole lot easier.
Excerpts
Barley Risotto with Fresh Mushrooms SERVES 8 You can find recipes for slow-cooker risotto made with traditional Arboriorice, but we prefer the texture of barley here. It holds up beautifully and doesn't get gummy. Earthy mushrooms flavor the dish the whole way through, while two cheeses and fresh chives round things out at the end. 7 cups vegetable broth, store-bought or homemade, or water. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 12 ounces fresh mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster, trimmed and sliced 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 2 cups pearl barley 2 ounces fresh goat cheese (about ½ cup), crumbled ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (2 ounces), plus more, shaved, for serving Snipped fresh chives, for garnish Preheat a 5-to 6-quart slow cooker. Heat 6 cups broth in a saucepan over low. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium. Add half the mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes; transfer to a bowl. Add remaining tablespoon oil and tablespoon butter, and sauté remaining mushrooms until tender, 4 minutes. Return reserved mushrooms to pan. Add shallots, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and thyme; sauté for 2 minutes. Add barley, stirring to coat well. Increase heat to medium-high, add remaining cup broth, and cook, stirring to combine, until completely absorbed, about 4 minutes. Transfer barley mixture to the slow cooker. Pour in broth and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high until barley is tender but still firm, 2 to 3 hours (or on low for 5 to 6 hours). Before serving, stir in both cheeses with a fork until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with shaved cheese and chives. Excerpted from Martha Stewart's Slow Cooker: 110 Recipes for Fast-Prep, Flavorful, Foolproof Dishes, Plus Test-Kitchen Tips and Strategies by Martha Stewart Living Editors All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
