ow cooker is perhaps one of the most useful yet underappreciated small kitchen appliances around. Not only can you toss in a bunch of ingredients to cook while you go about your daily chores, but the meal will be bursting with flavor that has had hours to simmer. Most people tend to wait until the weather takes a turn for the cold season before digging the “crock pot” out of the back of cabinet, but the versatility and convenience the crock pot offers makes it a terrific cooking tool year round!

This article is the first in a series that features some of my favorite slow cooker recipes. I hope you enjoy them and continue to read the series!

BBQ Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 (14-oz) can beef broth
3 lbs boneless pork ribs
1 (18-oz) bottle barbeque sauce
Burger buns or rolls (makes about 12 sandwiches)

Directions:
Pour the broth into the slow cooker, then add the pork ribs. Set the cooker to a high heat, cover, and cook for four hours (or until the meat shreds easily with a fork).Remove the meat from the cooker and shred it. Transfer the shredded meat to a Dutch oven and add the barbeque sauce. Stir well, then bake at 350 degrees F for about half an hour. Spread the barbeque pork meat onto one of the bread halves, sprinkle a bit of pepper on it, then cover with remaining bread half.

Taco Soup

Ingredients:
3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped
1 can chili beans
1 can black beans
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
1 (12-oz) can or bottle beer
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 package taco seasoning
shredded Cheddar cheese
sour cream
crushed tortilla chips

Directions:
Combine the chili beans, black beans, corn, beer, onion, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes in the slow cooker. Add the taco seasoning and stir well. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture and spoon a little of the mixture on top. Set the slow cooker to a low heat and allow it to cook for five hours. Remove the chicken from the soup and shred with a fork. Return the shredded chicken into the soup and cook for another two hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.

Pot Roast

Ingredients:
5 1/2 lb pot roast
2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1-oz) package dry onion soup mix
1 1/4 cups water

Directions:
Add the cream of mushroom soup, water, and dry onion soup mix into the slow cooker. Add the pot roast and ladle the soup mixture over the roast. Set to a high heat and cook for about four hours. If you want a more flavourful roast, cook on a low setting for eight hours. Serve with a ladle of soup mixture and veggies of your choice.

Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tbsp butter
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 packages refrigerated biscuit dough

Directions:
Put the soup, butter, onion, and chicken into the slow cooker. Top up with water until the chicken is covered. Cover the slow cooker and set to a high heat setting. Cook for about five hours. Half an hour before serving, place the biscuits in the slow cooker. Ensure the dough is thoroughly cooked before serving.



By: Patrick Carpen

About the Author:

If you’re looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection.
The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet’s Most Comprehensive Recipes Collection.



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Crock pot cooking has a glorious past! In grandma’s day the crock pot was called the slow cooker. She would load it up with roast beef and potatoes, or chicken and vegetables, and let it simmer all day long, filling the house with the delicious aroma. Crock pot cooking makes it easy to cook a meal to perfection. Tender morsels, rich sauces and broths, all combine in a meal that would have been difficult to achieve without crock pot cooking. Conventional cooking usually requires a good deal of time and energy, two things which are in short supply in this busy age. Most working people these days don’t have the time to stand around watching the stove. Crock pot cooking is the answer for old fashioned nutritious meals. Throw a few good ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home that evening to a tasty meal just like

grandma used to make!

Crock pot cooking is easier than ever before. Temperature systems and timing mechanisms allow precise control. Electronic safeguards allow cooks to put their minds at rest and go on with their day, knowing that the crock pot is doing what it’s designed to do. Some models are even designed to be microwavable, which is great for reheating leftovers. Cleaning up after crock pot cooking is made easier too! Surfaces are dishwasher-safe and Teflon coated, making clean-up a breeze.

For more useful tips & hints, please browse for more information at our website :- http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com                                     

http://www.100earningtips.com



By: trinityservices006

About the Author:

For more useful tips & hints, please browse for more information at our website : - http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
http://www.100earningtips.com



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Crock-pot cooking can offer some very tasty meals and desserts however some basic rules should be followed when using a crock-pot to cook with. For more help visit to: www.classic-dessert-collection.com. You should be careful not to over stir their food while it’s cooking in a crock pot. Taking the lid off during cooking causes vast amounts of heat to escape, therefore the food should only be stirred if it is clearly stated in the recipe.

Some elements can only be added at the end of the cooking time. When using milk and sour cream be sure to wait until the last fifteen minutes of cooking time before adding these ingredients. Unless the recipe states otherwise, seafood only needs to be included during the last hour of cooking time.

Pasta and rice cook requirements are quite different for crock-pot cooking. For the best results with pasta, cook in boiling water until just tender, and then add the pasta to the main dish during the last thirty minutes of cooking time. You should also try to use long grain converted rice for the best results. If the rice does not appear cooked completely through, you can add another 1-1.5 cups of liquid per cup of rice. Always boil beans before adding them to the crock-pot for cooking.

Frozen foods can be used in crock-pot cooking. For more help visit to: www.cooking-chinese-style.com. When cooking frozen means you should use at least one cup of warm liquid along with the meat. When preparing these types of meals you should all for and additional four to six hours on low temperature or two hours on high.

Contrary to popular belief, cooking raw meat in the crock-pot is very safe. During the cooking process, the meat’s internal temperature reaches approximately 170 degrees in beef and 190 degrees in poultry. Two important things to remember however is to always cook the meat for its complete time recommended in the recipe recommend time. Secondly, do not remove the lid on the slow cooker. There is no requirement to brown meat beforehand unless the you prefer the look and taste of browned meat.

When cooking in a crock-pot the best flavors will come from whole herbs and spices. Crushed herbs and spices rapidly lose their flavor during the long cooking time, but whole spices keep their flavor during the entire cooking time because they take longer to let go of their flavor.

Crock-pots can be used to make desserts and baked goods as well. You should be sure not to over beat breads and cakes; and should always follow the recommended recipe guidelines. Never add water to the crock-pot unless it specifically says to do so. Always allow cakes and breads to sit and cool for five to seven minutes before taking them out of the pan.

Vegetables like potatoes and carrots should be cut no larger than 1″ thick, and put in the bottom of the pot, since they require more time to cook. Crock-pot cooking can be delicious for both meals and desserts when some basic guidelines are followed.



By: Junga Singh

About the Author:

About The Author:-

www.thanks-giving-recipes.com

www.300-chicken-recipe.com



Free Article Content

Crock pot cooking has a glorious past! In grandma’s day the crock pot was called the slow cooker. She would load it up with roast beef and potatoes, or chicken and vegetables, and let it simmer all day long, filling the house with the delicious aroma. Crock pot cooking makes it easy to cook a meal to perfection. Tender morsels, rich sauces and broths, all combine in a meal that would have been difficult to achieve without crock pot cooking. Conventional cooking usually requires a good deal of time and energy, two things which are in short supply in this busy age. Most working people these days don’t have the time to stand around watching the stove. Crock pot cooking is the answer for old

fashioned nutritious meals. Throw a few good ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home that evening to a tasty meal just like

grandma used to make!

Crock pot cooking is easier than ever before. Temperature systems and timing mechanisms allow precise control. Electronic safeguards allow cooks to put their minds at rest and go on with their day, knowing that the crock pot is doing what it’s designed to do. Some models are even designed to be microwavable, which is great for reheating leftovers. Cleaning up after crock pot cooking is made easier too! Surfaces are dishwasher-safe and Teflon coated, making clean-up a breeze.

For more useful tips & hints, please browse for more information at our website :- http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com                                     

http://www.100earningtips.com



By: user1.ketansevices

About the Author:

hiee…



Children’s Furniture

vious volumes of Slow Cooker Recipes, we covered savory meat dishes, desserts, and beverages. Now I would like to share with you some of my favorite slow cooker recipes for dips and nachos. A slow cooker dip makes a great party treat or family snack, plus you can keep it warm all day in the slow cooker without worry of burning. Aside from convenience, a crock pot can add tremendous flavour to an otherwise simple dip! For great nacho and dip recipes, read on!

Refried Bean Dip

Ingredients:
6 (8-oz) cans refried beans
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
8-oz taco sauce
3/4 cup scallions or green onions (chopped)
2 (12-oz) packages blue tortilla chips

Directions:
Mix together the refried beans, taco sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour 1/3 of the bean mixture into the slow cooker, then top with a cup of cheese. Repeat this layering twice more, finishing with cheese. Add scallions on top, then cover. Set to a low heat setting and cook for about four hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

Spinach Dip

Ingredients:
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (cubed)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp of finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp thyme
5-oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
1/4 cup of whipping cream
2 tbsp diced pimento
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp garlic salt

Directions:
Mix together the cream cheese and whipping cream. Grease a 16-oz mini crock pot (aka: “Little Dipper”) and pour the cream cheese mixture into it. Cover and heat for about an hour. Add in the Parmesan cheese, onion, thyme, spinach, pimento, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt. Mix well, cover, and heat for an additional half hour. Serve with veggies, sourdough bread, crackers, or chips.

Chili Dip

Ingredients:
1 jar (16oz) mild picante sauce
2 cans of refried beans
8-oz sour cream
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 lb ground beef
1 onion (chopped)
8-oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
Jalapenos or mild chilies to taste (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Brown the beef in a skillet. Drain the excess grease and return to heat. Add the onion until soft. Add the beef, picante sauce, refried beans, sour cream, chili powder, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on a low heat for at least an hour (the longer you cook this, the better it gets). Serve with tortilla chips or veggies.

Bacon and Cheese Nacho Dip

Ingredients:
16 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
16-oz cream cheese (cubed and brought to room temperature)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup half-and-half
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried minced onion
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
Hot sauce to taste

Directions:
Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, onion, mustard, salt, and hot sauce into the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and turn the heat setting to low. Cook for an hour or two, stirring occasionally while it cooks. When the mixture is heated all the way through, add the bacon and keep to a low heat setting while serving. Serve with tortilla chips and desired toppings, such as diced tomatoes, guacamole, etc.

Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:
1 6-oz jar marinated artichoke hearts
2 tbsp green chilies (diced)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Directions:
Drain the artichokes, but reserve the juice. Chop the artichokes, then add them to the slow cooker along with the chilies, mayonnaise, and cheese. Cover the cooker and heat on a low setting until the cheese is well melted. Stir well, then add a tablespoon of the reserved artichoke juice. Serve with bread or crackers.



By: Patrick Carpen

About the Author:

If you’re looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection.
The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet’s Most Comprehensive Recipes Collection.



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When the weather outside warms up, the kitchen can be a terrible place to be. There are many things you can do however, when it comes to cooking a nice home made meal that doesn’t require traditional stove top or oven cooking. Learn to utilize some of the lesser heat producing equipment in your kitchen, such as the crock pot, in order to truly beat the summer heat and keep your cool while preparing a nice hot meal for friends and family.

So, how does crock pot cooking really help beat the heat? Simply put, the crock pot in and of itself puts off far less heat when cooking than an oven or stove top. This is the first and possibly the best reason to utilize the crock pot in your summer meal planning. You should also consider the fact that by not heating the house by using your stove top or oven you are also preventing your air conditioning (or other cooling methods) from working overtime in order to compensate for the additional heat that other cooking methods introduce.

This makes crock pot cooking a win-win situation as the costs involved in operating a crock pot are far less than the costs involved in operating a stove or oven in general. Whether electric or gas, your stove and oven are often serious energy hogs. Add to that the fact that you are not raising the temperature in your home by traditional means of cooking and you are using even less electricity.

Unfortunately for most, the general consensus has been that crock pots were meant for comfort foods and hearty winter meals. The truth is that the crock pot should be one of your best loved and most often utilized cooking methods if you can manage it. When it comes to cooking with a crock pot, the options are almost limitless. Almost anything that can be baked can be made in the crock pot and many, many more wonderful and enticing meals and treats as well.

Benefits of Crock Pot Cooking In addition to the cost benefits mentioned above when it comes to crock pot cooking there are many other benefits that are well worth mentioning. First of all, the bulk of the work involved in crock pot cooking takes place early in the day when you are refreshed rather than at the end of a hectic work or play day. This means that you are less likely to forget an ingredient or make other mistakes that often occur as we hurriedly prepare a dinner when we are exhausted from the activities of our day.

Second, many great crock pot recipes include the vegetables that insure we are getting the nutrients we need. So often, when preparing a meal at the last minute, vegetables and other side dishes are left out in favor of expedience. Crock pot cooking in many instances is a meal in one dish.

Another great reason to use a crock pot for your summertime cooking is the ease of clean up. Unlike pots and pans, most crock pot meals are made in one dish. This means that there will not be mountains of dishes to be either hand washed or loaded into the dishwasher (or if you are like me-both) afterwards. You can spend less time cleaning just as you spent less time slaving over a hot stove. Oh wait! Make that no time slaving over a hot stove. Once clean up is complete you can get back to enjoying the sun set, chasing the lightening bugs with your little ones, or waiting for the first star.

While there will never be a one size fits all best cooking method, crock pot cooking comes very close. If you have a crock pot collecting dust somewhere in the back of your pantry it is time to get it out, dust if off, and dig up some great summertime crock pot cooking recipes.



By: Jackson Sloat

About the Author:

Find tips about cooking fresh green beans and cooking steak at the Easy Home Cooking website.



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A slow cooker or crock pot is an electrical cooking device for countertop cooking. A crock pot works in different ways. Learn the different methods of crock pat and cook better meals.

Slow cooker is one of the versatile tools famous for making soups and stews. Cooking can be left unattended for hours. It has a removable pot made from ceramic glaze or porcelain, along with a lid and housing that contain a thermostatic electric heating element. Crock pots can both be utilized as a cooking container and a heat reservoir.

Operation

Slow cookers come in different sizes, from 16 oz to 7 quarts. There are different temperature settings used - low, medium, high, and keep warm options.

Slow cookers typically operate at an approximate of 200 °F in low setting. It is 300o F on high setting. Medium heat is qualified at 225o to 250o F,

Raw food with water or stock can be placed inside the pot, covered and switched on. Some foods need to be preheated. Some slow cookers can switch automatically from cooking to warming (160 °F to 165°F). The heating element can stop at a constant temperature when maximum heat is reached. Vapor turns to liquid and transfers heat back to the food.

Cooking Techniques

Most slow cookers come with free recipe booklets and guidelines. Here are some methods that may help cooking with a crock pot:

Browning Meats - Raw ground meats can be added directly to the crock pot, but browning it first will give better flavor and texture. It will also reduce meat fats. A roasted meat does not need to be browned at all.

Dried Beans - There are 3 methods of cooking beans on a crock pot:

• Beans can be cooked on a high-heat setting until tender.

• Another way is to cook about 2 to 3 hours on high heat and switch to low-heat for the next 8 to 10 hours.

• beans are cooked for about 2 hours in the traditional way. Turn off the crock pot and let it sit for about 8 to 24 hours. Other ingredients can be added. You can then cook this on low heat for about 8-12 hours until it is done. This method is best for baked beans because it allows the flavor to blend.

Vegetables - Chop root crops like carrots and potatoes no larger than 1-inch thick. Chop thinly because they take longer to cook compared to leaf vegetables.

Rice and Pasta - Cook rice with ¼ extra liquid or ¼ cup of uncooked grain rice for better results. Cook pasta only until it becomes slightly tender. Do not overcook.

Liquids - Liquids easily evaporate in the cooking process. It is always safe to add a little extra when needed.

Herbs and Spices - Spices and ground herbs easily lose taste when added early in the cooking process. It is best to add them when the dish is nearly done.

Soups - To make a thinner soup, add more water after cooking. For milk-based soups, one or two cups of water is enough. Stir in milk during the last hours of cooking.

Most crock pot cooking can be made into one dish. Use a single pot to reduced washing chores. Cooking on lower temperatures make cleaning easier.

Pre-boil kidney beans first before cooking in a crock pot. Otherwise, it can cause food poisoning.



By: David H. Urmann

About the Author:
For more information on Dinner Crock pot Recipes and Pastas and Noodles please visit our website.



Phantom of the Opera

Crock-pots are in almost every kitchen. They sit on the counter or hidden away in a cupboard, collecting dust unless we are really strapped for time. In actuality, slow cooking has been used to prepare meals for hundreds of years. Today is so much easier; it is amazing this method is not used more often.

Ancient History

Slow cooking has been around ever since people figured out how to make an iron pot. One could be hung over a fire for many hours while food simmered in it, or a smaller one could be filled with ingredients and buried in the coals to cook. People have long known the benefits of slow cooking their food. The obvious detriment to these methods was the attention it took tending the fire all day and stirring the contents of the pots.

Cooking on a low heat for many hours tenderizes tough meats through the softening of the fibers. The natural collagen also melts, creating a tender, delicious meal that is full of gelatin and nutrition. Long cooking times may also be beneficial to tough root crops, rendering them more digestible. Dried beans and lentils also benefit from a long cooking time on low heat.

The Birth of the Crock Pot

The Naxon Utilities Corporation in Chicago developed what we recognize as a slow cooker in the 1950s. They called their new pot the Beanery All Purpose Cooker. It was meant to help make baked beans. The Beanery was a ceramic pot situated inside a metal pan equipped with heating elements around the sides. This heated the ceramic pot evenly, while keeping the heat away from directly contacting the food.

Naxon was bought by Rival in 1970. The Beanery was reinvented as the Crock Pot. During the 1970s, 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.

Long ago, women cooked many different meals slowly over the fire. Today, our crock-pots offer even more versatility. Stews, roasts and casseroles are very common meals that are made every day in the crock pot, but you can also make dishes like lasagna, sweet and sour chicken, and even your best chicken noodle soup recipes in your slow cooker.

Like the traditional methods, crock-pots can also be used to bake breads and cakes. The more you play with your crock-pot, the more you may enjoy it. Desserts and other great recipes are waiting to be tried.



By: KC Kudra

About the Author:
Crock-pots are very versatile. If you give them a try, you will find them handy enough to use every day. For more ways to use your crock-pot, Crockpots are probably one of the most convenient appliances ever designed for the kitchen. They open up a whole new way to cook. For chicken noodle soup recipes with nutritional info, soup info and cooking tips Visit http://www.ChickenNoodleSoups.com



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Low fat crock recipes are very rare to find. You can make it happen by adding some ingredients. There isn’t really any good explanation as to why most slow cooker recipes tend to use high amounts of fat. However, one good guess would be that these dishes need a lot more liquid and fat due to the fact that they often cook for hours on end. While you may have disregarded the whole slow cooker movement for fear that it would not help your waistline, there is a way to turn any of your favorite meals into low fat crock pot recipes without too much trouble.  So, how do you take all that excess lard out of a great meal? Well, you can start by halving all those butters, creams, and cheeses that tend to be included in any slow cooker meal. If you really want to take out all the fat, you can substitute any cream, butter, or cheese for the kind that has less fat in it (you can usually find these ingredients at your local supermarket). Now, removing all of that lard is likely to take away a lot of the taste as well, though this can be combated if you raise the amount of spice and salt. In order to find out the perfect amounts for all of your newly concocted low fat crock pot recipes, you will have to go through quite a few of them to discover the best ones. While this may seem like a tedious process, look at it this way: you have 365 days per year to make dinner, so why not turn meal time into experiment time? As long as you are cooking for your family , you can mix and match to your heart’s content.

Now that you know how to turn those bad meals into healthy meals, you can easily adapt all of your favorites. The key is to keep the liquid and solid ratio the same, while adding those lower fat substitutes. Remember, once you take away the taste, you will have to add some more spice. See how easy creating low fat crock pot recipes can be? Take the time to play around in your kitchen when it’s time to make those weekday meals. These tips can really be very helpful to you.



By: Madhavi Porori

About the Author:

Cooking is an art. I love to cook. http://www.planyourdinner.com



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During the fall and winter months, I enjoy making hearty soups and stews in my crock pot for my family. I love the fact that I can spend a few minutes in the morning preparing it, put it into the slow cooker and walk away…a few hours later, our dinner is hot and ready to enjoy.

The following recipe was given to me by my 83 year old great aunt about 25 years ago. To this day, I still enjoy making it for my family. If you don’t like okra, you can certainly omit it from the recipe. At times, I have actually substituted the okra with some fresh green beans or green peas, and the stew was just as delicious.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

2 lbs. beef cubes

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 onion, finely chopped

1 cup beef bouillon

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons table salt

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

4 carrots, peeled and sliced in 1″ sections

1 cup celery, chopped

4 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

4 medium-sized turnips, peeled and quartered

4 1/2 cups water

1 cup partially cooked okra

In a large frying pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides.

In your crock pot combine the browned beef cubes, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, onion, bouillon, pepper, salt, granulated sugar and the vegetables listed in the recipe. Pour in 4 1/2 cups of water and stir so that everything is combined.

Cover and set the dial to high heat and slow cook for 6 hours. Remove lid and stir in flour if it is needed to thicken the soup. Replace lid and turn the dial to low heat and simmer for 1-2 additional hours.

This recipe will make 6 hearty servings.



By: Shelly Hill

About the Author:

Shelly Hill has been working from home since 1989 in Direct Sales and is a Manager with Tupperware. You can visit Shelly online at: http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or her recipe blog at: http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com



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When the weather outside warms up, the kitchen can be a terrible place to be. There are many things you can do however, when it comes to cooking a nice home made meal that doesn’t require traditional stove top or oven cooking. Learn to utilize some of the lesser heat producing equipment in your kitchen, such as the crock pot, in order to truly beat the summer heat and keep your cool while preparing a nice hot meal for friends and family.

So, how does crock pot cooking really help beat the heat? Simply put, the crock pot in and of itself puts off far less heat when cooking than an oven or stove top. This is the first and possibly the best reason to utilize the crock pot in your summer meal planning. You should also consider the fact that by not heating the house by using your stove top or oven you are also preventing your air conditioning (or other cooling methods) from working overtime in order to compensate for the additional heat that other cooking methods introduce.

This makes crock pot cooking a win-win situation as the costs involved in operating a crock pot are far less than the costs involved in operating a stove or oven in general. Whether electric or gas, your stove and oven are often serious energy hogs. Add to that the fact that you are not raising the temperature in your home by traditional means of cooking and you are using even less electricity.

Unfortunately for most, the general consensus has been that crock pots were meant for comfort foods and hearty winter meals. The truth is that the crock pot should be one of your best loved and most often utilized cooking methods if you can manage it. When it comes to cooking with a crock pot, the options are almost limitless. Almost anything that can be baked can be made in the crock pot and many, many more wonderful and enticing meals and treats as well.

Benefits of Crock Pot Cooking

In addition to the cost benefits mentioned above when it comes to crock pot cooking there are many other benefits that are well worth mentioning. First of all, the bulk of the work involved in crock pot cooking takes place early in the day when you are refreshed rather than at the end of a hectic work or play day. This means that you are less likely to forget an ingredient or make other mistakes that often occur as we hurriedly prepare a dinner when we are exhausted from the activities of our day.

Second, many great crock pot recipes include the vegetables that insure we are getting the nutrients we need. So often, when preparing a meal at the last minute, vegetables and other side dishes are left out in favor of expedience. Crock pot cooking in many instances is a meal in one dish.

Another great reason to use a crock pot for your summertime cooking is the ease of clean up. Unlike pots and pans, most crock pot meals are made in one dish. This means that there will not be mountains of dishes to be either hand washed or loaded into the dishwasher (or if you are like me-both) afterwards. You can spend less time cleaning just as you spent less time slaving over a hot stove. Oh wait! Make that no time slaving over a hot stove. Once clean up is complete you can get back to enjoying the sun set, chasing the lightening bugs with your little ones, or waiting for the first star.

While there will never be a one size fits all best cooking method, crock pot cooking comes very close. If you have a crock pot collecting dust somewhere in the back of your pantry it is time to get it out, dust if off, and dig up some great summertime crock pot cooking recipes.



By: Jack Sands

About the Author:

Learn about soy allergy and shellfish allergy at the Common Food Allergies site.



Pregnancy

Crock pot cooking has a glorious past! In grandma’s day the crock pot was called the slow cooker. She would load it up with roast beef and potatoes, or chicken and vegetables, and let it simmer all day long, filling the house with the delicious aroma. Crock pot cooking makes it easy to cook a meal to perfection. Tender morsels, rich sauces and broths, all combine in a meal that would have been difficult to achieve without crock pot cooking. Conventional cooking usually requires a good deal of time and energy, two things which are in short supply in this busy age. Most working people these days don’t have the time to stand around watching the stove. Crock pot cooking is the answer for old

fashioned nutritious meals. Throw a few good ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home that evening to a tasty meal just like

grandma used to make!

Crock pot cooking is easier than ever before. Temperature systems and timing mechanisms allow precise control. Electronic safeguards allow cooks to put their minds at rest and go on with their day, knowing that the crock pot is doing what it’s designed to do. Some models are even designed to be microwavable, which is great for reheating leftovers. Cleaning up after crock pot cooking is made easier too! Surfaces are dishwasher-safe and Teflon coated, making clean-up a breeze.

Crock pot cooking has a glorious past! In grandma’s day the crock pot was called the slow cooker. She would load it up with roast beef and potatoes, or chicken and vegetables, and let it simmer all day long, filling the house with the delicious aroma. Crock pot cooking makes it easy to cook a meal to perfection. Tender morsels, rich sauces and broths, all combine in a meal that would have been difficult to achieve without crock pot cooking. Conventional cooking usually requires a good deal of time and energy, two things which are in short supply in this busy age. Most working people these days don’t have the time to stand around watching the stove. Crock pot cooking is the answer for old

fashioned nutritious meals. Throw a few good ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home that evening to a tasty meal just like

grandma used to make!

Crock pot cooking is easier than ever before. Temperature systems and timing mechanisms allow precise control. Electronic safeguards allow cooks to put their minds at rest and go on with their day, knowing that the crock pot is doing what it’s designed to do. Some models are even designed to be microwavable, which is great for reheating leftovers. Cleaning up after crock pot cooking is made easier too! Surfaces are dishwasher-safe and Teflon coated, making clean-up a breeze.



By: atul kumar kushwaha

About the Author:

For more useful tips & hints, please browse for more information at our website :- http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
http://www.100earningtips.com



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My favorite suggestion to offer up to breakfast skippers everywhere is that they need to purchase a crock pot. In fact, if you’ve ever been married (especially if you live in the Mountain West) you probably received one as a wedding gift, so you can just dig it out of the cupboard. Crock pot cooking is extremely easy to do and breakfast crock pot recipes are in high demand and high supply all over the internet and crock pot cook books.

With a crock pot, you can put your breakfast in when you go to sleep at ten o’clock at night and it will be finished when you get up at five o’clock or six o’clock. For more details www.cat-head-biscuit.com .If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your crock pot cooking overnight, you can always prepare a more simple crock pot breakfast recipe first thing when you wake up and it will prepare itself while you’re getting ready.

However, whether you choose to use the crock pot recipes available to you on the internet and in crock pot recipe books or you decide to stick with a couple of eggs with your piece toast and cup of coffee, it’s important to remember that you can’t hit the snooze button twice every morning if you want to break free of the cycle.

As a perpetual snooze button pusher myself, I’ve learned to set the alarm 30 minutes earlier, so I can hit the snooze button twice and still get up in time to cook my crock pot breakfast recipes that get me through the morning at my computer.

Since I’ve learned to love breakfast and my crock pot, I’ve been exceedingly more productive. You can balk at opinion but you just can’t balk at science and logic.



By: Sonika Gaind

About the Author:

www.cajuns-recipes.com

www.atkins-diets-recipes.com



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Crock-pot cooking gets a bad rap sometimes.  Some people call it lazy cooking.  I call it efficient cooking.  With most households having two working adults, it’s imperative that all non-family time is managed wisely.  Many crock-pot recipes take only 5 - 10 minutes to prep.  It can be placed in the slow cooker before work and be done when you come back home.  When you open the door, you’ll smell the wonderful aroma of a home cooked meal wafting through your abode.

 

Chili recipes are perfect for the crock-pot.  They normally cook in a pot, are easy to prep and smell delicious when cooking.  The great thing about chili is how easily it can be changed and adapted to your taste.  Here are a couple of my quick and easy to make crock-pot chili recipes.

 

 

Tex Mex Chili

 

What you need:

 

2 lbs round steak cut into bite-sized pieces

151/2 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce

41/2 oz can green chiles, drained and chopped

28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 T chili powder

1 t cumin

2 T olive oil

1 t salt

 

What you do:

 

In a large skillet, brown meat in heated oil.  Place meat in slow cooker.  Add remaining ingredients to crock-pot and mix thoroughly.  Cook, covered, for 8 hours on low.

 

 

Sausage and Beef Chili

 

 

What you need:

 

3/4 lb bulk spicy Italian sausage

3/4 lb ground beef

1 green pepper, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

16 oz dried red beans, rinsed and drained

1 (28 oz) and 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

15 oz can tomato sauce

6 oz can tomato paste

4 T chili powder

2 T ground cumin

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 t salt

 

What you do:

 

Brown beef and sausage in a large skillet, drain.  In a 6 quart crock-pot/slow cooker, add all ingredients and mix.  Cook, covered, for 8-10 hours on low, or until beans are tender but not mushy. 

 

 

Both of these recipes are great served with sour cream, cheese and green onion on top.  To add more heat, try some jalapenos or a couple shakes of hot sauce.



By: Reggie Bean

About the Author:

For more cooking articles, recipes, videos and food related links, visit Easy Breezy Recipes at http://www.easybreezyrecipes.com



Baby Clothing

You get up in the morning and you get ready for your day. And of course, you grab a piece of toast, some cold cereal or a cup of coffee and you rush out the door. You don’t think about the fact that not eating breakfast is the reason you lose your fire and energy by ten o’clock in the morning. Instead, you think you’re losing your energy because you’re not getting enough sleep. So the next morning, you go ahead and sleep in an extra fifteen minutes so you’re shaving your face (guys, you know you’ve done this or at least thought about it) or putting on your makeup (ladies…please) while you’re driving down the freeway at eighty miles an hour. For more details www.cooking-groundbeef.com .And of course, you completely skipped your meager breakfast and you’ll do it again tomorrow. It’s the beginning of a vicious cycle that has the potential to go on forever, affecting your sleep, your work performance and yes, even your weight, stress levels and mood.

To avoid the vicious cycle that leads to everywhere you never want to be, the first thing you have to do is commit to eating breakfast everyday. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to commit, there are ways you can help yourself.

My favorite suggestion to offer up to breakfast skippers everywhere is that they need to purchase a crock pot. In fact, if you’ve ever been married (especially if you live in the Mountain West) you probably received one as a wedding gift, so you can just dig it out of the cupboard. Crock pot cooking is extremely easy to do and breakfast crock pot recipes are in high demand and high supply all over the internet and crock pot cook books.

With a crock pot, you can put your breakfast in when you go to sleep at ten o’clock at night and it will be finished when you get up at five o’clock or six o’clock. For more details www.cat-head-biscuit.com .If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your crock pot cooking overnight, you can always prepare a more simple crock pot breakfast recipe first thing when you wake up and it will prepare itself while you’re getting ready.

However, whether you choose to use the crock pot recipes available to you on the internet and in crock pot recipe books or you decide to stick with a couple of eggs with your piece toast and cup of coffee, it’s important to remember that you can’t hit the snooze button twice every morning if you want to break free of the cycle.

As a perpetual snooze button pusher myself, I’ve learned to set the alarm 30 minutes earlier, so I can hit the snooze button twice and still get up in time to cook my crock pot breakfast recipes that get me through the morning at my computer.

Since I’ve learned to love breakfast and my crock pot, I’ve been exceedingly more productive. You can balk at opinion but you just can’t balk at science and logic.



By: cmsfebRameshSonu

About the Author:

www.cajuns-recipes.com

www.atkins-diets-recipes.com



Children’s Murals

Conventional cooking usually requires a good deal of time and energy, two things which are in short supply in this busy age. Most working people these days do not have the time to stand around watching the stove. Crock pot cooking is the answer for old

fashioned nutritious meals. Throw a few good ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home that evening to a tasty meal just like

grandma used to make

Crock pot cooking is easier than ever before. Temperature systems and timing mechanisms allow precise control. Electronic safeguards allow cooks to put their minds at rest and go on with their day, knowing that the crock pot is doing what it is designed to do. Some models are even designed to be microwavable, which is great for reheating leftovers. Cleaning up after crock pot cooking is made easier too! Surfaces are dishwasher-safe and Teflon coated, making clean-up a breeze.

Conventional cooking usually requires a good deal of time and energy, two things which are in short supply in this busy age. Most working people these days do not have the time to stand around watching the stove. Crock pot cooking is the answer for old

fashioned nutritious meals. Throw a few good ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home that evening to a tasty meal just like

grandma used to make

Crock pot cooking is easier than ever before. Temperature systems and timing mechanisms allow precise control. Electronic safeguards allow cooks to put their minds at rest and go on with their day, knowing that the crock pot is doing what it is designed to do. Some models are even designed to be microwavable, which is great for reheating leftovers. Cleaning up after crock pot cooking is made easier too! Surfaces are dishwasher-safe and Teflon coated, making clean-up a breeze.



By: monika

About the Author:

For more useful tips & hints, please browse for more information at our website :- http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
http://www.100earningtips.com



Kid’s Beds

When it comes to crock pot cooking (using a slow cooker), I enjoy using mine all year long. One of the recipes I enjoy making in it are Cabbage Rolls, which are also known as Pigs In A Blanket.

This recipe does take some preparation time, but is well worth your efforts.

To Prepare Cabbage: Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a rapid boil. Take the core out of each head of cabbage. Place head into boiling water, cover and cook for 5 minutes, remove from water immediately. With one head, start taking the leaves off, being careful not to tear them. They should be pliable, if not, place back into the water for an additional minute or two.

Cabbage Rolls

2 large heads cabbage

2 to 3 lbs. lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

6 cups cooked rice

1 hot pepper, finely diced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 can tomato soup

1/2 can warm water

Fry the lean ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s not longer pink; drain grease. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with cooked rice, diced hot pepper, paprika and salt, set aside.

On a clean surface, such as a cutting board, place 2 to 3 tablespoons of meat mixture onto the center of the cabbage leaf. Overlap the sides of the leaf and roll. Repeat until your meat mixture is completely used up.

Place rolls into your slow cooker (crock pot) and pour the can of tomato soup over top along with a 1/2 can of warm water. Turn the dial to high heat, cover and slow cook them for 4 hours or until done.

If desired, you can freeze the left-overs for up to 6 months in your freezer as this recipe will make approximately 25 to 35 cabbage rolls.



By: Shelly Hill

About the Author:

Shelly Hill has been working from home since 1989 in Direct Sales and is a Manager with Tupperware. You can visit Shelly online at: http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or her recipe blog at: http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com



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Herbal Pot-Pourri

Pot-pourri is a very traditional aromatic accessory for the home and many recipes have been handed down through the generations. There are several ways to make pot-pourri. The oldest method is for a moist pot-pourri where layers of rose petals, spices and salt are arranged in a large crock and left to rot down for six weeks or more. The strength of scent is excellent but the visual appearance is not good (the salt bleaches out all the color in the rose petals). That is why traditional pot-pourri jars are closed, with holes for the fragrance to waft through.

A prettier finished effect is gained by mixing flowers and herbs with essential oils and a fixative, such as orris root. This is also a fairly lengthy method but the finished effect can be lovely, particularly if some flowers are dried with silica gel and placed on top for decoration.

As most of the projects here are for sachets or other items where the herbs are hidden away behind some fabric, the look of the finished pot-pourri is not of paramount importance. The main point is that the scent should be strong and long-lasting. When making small sachets it helps to use fairly small ingredients of an even size, so there are no unsightly lumps and bulges in the sachets. The best answer for this is to use small sprigs of dried herbs and flowers with a much larger proportion of fixative.

Many recipes call for powdered orris root, but I use cut and sifted orris or blue flag root instead, as I find the powder spoils the outward appearance of pot-pourri. However, as the recipes here are mainly for use on sachets, either powdered or cut orris root will do.

Many of the recipes here can easily be altered to suit whatever ingredients you have available. Once you have made several batches of your own pot-pourri you will become more courageous and want to experiment. It is easy to make up your own recipesjust keep to the basic guidelines on quantities of ingredients.

Orris Root and Oil Mixture

As a general note, I use a measuring jug when measuring out the various dry ingredients, unless they are measured by the spoonful. The orris root is best mixed with the essential oil first and put into a small screw-top jar to mature for a couple of days. If you are intending to make several types of pot-pourri, I would suggest you build up a collection of jars with different orris root and essential oil mixtures which you can use as you wish.

Mix the oil and orris root in the proportions of 4 oz orris root to 1/2 fl oz essential oil. Once it has matured for a couple of days you can use it by the tablespoonful as indicated in the recipes. Make sure that you label the jars clearly, stating the particular essential oil you have used. The collection of orris root/oil jars can then sit in a neat row on your kitchen shelf or worktop, where you can shake them occasionally to encourage the mixing process. Avoid storing them in strong sunlight as it will reduce the strength of the essential oils.

Delicious Mint and Cinnamon Pot-Pourri

1/2 pint cinnamon pieces

1/2 pint mint leaves, crumbled

2 tbsp cinnamon/orris mixture

1 tbsp apple/orris mixture

1/2 tbsp mint/orris mixture

Use a large mixing bowl and mix together all the ingredients. As these recipes are mainly destined for use in sachets, you should break the cinnamon pieces up fairly small. Having mixed it well, turn the mixture into a large jar or polythene bag and seal. Put it away for two to four weeks, shaking it regularly to ensure even distribution of the oil mixtures. Check the smell after two weeks; if the aroma seems satisfactory you can use it, but if not, you should wait another couple of weeks. If you are still not happy with the smell, try adding other orris root/oil mixes until you like the balance of the fragrance.

Lemon Pot-Pourri

1/4 pint lemon verbena leaves

1/4 pint lemon balm leaves

1/4 pint lemon thyme leaves

1/2 pint lemon and orange peel, dried and chopped

1 tbsp bay leaves, crumbled

1/4 pint mint leaves

3 tbsp lemon/orris mixture

2 tbsp neroli (orange blossom)/orris mixture

1 tbsp mint/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Herbs and Spices Pot-Pourri

1/2 pint ginger root

1/4 pint cinnamon sticks

1/4 pint star anise

3-4 nutmegs, broken

1/4 pint angelica root

6-8 bay leaves

1/4 pint lavender flowers

1/4 pint rosemary

1/2 pint sage leaves

1 tbsp thyme

5 tbsp allspice/orris mixture

3 tbsp cinnamon/orris mixture

1 tbsp thyme/orris mixture

1 tbsp rosemary/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Herb Garden Harvest

1/4 pint lemon verbena leaves

1/2 pint rosemary leaves

1/2 pint lavender flowers

1/4 pint lemon balm

1 tbsp thyme

1 tbsp crumbled bay leaves

1/4 pint sage leaves

1/2 pint oregano

1/2 pint scented geranium leaves

5 tbsp geranium/orris mixture

4 tsp lavender/orris mixture

1 tbsp rose/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Spicy Lavender Pot-Pourri

1/2 pint lavender flowers

1/4 pint cornflowers

1/4 pint cloves

1/2 pint crushed cinnamon sticks

1/2 pint pink rose petals

2 tbsp lavender/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Moth Chaser Sachets

1/4 pint Santolina, crushed

1/4 pint Artemisia

1/4 pint mint leaves

1/4 pint rosemary leaves

5 cinnamon sticks, crushed

1/4 pint cloves

1/4 pint lemon peel, dried and chopped

1/4 pint lemon-scented geranium leaves

3 tbsp lavender/orris mixture

3 tbsp clove/orris mixture

2 tbsp lemon/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process. Use in sachets that can be hung in cupboards or laid in drawers to ward off fierce moths.

Christmas Sachet Mix

1/2 pint pine needles

1/2 pint conifer leaves

1/4 pint bay leaves, crushed

1/4 pint eucalyptus leaves, crushed

1/2 pint orange peel, dried and chopped

1/4 pint cinnamon sticks, chopped

1/4 pint allspice berries

5 tbsp pine/orris mixture

3 tbsp orange/orris mixture

2 tbsp allspice/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Hop Pillows

For centuries, hop pillows have been popular remedies for combating insomnia and promoting restful sleep. Originally, mattresses would have been filled with grasses and herbs, which is why the plant Galium ordorata is commonly known as ‘ladies bedstraw’ or ‘hedge bedstraw’. From there we progressed to stuffing pillows and mattresses with down and horsehair, but the smell of the grasses was replaced by an herbal pillow. During the Victorian era, herb pillows were much favored, particularly ones made from lavender and roses.

Although it is traditional to slip herb pillows into the main pillowcase and therefore keep them out of sight, they look best when decorated with plenty of lace and ribbons, especially if you are giving them as a present.

Many fabrics can be used for making pillows, ranging from plain calico that can be slipped into the main pillowcase to antique linens and lace that give a really luxurious effect and deserve to be left on show. The two most popular scents for inducing sleep are hops and lavender, but these fragrances do not blend well together so choose one or the other. Both of these recipes smell heavenly and will help you drift off into scented sleep.

Sweet Hop and Spice Mix

2 pints dried hops

2 tbsp allspice

2 tbsp orange peel, dried

2 tbsp lemon balm leaves

1 tbsp allspice/orris mixture

1 tbsp neroli (orange blossom)/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Victorian Flower Sleep Mix

3/4 pint dark red or pink scented rose petals

1/2 pint elderflowers

1/2 pint lavender flowers

1/4 pint rosemary leaves (they keep away evil spirits!)

5 tbsp rose/orris mixture

3 tbsp lavender/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.

Making a Hop Pillow

To make a hop pillow, you will need the following ingredients:

1/2 yard muslin

Sweet Hop and Spice Mix

1/2 yard plain or patterned cotton lace or ribbons

Cut out two pieces of muslin, each approximately 14×12 inches and machine or sew by hand around three sides. Turn right sides out and fill with the hop mix, then stitch up the fourth side firmly by hand. Now cut out two pieces of the cotton, slightly larger than the muslin and allowing extra for seams approximately 16×14 inches. Placing right sides together, machine sew around three sides, incorporating the lace if you wish at this stage. Turn right sides out, then turn under the seam allowance on the fourth side and place the hop pillow inside. Finish the last edge by hand with neat oversewing stitches. You can then decorate the pillow with lace or ribbons.

When the fragrance of the hop pillow begins to fade, all you have to do is remove the inner filling, replace the hop mix with a new batch and then sew up the pillow again. This is quicker and easier than having to replace loose contents in the cotton pillow.

Handkerchief Pillow

The easiest way of all to make a pretty square sleep pillow is to use pretty lace-edged handkerchiefs. Most of the work is done for you then, and a pretty pillow can be made in a very short time.

You will need:

4 lace-edged handkerchiefs

1/2 yard plain white cotton lawn or cotton

1/2 yard muslin

Join the four handkerchiefs together in a square by oversewing the edges or using a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine. Cut the cotton backing to the same size as the square of four handkerchiefs and then turn in the edges by the depth of the lace so the square fits the fabric area of the four handkerchiefs. Machine-stitch around three sides of the fabric, leaving the lace free and one side open. Make a square muslin pillow as described for the hop pillow and fill with any of the sachet mixesthe Victorian flowers mix might be the most suitable. Insert the muslin pad and close the pillow with small slip stitches. You can decorate the top of the cushion with some ribbon bows if you wish.

Small Perfumed Sachets

Smaller sachets have many uses; they can be tucked in drawers and cupboards, or used to scent linen cupboards or lingerie. There is nothing more glamorous than a drawer that exudes a lovely floral aroma whenever it is opened. Desks can benefit from sharper scentsif work has to go on through the night, a sachet filled with basil to relieve tiredness, or cardamom to help concentration, might be appropriate.

To sleep in bedlinen scented with the sweet smell of lavender has long been a luxury. The easiest way to make little sachets to give as presents, or to use yourself, is to buy a collection of pretty lace-edged handkerchiefs. Place a couple of tablespoons of one of the mixtures in the center of each handkerchief, gather up the edges and tie with pretty ribbons to make an elegant and fragrant bundle.

If you wish to use a printed or plain fabric, you can cut out two pieces of fabric of the size you require, with a small allowance for seams. Sew around three sides of the main sachet and similarly on two slightly smaller pieces of muslin. Turn the muslin right sides out, fill with pot-pourri and sew up the fourth edge by hand. Turn the cotton sachet right sides out, insert the muslin sachet and sew up the fourth edge by hand. It is not essential to make the muslin liner but it does save time when renewing the sachet as you can throw away the old sachet and replace it with a new one. A liner also reduces the likelihood of the oils staining the outer cover.

Padded Coat Hangers with Fragrant Sachets

Another luxury with a practical purpose is a padded coat hanger that has a matching sachet hanging from its center. Padded hangers are much kinder to clothes than ordinary wire ones and are less likely to leave hanger marks on delicate fabrics. The sachet can be hung inside the article of clothing, making it fresh and fragrant the next time it is worn. You can either use a flowery pot-pourri mix or the moth chaser recipe, which will keep away moths and help to protect woolen clothing in particular.

You will need:

6 wooden coat hangers

1/2 yard wadding

1/2 yard printed cotton

2 yards 1/2-inch wide ribbon

matching cotton

extra ribbon for bows

Cut a strip of wadding 36×2 inches and wind it around a coat hanger, stitching it securely at each end. To cover the hook, fold 1 inch of ribbon over at the end and then bind the remaining ribbon tightly all the way down the hook. Stitch the end of the ribbon to the wadding at the base of the hook, then cut off the surplus ribbon.

Cut out a piece of the fabric about 4 3/4 inches wide and slightly longer than the hanger, then fold it in half lengthwise with the right sides together. Stitch across both short ends. Turn to the right side. Neaten the raw edges on the long sides by folding the seam allowance over and pressing or tacking it into position. Press a crease line along the bottom of the casing.

Place the wadding-wrapped hanger inside the fabric casing, with the open edges along the top of the hanger. Pin in position while working. Join the seam edges with running stitch, leaving the cotton loose at the end. Also sew running stitches along the bottom crease and again leave the cotton loose at the end. Pull both ends of the hanging threads to form gathers all along the hanger, then secure the threads tightly. The hanger can now be decorated with a large or small bow. Make a matching sachet in the same way as for the small perfumed sachets, then hang it from the hook with some ribbon or lace.

Gentleman’s Mix

Most pot-pourri and sachet mixes are rather too feminine for a man’s wardrobe. So here is a mix that would suit most men and might appeal to some ladies as well!

1/4 pint lemon verbena leaves

1 tbsp mint leaves

1 tbsp cloves

1 tbsp rosemary

1/4 pint raspberry leaves

1 tbsp lemon/orris mixture

1 tbsp mint/orris mixture

1 tbsp oregano/orris mixture

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and place in a large jar or polythene bag. Seal and put away in a dark place for two to four weeks, shaking occasionally to help the mixing process.



By: Carol J Miller

About the Author:

The author owns and operates a website featuring wholesale home and garden furnishings and accents at www.bricabrackorner.com



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