roaster into a crockpot

     What some people just do not seem to get, is that the big sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) quart roasters, do NOT cook your food in the same manner that a crock-pot does. Yes, I know that some people do get the difference, but trust me, many miss it.

      What's the difference?
       A roaster bakes like a oven. Therefore, it is a dry type of cooking.
       A crock-pot is more like a steamer, thus you usually end up with a moister type of cooking.
      And the older model slow cookers, where there is a base unit and then your food goes in a metal type of 'crock' which sits on top of it, is more like cooking on a stove burner.
      No, those are not technically correct definitions. They are just the easy for me to remember/keep in mind ones. Or in other words, that is how I think of the differences.

      I greatly prefer moist food. Whether it be in cookies, or meat, or .. Yup, to me, moist is best!!! Thus I have always liked how cooking BBQ Ribs in a crock-pot, makes them so tender they fall apart when you try to take them out.
     Now true, with crock-pots, even though you (of course!) spray the container, and even though it cooks more like a steamer, it's still best to add some liquid when you start, (or make sure what your cooking contains quite a bit of liquid) or you can end up with dried, 'burnt on' messes.
     But with roasters, you need to add a l-o-t more liquid, which can change the consistency of the food your making. Not always good.

     For years now I have been saying that I wish the companies that make roasters and crock-pots would make a roaster sized crock-pot. And I have looked high and low for one, both in stores and on line. There is something "industrial sized", available through food service suppliers, which sort of is ... but not exactly. And it's definitely in a whole different price range!

      Brain and I got brave, and for the food we did in the roasters for the middle school snow camp, we (with Brent's help ;-}) experimented. Our goal was to see if by adding some water to the inside of the roaster, BEFORE putting the liner in (the part you then put the food into), if it would make the cooking process more like a crock-pot does it.
     We are thrilled to report that it did!!! :-D It made a wonderful difference!!! Bingo!! :->

       To make your roaster cook more like a crock-pot does, add just enough water to the inside of the roaster, that when you put the liner in (which has been sprayed!) and fill it with your food, the water in the bottom of the main part, not only covers the bottom of it, but also goes up around the sides some. After turning your dial to a bit lower of a temp, put the lid on the roaster and walk away :-}.
      Take note, this process will cause steam to rise up around the liner, so you'll want to wear hot mitts, not just use hot pads, when everything is done cooking.


I 'plan' on linking this particular posting to:
~ "Make-Do Mondays", hosted by Shari, at 'My Practically Perfect Life' (www.practically-perfect-life.blogspot.com).
~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)' (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Mom2my9, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven' (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
~ "Make Your Monday('s)", are hosted by Kim, at 'Twice Remembered' (http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/).

~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace' (http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com).
~ "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes' (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/).
~ "I am Blissfully Domestic", hosted by Kim (from 'Up North Mommy'), at 'Blissfully Domestic' (your life, your bliss) (http://blissfullydomestic.com/i-am-blissfully-domestic/).
~ "What I Learned this Week", are hosted by Jo-Lynne, at 'Musings of a Housewife' (http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/).


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