So you're going to entertain? Excellent! But you've got lots to do. There are menus to make, foods to prepare, and drinks to mix. The list of preparations seems endless. You may be wondering how you're going to get everything done with a limited amount of time.
Believe it or not, one of the most efficient ways to entertain is to go slowly. Slowly? Yes—you can use your time more effectively if you harness the power of your slow cooker. In fact, you can go even slower. Borrow or buy another slow cooker—or two or four—and your job will be even easier.
You may think this sounds crazy. Everyone in today's world seems to be searching for a way to do things faster. There is high-speed Internet, one-touch speed-dial, instant messaging, and the popular power nap. There's even fast food, speed dating, and express checkout at the grocery store. But slower is better in this case because your slow cooker helps you multitask. Multitasking means efficiency. A slow cooker will do the work of an oven, a stovetop, and a serving dish, all while you take care of other things. On the morning of your party, you can set up one slow cooker with an appetizer, another with hot sandwiches, and a third with a dessert. And of course, you'll need a couple more to prepare steaming, aromatic drinks for your guests.
Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you are free. Slow cookers keep an eye on themselves, don't need stirring, don't mind if you're late, and can do their job wherever you can run an extension cord. When guests arrive, the slow cookers are already in position. Just set out the plates and silverware, open the lids, and let your guests enjoy your creations.
A slow cooker can help you look like a pro, even if you rarely cook or bake from scratch. And if you're already experienced in the kitchen and don't think you need another appliance, take a moment to reconsider. Slow cooking isn't cheating—it's just smart!
Entertaining is the best opportunity to use slow cookers. Using slow cookers for a party allows you to prepare dishes hours or even days ahead of time, serve multiple hot dishes at once, and keep food and drinks warm for the duration of your party—all without the use of your oven or stovetop.
Whether your event is a rowdy Super Bowl party, a child's birthday celebration, or a small dinner gathering with close friends, the recipes and time-saving tricks in this book will help you avoid stress, impress your guests, and enjoy your party.