In a new staff blog, Village Agent, Sophie asks “Why aren’t we all making the most of our slow cookers?”

 

The recent announcement of a 6.4% rise in the energy price cap from April has heightened concerns about rising living costs. As families grapple with increasing bills, it has never been more important to find ways to save money and improve household budgets. Cambridgeshire ACRE Village Agents are stepping in to provide valuable advice. They focus on various strategies to help communities cope with the cost of living, including home energy efficiency and maximizing available income.

The slow cooker has become an essential tool in modern kitchens, offering a convenient and efficient way to prepare healthy meals. As people become more conscious of their health and budgets, the slow cooker provides an affordable solution for feeding families nutritious meals. Lower energy consumption means our utility bills can be kept in check whilst also being an environmentally friendly choice.

One of the standout features of a slow cooker is its ability to prepare wholesome meals in bulk. Cooking in large quantities allows individuals to prepare several portions at once, making it easy to freeze leftovers for later use. This approach not only saves time but also reduces food waste, enabling cooks to use whatever ingredients they have on hand. Whether it be vegetables, beans, pasta, or lentils, a slow cooker can turn simple, often overlooked items into delicious meals. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in times of high food prices, as it encourages creative use of pantry staples.

Additionally, slow cookers are not restricted to main dishes. They can be utilized for making a wide variety of foods, including bread and desserts like sticky toffee pudding. This versatility allows for a diverse range of meals throughout the week. For instance, after cooking dinner, it’s easy to prepare a dessert to enjoy later, making the slow cooker a multi-use appliance that simplifies meal planning.

Sophie’s top tips:

1. You can use absolutely anything – dried herbs or ones from the garden, stock cubes or gravy, left over wine, left over veggies from the bottom drawer of the fridge or freezer.
2. Any cut of meat will do – if you’re looking for a meat-based meal, don’t worry about the cut. Chicken thighs wont dry out in a slow cooker and tougher cuts of beef will become tender as they slow cook.
3. Bulk out your meals – a cost effective way to bulk out meals is with beans and lentils. Throw in kidney beans, cannellini beans or my favourite butter beans. I also add lentils to a bolognese to use less mince.
4. Add cornflour, plain flour or gravy granules to thicken sauces towards the end. Squishing veggies such as carrots or butter beans to release the starch will do the same job too.
5. Trust the process. Food won’t look overly appetising within the first hour. Give it time to allow for flavours to develop and sauces to thicken.

 

In conclusion, the slow cooker is an invaluable kitchen appliance that promotes healthy eating habits while also being cost-effective and energy-efficient. Its ability to transform leftover ingredients into hearty meals, coupled with its versatility for various dishes, makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to simplify their cooking experience. With proper use and planning, a slow cooker can facilitate a healthier lifestyle without the added stress and help save your pennies.

Watch this space too! Village Agents are planning some slow cooker demonstrations for later in the year.