| The History of Slow Cooking |
| Written by Ken Kudra |
| Wednesday, 25 November 2009 08:37 |
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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.
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. In the Olden Days People have been slow cooking their meals ever since they learned how to smelt iron and make a pot. A large kettle could be simmering over the fire throughout the day, or a small, covered Dutch oven could be set into the coals for cooking. It has long been known that slow cooking has many benefits for our food. The downside to the old methods is the constant tending needed for the fire, as well as frequent stirring of the food. Meats cooked slowly are tenderized because the low heat softens the fibers. It also melts the natural collagen found within the meat, creating a gelatin-rich, delicious meal chock full of goodness. Fibrous vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas also benefit from slow cooking. Dried crops like beans and lentils are slow cooked to create delicious, hearty meals. The Crock Pot In the'50s, Naxon Utilities Corporation of Chicago created the first slow cooker. It was called the Beanery All Purpose Cooker, and it was designed to help people cook baked beans. It was basically a ceramic pot that fit inside a metal pan with heating elements around the inside. This kept the heat even all around the food, but kept it out of direct contact. Naxon was bought by Rival in'70. The Beanery was reinvented as the Crock Pot. During the'70s, 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. Over the years, Crock Pots have evolved. They now have ceramic pots that are removable, making cleaning much easier than the old models. With the older pots, one had to be careful during cleaning that the electrical cord not get wet. The new ceramic inserts are dishwasher safe, as well, making clean up even easier. Some newer crock-pots also have an additional setting. They come equipped with High, Low, and Warm. A few are even computerized and will change automatically to warm when the food is finished. 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. You can also emulate your ancestors and bake breads by slow cooking. The more you use your crock-pot, the more creative you will get. You may even try desserts and dips if you get adventurous. About the Author: Chicken noodle soup is simple and delicious. There is little that can compete with a truly good chicken noodle soup. It is comforting, warming and filling. It is a favorite of people all over the world of all ages. Try making some soon for your family. |