175 Essential Slow Cooker Classics Paperback – July 30, 2015

I am new to the slow cooker method of cooking and was hoping for a cookbook with recipes filled with classic comfort food. However, many of the recipes in this book did not sound appetizing to me. There were a number of pot roast and other beef recipes that sounded pretty good, but I found the idea of the Dilled Veal, Texas White Chili (made with chicken) and a number of other selections (e.g., I am not a fan of lamb and there is a large section devoted to lamb) extremely unappetizing. However, there are recipes in this book that I think I will like, just not a bunch of them. What I did like about this book is the binding: it has a hard cover and lies flat when opened. There are lots of pictures and the recipes are one to a page, so it is very easy to read and is visually pleasing. Another thing is that each recipe comes with a crockpot size recommendation (i.e., how many quarts), which was extremely helpful. The recipes are also uncomplicated and easy to prepare.

We previewed several slow-cooker cookbooks from the library before buying this one and another of Finlayson's. So far, every dish we have made had been delicious and tasted like real cooking.Many other cookbooks feature food that is easier to prepare. And many others feature recipes that are harder to prepare and require more exotic ingredients.Finlayson strikes a happy medium with easy-to-find ingredients that combine traditional preparation with the time and energy savings of a slow cooker. You can prepare elements of meals ahead of time and, if you plan several meals during one week, prep all the ingredients and store them until you are ready. Then, cook for a few minutes in the morning and come home to a hot -- and delicious -- dinner. What a relief.

I'm pleased with the selection of recipes provided. The basics are covered and more creative dishes are included, though most of the ingredients are reasonably found in markets. There are exceptions, like Yucatecan-Style Ribs, which call for banana leaf and bitter orange juice. I've tried many recipes and like most home cooks, I put my own spin on things, based on available ingredients and family preferences. The color photos are a nice addition. I tossed my old, and I mean old, "crock-pot" cookbooks since this is more updated and inspiring and the only one I need.

This is a good book for your collection, altho I certainly wouldn't have only this book as a reference. It has a nice selection of dishes for you to make, including some you wouldn't immediately think of being suited for a crock pot. Be that as it may, if you can find it on super-sale, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, read it, and use it when you are so moved.

What I like most about this recipe book is the use of fresh vegetables. I've made two of the soup recipes; both were OK, I would tweak both recipes a bit in order to get bolder flavors. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other recipes.

I loved this book so much I ordered more for gifts. Fantastic recipes and great slow cooking methods. Pre-browning is key. You'd never know the final product is from a crock pot. Rich and tasty flavors. You have to be willing to spend a few minutes in preparation, but it is worth it. You may need to experiment with the times and heat settings.

Helpful for getting oriented to slow cooking. Like the spiral back binding that allows the book to lie flat while in use.

I tried several recipes and liked them. However, they take a fair amount of prep and could have just as easily been cooked on the stove or in the oven. It's an attractive book with good pictures.

I made chicken barley, beef barley, pasta bake so far. Curious to try other recipes. Learned that you have to be careful when altering the recipe sometimes. I added carrots and peas to my pasta bake but it altered the taste. So next time follow the recipe and make changes carefully. Was recommended to add mushrooms and corn to the beef barley. I prefer it with double the mushrooms sans corn though.It's good to not have to hover near the stove and stir so nothing gets burnt. The slow cooker for me is useful after prepping and then tending to other matters once it's simmering. I also appreciate that the ingredients are available at the local grocery store and are not unheard of.

This book has been a wonderful friend to me, the recipes are original, tasty, and easy to prepare. Through using Jdith's methods I have been able to adapt some of my regular favorites for the crock pot. A recent highlight was finding out how easy it is to prepare a wonderful dish of lamb shanks. On one occasion I made sufficient baked beans for 40 people. This is probably the last cook book I would give away.....

I like what I like when it comes to cooking and eating. I am more mechanical than artistic when it comes to cooking. I have tried just a few of the recipes and am reserving judgment at this time.

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I have tried many of the receips from this book. ALL have been excellent. I use it frequently. A slow cooker saves time and money. I have now purchased her Vegetarian Cookbook and am looking forward to trying yet more receips from Judith Finlayson who certainly knows her stuff.