Adventures in Slow Cooking

July 1, 2017

James Beard Award-nominated food writer DiGregorio's first cookbook sets out to annihilate slow cooker snobbery, and it unquestionably succeeds. Here, even die-hard fans of these appliances will learn something new, whether it's how to use a probe thermometer to troubleshoot temperature issues, or how to line the insert to eliminate common problems (e.g., hot spots, difficult cleanup or unmolding, excessive moisture). Innovative recipes such as bittersweet grapefruit-ginger marmalade, Mumbai chaat Chex mix, pumpkin challah french toast bake, and garlic and rosemary oil-poached shrimp will stretch one's thinking in terms of what's possible. More conventional dishes (e.g., cheese dips, warm beverages, pantry staples, slow-cooked meats) will fulfill most everyday and entertaining needs. Instructions are precise and no more laborious than those in similar titles. VERDICT Essential for most collections, this is an exciting and refreshingly unbiased guide to slow cooking.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 16, 2017
In this fun and useful cookbook, food writer DiGregorio uses a multistep approach to help build flavor in the slow cooker and prevent what she feels to be the muted flavors of many slow-cooked meals. Weeknight suppers, the typical domain of the slow cooker, get a boost with inventive recipes, such as gingery chicken and shiitake congee; a miso-butter roast chicken and potatoes; Italian wedding soup with sausage, meatballs, and kale; and Chinese chile-bean eggplant with smoked tofu. Breakfast gets a boost with overnight wonders such as a granola with buckwheat, cashews, and curry; a pumpkin challah French toast bake; and a breakfast casserole of egg, cheese, and everything bagel. There are plenty of generous party recipes, such as a dip that includes whipped feta cheese, red pepper, and olive; and a main course of corn, mushroom, and zucchini tamales. Desserts are clever and include a coconut banana cake with a brown butter caramel sauce. This book, filled with solid recipes, is a must-have for slow-cooker fans.