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Wednesday, March 04, 2009

New Kitchen Toy, And That Retro Bologna Spread..



About a year ago, I was in a small chili cook-off, where you made the chili at home, and brought it in a crock-pot... Slow cooker is now the politically accepted term, I believe.. Anywho, I saw the latest and greatest version of one of these puppies- and lusted for one until now. What was the catalyst for this great leap into the 21st century? My wife wanted one- finally! She had to bring our published-in a cookbook recipe for Danish meatballs to a party at her office, and wanted to look good! I talked her into the biggest one(6 quart!) as is in the long run, smart. This thing holds 5lbs. of meatballs, with sauce! Toggle clamps for lid to pot seal for transportation.. A carrying case that Velcros in three spots for ease of placing, and removing the cooking vessel without spillage. There are slits in the carrying case to allow the handles to be exposed, aiding in transporting without mishap. Three heat settings, and removable crock for ease of cleaning or even reheating in a Microwave! It even comes with a snap in serving spoon... all this for $37 bucks! Get one, if yours is on it's last legs- a versatile kitchen appliance for sure!
I made that bologna spread I've been talking about... the original was ground bologna, pickle relish, and mayo.... I did that, then added sharp cheddar, shredded, minced green olives(pimento too!), chopped onion, and a dab of brown mustard... It is delicious! A little rich, but an excellent spread for crackers, crostini, or even as a sandwich spread, with a leaf of lettuce.. Fun to try what you think might work and have it come out tasty!

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope you love your new crock pot.(Why isn't that term PC? That's what we always called them.)

buffalodick said...

Jeez, I don't know.. I'm gonna call them a crock pot til I die!

Dana said...

Great ...

Now I have crock pot envy!

buffalodick said...

Dana- Live with it for a year, and then we'll talk! Easier just to buy it now!

Kate said...

I use my crock pot for all kinds of things people don't usually use crock pots for. It's my most beloved kitchen gadget. If it could be called a gadget. And then my friend went and got one that has a TIMER on it. Hrmph.

Christo Gonzales said...

I have used a crockpot maybe two times in my entire life...I have one but I never think enough in advance to use it - pressure cooker on the other hand get used tons....
about that bologna thing....I think I would have to pass...I guess you have to like bologna to begin with before making it it 'fancy'

tavolini said...

I just got a new crockpot for my birthday (yes, I even asked for it!)

I use it to do beans and stew in all the time--such a nice little gadget :)

Scarlet said...

You could sell me anything! I even want to try that bologna concoction in a crock pot just because you make it sound so damn delicious!

buffalodick said...

Kate- I embraced this device, and in the 30+ years of cooking with one, I am convinced of it's worth..
DogB- I have a great pressure cooker I have used once in 5 years.. not the same thing for the same foods- to me. The spread was a mission, and I was pleased with the results- who da thunk?
Tavolini- Very useful, and makes the days when you're not home- something is making food to come home to...

buffalodick said...

Scarlet- That spread is entirely cold blended- never cooked! Came out rich, but tasty.. Slow cooker makes a mean Cuban roast pork- I've done it!

buffalodick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephanie Faris said...

Ugh. I'm on a diet here! And now I'm starving.

Akelamalu said...

When my Dad was waiting for his hip replacement and couldn't bend down to the oven I bought him a crockpot. Even now he can bend he doesn't use the oven anymore he loves his crockpot so much!

CDB said...

I definitely LOVE my crock pot, and use it constantly in the winter months.

But I am NOT with you on the bologna spread.. I can't get past what bologna exactly is. (I know. Don't visit the sausage factory. Just eat the sausage.)

buffalodick said...

Steph- From the look of your photo, I don't think you have to diet, dear!
Ake- We have used one at least once a week for 30+ years!
CDB- Michigan has some of the strictest laws in America as to what can go into hot dogs and bolongna.. This was Koegel, made in Michigan, and the best anywhere!

Donna-FFW said...

I love my crock pot also. I have to tell you though, your bologna spread has me intrigued. If it is a retro recipe and your wife likes aprons and cookbooks,you should enter domestickmuse's giveaway contest.. Has to do with retro recipes.. Email me if you want details or her site is on my bloglist. The aprons are so cool, and sexy!

Jeff B said...

I have yet to use a crock pot. I think it's one of those things you have to use to truly appreciate.

Christo Gonzales said...

I am going to crack out the crock in your honor - and I would even try a little of that spread on a cracker...

Jeanne Estridge said...

Does it have a timer so you can set when it will start/stop?

That's the one I've been lusting after.

Brown Eyed Girl said...

Have the exact same slow cooker. Love it.

buffalodick said...

Donna- It's a phase I'm going through- sort of a foodie walk down memory lane..
Jeff- Ours got the most use when my wife and I both worked full time.. Fill it in the morning, soup when you got home!
DogB- While I was making this, it occured to me that ham, other cooked sausage, etc. could also be used instead of bologna...
Jeanne- I wanted that too, but if you think your husband is tight with a buck- meet my wife!
B.Egirl- This is my fifth crock pot in 35 years...Still have three of them!

JihadGene said...

It kinda looks scary...the bologna stuff. What the hell, give me a beer, I'll try it!

Lars Shalom said...

i thought this blog would be sick

its just boring

g-man said...

Buff...Did you use Koegels ring Bologna?

buffalodick said...

Jihad- Took it to a an open buffet today, and folks liked it!
Sorry Rabbi- go circumsise yourself- hope it's more exciting..
G-man- You know I did!

Chef E said...

I hope you are getting a kick back for that commercial?

Just call me the 'Crack Pot' version of a slow cooker :)

I am ordering my Electrolux Excalibur nine tray Dehydrator and jerky maker tonight, woo hoo is this girl excited!

Belle said...

Is there such a thing as 'too rich'? Not in this case I think. Your slow cooker has a carrying case? Sounds brilliant.

buffalodick said...

Chef- Wait until you see what I scored Thursday as my lastest gizmo!
Belle- Already figured out a touch of vinegar would sharpen the flavor of the spread! Because of the toggle lock down lid, the carrying case really isn't even needed!

urban vegan said...

You know, I just gave my crock pot away. I had it for 20 years, It took up tons of room in my tiny kitchen and I only used it about 5 times.

Glad you;re putting yours to use!

buffalodick said...

UrbanV- I bought a food processor more than a year ago, and have used it about three times.. I know what you're saying...

Maddy said...

I love the 'ease of' turn of phrase! YOu could be a commercial. I too cracked to a crock. Couldn't see the point in having one with our personal life style but then my daughter needed a hot dish at school for the teachers.......so I gave in. That does sound like a tasty concoction, except for the mayonnaise = yuk! Never fancied you for a Frenchie!
Cheers

snowelf said...

I have NO idea what I would do with this thing, but I am sure of all my foodie friends you guys could suggest something! ;)

--snow

Mona said...

Buf, i saw some interesting new appliances and utensils at Albertson's today and I also saw canned Chilie and thought about you!

Emily said...

Mmm sounds delicious. I'd love to try some on crostini!

buffalodick said...

Maddie- I was probably 35 years old before I used the stuff...Now I use it sparingly!
Snowniece- Do you have a blog anymore? Start with soup in a slow cooker, then go from there!
Mona- Hope B-I-L is recovering! My next post will be about my deal on an expresso machine!
Emily- Welcome to the blog! A movie star on my humble blog!

RW said...

I want a big crock pot, right know I just have a small one. That one you just got looks like a dandy.

buffalodick said...

It's a well thought out piece of machinery, Rog! If you can find one with the start/stop feature timer- you're home!

MarmiteToasty said...

You posh git LOL......... it sounds like the bees knees of crock pots :)

x

Angel said...

bologna spread??!! oh good lord, I've died and gone to heaven!!!!

buffalodick said...

Marmy- Only feature I'd like but didn't get was the thermostat control with timer!
Beth- Came out pretty good- you could use ham instead of bologna too!

Unknown said...

I've been using a crock pot for years, way before my friends ever did and it is the best thing EVER! And talk about tender meat!

That ground Bologna sounds awesome and I have never heard of it before! But I would have no idea how to ground it up.

Tanya Kristine said...

mmm...bologna spread.

Ashley said...
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