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    15 New Ways to Use Your Slow Cooker

    Published: Sep 18, 2023 Modified: Sep 18, 2023 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Who said slow cookers are just for stews and casseroles? Here are some uncommon ways to get the most out of your slow cooker.

    Homemade Yogurt

    Portrait of middle-aged woman eating yoghurt
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Store-bought yogurt often comes with preservatives and added sugar. You have control over ingredients and thickness when you make your own in a slow cooker. Heat some milk, let it cool, add yogurt culture and let the fermentation process do its thing. That process is needed for developing flavor and probiotics and it’s consistent and foolproof with the steady low heat of a slow cooker. Your yogurt turns out healthier and costs less than what you find at the store!

    Infused Oils

    infused oils
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Infused oils can turn a simple dish into a masterpiece. Imagine serving spaghetti aglio e olio with homemade garlic-infused olive oil. Put your ingredients—oil and herbs—in the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it go. The slow and steady heat promotes thorough infusion without burning the delicate herbs. And it’s not just for cooking; you can make infused oil-based natural beauty products, too. Think lavender-infused coconut oil as a skin salve. There are so many possibilities!

    Homemade Caramel

    bowl of melted caramel sauce on old wooden table
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Are you craving a golden, buttery delight? Caramel can be tricky to make on a stovetop, with a high risk of burning that delicate mixture of sugar, butter, and cream. A slow cooker offers a failsafe method, allowing the sugar and butter to meld perfectly. Imagine dipping apple slices into your homemade caramel or drizzling it over ice cream or a pancake!

    Whole Chickens

    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly

    Intimidated by the thought of roasting? Slow cooker to the rescue! The juices are retained as the bird cooks, leaving you with a tender, pull-apart chicken you’ve seasoned perfectly. Not only that, the leftover broth can be used for sous or gravy.

    Homemade Applesauce

    apple sauce
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Forget preservatives and added sugar. Throw in some peeled and chopped apples with a touch of cinnamon and let your slow cooker transform them into a velvety, naturally sweet applesauce.

    Savory Soups

    taco soup with avocado
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    A slow cooker excels in melding flavors over time, so it’s perfect for hearty and flavorful soups. Combine vegetables, broth, and protein and cook low and slow. The long, slow cooking time allows for the ideal flavor combination, whether for a hearty beef stew or a creamy butternut squash soup.

    Overnight Oats

    overnight oats with yogurt
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Say goodbye to the morning rush. Just mix oats, milk, fruit, and a dash of honey in your slow cooker and set it on low before going to bed. You’ll wake up to a pot of creamy, perfectly cooked oats.

    Mulled Wine

    hot mulled wine with cinnamon, star anise, orange and bro
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    The aroma of spices and wine filling the air can make for a cozy winter night. Start by putting red wine, spices, and your preferred sweetener in the slow cooker earlier in the day. Set it on low and let it simmer for a few hours. The slow cooker provides even heat that allows full extraction of the flavors without the alcohol burning off too quickly. Wrap up in a cozy blanket or pull up a chair by the fireplace and enjoy!

    Dog Food

    dog food
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Our pups deserve the best. We should know what goes into their food, too. Slow-cooked meals are the answer. Put lean protein, vegetables, and grains (whatever combo is right for your furry friend) in the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for a few hours. Slow-cooked meals can be the balanced, preservative-free nutrition you feel good about and your pet will love!

    Potpourri

    Aromatic potpourri in glass jar on table, closeup
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Tired of those weird, synthetic air fresheners? Just put a mix of dried herbs, flowers, and citrus peels in a slow cooker with some water. Then set it on low for a few hours, and you’ll be delighted with the result. Slow cooking releases the natural scents from your ingredients, and your potpourri will make your home smell like an actual garden.

    Homemade Candles

    Hand made soap and candles on bamboo mat background
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Do you think making candles must be complicated? It’s simple to get started with your slow cooker, plus making your own candles lets you choose the scents and colors you love. Not only that, the slow cooker gives you a safe way to melt wax—no fire hazard! First, put the wax in a heatproof container, then place it in a slow cooker filled with water. Set it on low and let the wax melt. Add fragrant oils to the melted wax and then pour the mixture into a candle mold with your appropriately placed wick. After the wax cools, remove your candle from the mold and enjoy your beautiful creation.

    Potting Soil

    potting soil
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Gardeners, rejoice! Sterilizing soil eliminates pests and weeds. So go ahead and collect your compost, peat moss, or other organic matter, and use your slow cooker before you plant. Put your soil components in the slow cooker with a bit of water, set it on low, and heat for a few hours. The even heat distribution will kill pathogens and other unwanted interlopers (weeds!), leaving you with the perfect soil for your delicate seedlings.

    Soap

    Handmade Soap With Natural Ingredients Over Wooden Background
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Homemade soaps are a simple luxury made even better when you are sure they do not contain unwanted chemicals. The saponification process allows oils to react with lye to produce soap and is made consistent in a slow cooker. Just put your choice of oils, lye, and water in your cooker, set it on low, and let it heat for a few hours. When your soap is at a consistency you like, pour it into molds to cool and solidify. Soon enough, you'll be pampered with luxurious soap tailored just for you!

    Lotion Bars

    lotion bar
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Homemade, clean skincare products are becoming more and more popular. And just like with soap, you don’t want all kinds of mysterious, unpronounceable chemicals on your body. You can make naturally moisturizing lotion bars that contain coconut oil, beeswax, shea or cocoa butter, and essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint) right in your slow cooker. Add your ingredients, set it on low for several hours to melt everything together (mixing occasionally), and then pour into molds or muffin tins to cool and solidify. The lotion bars are solid at room temp but melt in contact with your skin. Clean beauty, no mess!

    Playdough

    playdough
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Need something to entertain the kids? Playdough is a classic solution! Throw some flour, salt, water, and vegetable oil in your slow cooker, set it to low, and stir occasionally. In about an hour, the mixture will thicken enough to pull away from the sides of the pot. Allow it to cool enough to handle, separate portions, and mix in food coloring for a rainbow of fun. Feeling adventurous? Have the kids help you make it, too!

    10 Seriously Boomer Foods That Boomers Love According to the Internet

    Senior man eats a pizza
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Baby boomers lived through tricky historical times, so we must be mindful of their food choices. My parents in England grew up in Austerity Britain between 1945 and 1955 when war rationing continued. While some of the meals that survived this era may still be with us, who would begrudge people for craving their childhood favorites? In a recent online post, people suggest foods baby boomers still love. Find the list here.

    10 Popular Foods That Men Voted They Can't Bring Themselves To Eat

    Man saying no
    Image Credit: Shutterstock.

    A recent online discussion among men involved foods they can't bring themselves to eat. From beef tongues to Haggis, these are popular foods men say they can handle, despite others despising them. Get the list here. 

    10 Foods Americans Eat That Are Banned in Other Countries

    surprised woman eating a donut
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock

    Did you know that several foods popular in America are banned in some other countries? Usually, this is because of chemicals or food production standards that aren’t considered acceptable in those countries. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of those foods and what they’re banned. Some might surprise you! Get the full list here. 

    10 Popular Foods Meant To Be Served Hot That People Prefer Cold. Do You? 

    Woman having fried chicken
    Image Credit: Shutterstock.

    Some people swear coffee can only be prepared with one method, or it’s improper. Others will take it cold, hot, on ice, or any other way. Are there certain foods that are supposed to be served fresh and hot that you prefer cold? This list came about because of an internet discussion where people argued whether foods like pizza or fried chicken could be eaten cold.  Get the list here. 

    The Boomer Food Hall of Fame: 10 Dishes That Are Iconic for Baby Boomers

    Senior man eats a pizza
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Baby boomers lived through tricky historical times, so we must be mindful of their food choices. My parents in England grew up in Austerity Britain between 1945 and 1955 when war rationing continued. While some of the meals that survived this era may still be with us, who would begrudge people for craving their childhood favorites? In a recent online post, people suggest foods baby boomers still love. Get the list here.

    12 Boomers Facts You Were Taught As A Child Only To Find Out They Were Not True

    woman with gum
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock

    If you grew up with Boomer parents or had Boomer teachers, you probably heard a lot of things that you later came to realize (or maybe did at the time) just weren’t true. Some of these things were well-meaning. Some seemed about making you behave, while some were downright bizarre. Get the list.

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

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