It rained almost all day yesterday, and I had two packages of defrosted chicken in the fridge that needed to be cooked. I also had three children with various schedules and no babysitter for Sophie. I knelt in the kitchen and pulled the dusty, old crock-pot out from the back of a cabinet. I had to remove stacks of newspapers that I "save," one of Federico Fellini's obituary, one from when Clinton and Gore won the election, one from the day after 9/11 and a few of Obama's victory last year. They're old and crumbly, but I love them and God forbid I should actually get the online versions. But I digress... I pulled the crockpot out and began to chop some onions, carrots and shallots and garlic for what was called "Old Fashioned Chicken and Noodles." I placed the chicken pieces over the vegetables in the pot, poured chicken stock over the contents, put the lid on and turned the thing on.
Nine hours later...
I boiled some farfalle and threw that in there with the chicken stew, some herbs and salt and pepper.
It looked terrible and I don't know why I'm using this as my Sunday post. Maybe because I threw the whole thing away, literally pushed it down the garbage disposal and ground it up, feeling sick to my stomach at the waste.
We ordered mexican food from the local mom and pop, tacos and quesadillas, guacamole and chips. I drank a Blue Moon with an orange slice, as I am wont these days.
I'm throwing the crock-pot away today because I've never liked anything that's come out of it.
Tomorrow is Sophie's birthday and I'm working on something that will hopefully be a bit more enlightening than this absolve my guilt at wasting good food post.
Oh dear! I did make a good meal in the crock pot many years ago. If I ever recall what it was, I'll send you the recipe. Oh, but wait, you've tossed the pot. Guess I can focus on remembering other things. Like, where is that crock pot?
ReplyDeleteI've done that a couple of times--not with the crock pot, but with other kitchen disasters. I actually kind of like mine--just started with it after Xmas. There are some good Real Simple recipes and the book that came with the thing is actually decent. I would give you recipes, but you have wisely done what you needed to do!
ReplyDeleteThey have their uses, but only on limited occasions. We gnaw our way through the disasters, although I think it would be best sometimes to do what you did. Throw the guilt away with the food. Done is done.
ReplyDeleteYour crock-pot adventure sounds about like every cooking experience I've ever had, which is why I tend not to cook. Waste of my time, food, money! I'll be thinking of Sophie all day tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI like the mexican food from the local mom and pop that saved the day/dinner. Tomorrow will be a good day. Hugs.
ReplyDeletePS I once threw away a pizza, and I find it funny that you threw away farfalle - there's something about Italian food that on occasion just doesn't agree with the mood:)
My crock pot is dusty, too. In fact, I'm not even sure where it is. Maybe I don't even have one anymore?
ReplyDeletePersonally, if I were married to a European-trained chef, I don't think I'd ever cook anything because I'd have such performance anxiety. I think you are brave to cook at all, with such an expert in the house, though I know you have professional experience of your own.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad about the crock pot; I know what you mean, because things don't always look good when they come out of it, but I do love mine. Maybe my expectations (and skill level) are just that much lower than yours. =)
You have a food blog and a chef for a husband and you used a crockpot? I am surprised your husband didn't run away from home. Anything a crockpot can do, an oven, a stovetop, or even a microwave can do better.
ReplyDeleteI knew the ending wasn't going to be good, but I so wanted the chicken in the crockpot to turn out, it SOUNDED good. I bet I would've enjoyed it! Oh Elizabeth, you are so funny. It's okay. Throw the damn thing out. Well, maybe give it to good will? Someone will be happy to make beef stew in it!
ReplyDeleteHope tomorrow's adventures are much better too.
So obvious what your problem is ... you're not a single guy! I live on six ingredient or less crock pot creations and of course the ultimate A Man, A Can, A Plan! You will never throw a meal away again!
ReplyDeleteCrockpots are good for venison. They really are.
ReplyDeleteBut your meal tonight- the Mexican with the Blue Moon? That is what I have been craving.
Don't feel bad about "wasting" food. If it was no good, it was no good for you or your family.
Happy Birthday to your daughter, your beautiful mermaid.
Mine is in the basement, high on some shelf, collecting dust. OTHER people seem to know how to use it but mine only makes gray mush. With you!
ReplyDeleteI'm ok with our crock pot. But I get the same wasting food guilt. A Blue Moon with orange sounds yummy.
ReplyDeletewv: godomm
godomm crock pot
I gave my crock pot away ages ago. I agree with the commenter who said: Anything a crock pot can do, the stove, oven or microwave can do better.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a crock pot meal I've enjoyed. Or even gazed upon one that looked appetizing. Glad the mexican food saved the day!
p.s. LOVE the header! Did I miss it last time I was here? My brain is in blog la-la-land.
ReplyDeleteI use our crockpot for cheating with barbecue ribs, a cheesy creamy corn recipe, and potroast.
ReplyDeleteI can see where some may not want to use it. I agree where the ribs and potroast may be better on a stove, but Marissa doesn't always allow me to be time-sensitive.
Now that I think about it, I rarely- if ever- use my crockpot to actually cook a meal. I use it to keep things warm (chili, bbq beef, soup) when feeding larger groups.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I love throwing things away. It makes me feel unencumbered in the best kind of way. I hope you are enjoying your crock-pot-less days!