Food Made Fast: Slow Cooker (Williams-Sonoma)

The internet is BURSTING with recipes but when it comes to this book (and the companion, "Slow Cooking" by Williams-Sonoma) the Williams-Sonoma name actually means something. And what is that? Experience. Quality. Accuracy. Time-tested recipes that work so well that you'll go back to them until you've memorized the recipes. I thought it would be good to throw in a few examples of these top recipes (like Barbecue-Styled Brisket, Beef Stew with Bacon, Chicken Tagine & Turkey Mole) but as I stated/suggested above, "It's ALL Good" here. Unlike the internet offerings, however, you'll actually learn a thing or two about "real cooking," because W-S is a huge and time-tested establishment in this industry. What could this book do better? Can't say. Williams-Sonoma pursues excellence and that necessary "ingredient" is abundantly present here.

I've made several recipes from this book. A lot of them really just don't add a ton of flavor. On top of the flavor lacking, several of the recipes are very non-traditional. I know everyone is different but I was expecting several takes on a great beef stew, etc. They have a guiness beef stew recipe, which sounds amazing, but it's a total flop. The recipe is not rich with flavor, it's more like beef in watered down beef broth with some vegetables. I've tried it twice, really trying to give it a chance. I wanted these recipes to work.I own most of the books in this series, and I would say that this book is OK, but if you are looking for a great slow cooker book, this is not it. Out of 20 or so recipes, there are about 4 that are decent.I really enjoy the layout of this book. It lays out how much prep time, then how much cook time. Most of the recipes do take the 8 hours in the slow cooker. Every recipe has a picture to go with it, which is a really nice twist. Occasionally it has recommendations on a side dish too (no recipe for side dishes though).

I have tried a few of the recipes in this book and really enjoyed them

This book has excellent recipes and is particularly good if you own the All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker. (The liner is a piece of heavy-duty nonstick cookware. You brown the meat and onions in the liner on top of the stove, add the liquid and spices, transfer the liner to the slow cooker and walk away.) Most of the recipes require this type of preparation. The book is organized by prep time and times are given for cooking on high and low. I prep 2 or 3 meals on the weekend and then just throw them into the slow cooker before work during the week. So even if you don't own the All-Clad you could prepare the recipes this way. If you appreciate good flavor, fresh ingredients and don't mind investing in some prep time, this book is for you. Be sure to try the Spring Veal Stew with asparagus, peas, mushrooms and creme fraiche - outstanding.

This cookbook is a great addition to slow cooking. Most of the recipes take 15 to 30 minutes for prep. A good prep leads to a great outcome! This food tastes so good. I love the chili verde. It takes less than 15 minutes to prep. I add chopped jalapeño at the end because I prefer the kick! So first there is a yummy stew with left overs for burritos! The cook's tips with the recipes are very helpful. My crock pot is 4 quart size so I do adjust the recipes to fit.

A favorite recipe book because the recipes are simple but tasty. They have several recipes that you make the base and use for two or three different meals. I have given this as a gift to several friends.

So anyone that cooks in a crock pot knows that it isn't 'Food Made Fast' - what were they thinking when titling this cookbook? But no big deal. The issue I have with these recipes is that many require non-crockpot precooking which defeats the purpose of using my crockpot in the first place. I think many people use their slow cooker so they can throw all the ingredients into the pot in the morning and voila! dinner is ready when you get home. If we have to precook anything, it just won't happen.Too bad they didn't keep it simple for some easy crockpot meals because I think that all the William Sonoma recipes are terrific!

Made some good food, love this cookbook.I share this with all my friends, we make a lot of good meals together.

The item is good for the value you pay for it!