Slow cooker ideas to keep you warm this winter

The leaves are falling off the trees, wood heaters are starting to crackle, and slippers and jumpers are coming back out. Winter must be on its way!Most would say that there is nothing better than a warm, home-cooked meal after a hard day. What could be better than coming home to a hot steaming soup or rich, braised lamb shanks, with meat so tender it just falls off the bone?

There are so many benefits to slow cooking, including how easy it is to just throw everything in and leave it, the money you save, and the nutritional benefits.

To help you get through the colder months, here are some slow cooker tips and ideas:

1. Save money by purchasing cheaper cuts of meat. Slow cookers are great for this and if you use less meat, the slow cooker extracts more flavour onto the other items in the cooker, so bulk it up with some vegetables.

2. To save you precious sleeping time in the morning, prepare all the ingredients and put them in the slow cooker the night before, and store in the fridge overnight.

3. Utilise warming flavours in your stews including ginger, garlic, chilli, or curry. Consider mouth-watering dishes like a curried vegetable and chickpea stew, coconut and green curry pork, or rich and meaty lamb ragu.

4. It is easy for the kilos to creep up on you in winter, so incorporate some extra healthy and nutritional dishes into your slow cooking plan. Vegetable soups are great for the waistline, and as an added bonus, they’re full of vitamins and antioxidants to help keep those winter colds away.slow cooker pot and pantry

Also remember, slow cookers don’t have to just be for dinner. Consider slow cooking your oats overnight for a quick and healthy breakfast to warm you up in the morning.

5. Believe it or not, it doesn’t take much to keep the kids happy either! Surprise them with yummy slow cooked mac & cheese, lasagne, or spaghetti bolognese.

To get you started this winter, try this personal favourite, lentil soup with goats cheese and toast:http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/26680/lentil+soup+with+goats+cheese+toast?ref=

How to host the perfect dinner party

So, you have decided to host a dinner party. Stressful, right? Wrong! We’ve compiled some ideas and tips on how to host the perfect dinner party so you can relax and enjoy the night with your guests.

Invitations

The design of your invitations will reflect the theme of your dinner party. Remember we are in the technological age, so electronic invites are OK. If the dinner party is more formal, have some printed invitations sent as well. Sending invitations two to three weeks in advance and asking for RSVPs one week out from the dinner will give your guests enough time to sort their calendar and give you enough time to set the menu and prepare.

Table setting

Your table setting is the canvas for your dinner. Create some cute place cards to complement the table setting. In addition, every nice table setting features a centrepiece; consider a bouquet of fresh flowers, or non-scented candles that do not overpower the aromas of the meal. Try to have the table set earlier in the day so you have more time with your guests.

Music selection

Create the right ambience for your dinner party with appropriate background music. Keep the volume low enough for guests to converse comfortably and relax. Depending on your theme, some light house music may be appropriate.

Canapés and drinks

Having canapés and drinks prepared for when the guests arrive will give you more time to make the finishing touches to the meal, and keep your guests content while they mingle and wait for dinner. Keep the drinks classy with wine and cocktails, and also have non-alcoholic options available. It is worth investing in some basic wine and cocktail glasses (if you do not already have some) for the occasion and any future gatherings. 

Dinner

When guests confirm their availability, have them also confirm any allergies or dietary restrictions to avoid any awkward refusals or incidents on the night. Try to avoid experimenting with elaborate dishes you have not previously cooked – your guests will enjoy a simple home-cooked meal.

Dessert

End the night on a sweet (or savoury) note. Desserts are just as much about the presentation as the flavour. Again, prepare something you have made before, and consider having the desserts made prior to guests arriving. If you would like to prepare something for your guests to take home, think about beautifully decorated cupcakes.