For those with the Superfast Suppers book: should I get it?

[foodfiend]

I'm wondering if I should pick up the Superfast Suppers book. I'm running out of ideas with the current CL's, and I'd like something that's no-fuss but tasty. I really liked the Slow-Cooker Lasagne. I saw it on e-Bay for $10, but they won't ship to Canada, so I can't buy it. Whaddya think?

[Terrytx]

I really like it.

[Molli526]

Yes. We've liked everything I've made so far.

[Carolina68]

I really like it......I haven't tried but 3 or 4 recipes,but they have been good and there are lots in there that I want to try!

[swquilts]

I really like it and I'm looking forward to trying a bunch more!

[grelli2]

I have been pleasantly surprised with everything I've tried so far.

Kelli

[goofygirl]

I have the book, and I know that everyone has raved about the crock pot lasagna, but mine was very dissapointing. The noodles were awful, very mushy, and the food that touched the edges of the pot was practically burnt.

Granted, I did leave it on for about 10 hours while I was at work, but still, it was sad.

Can anyone name some specific recipes that they really enjoyed? So far, the only other recipe I made was the maple glazed salmon. It was delicious. I've also read that the taco pizza is good.

[swquilts]

Goofygirl, try using a light timer for your crockpot. When I started getting home at 6pm after work I bought one of those $5 timers. I put the food in, set it to come on between 11 and 12 (depending on the recipe for cooking time) and when I get home, dinner is done!!

I've made the Chipotle Black Bean chili and used it in 2 different recipes so far. I've also made the Crunchy Picante Salad and the Deep Dish Taco Pizza which wasn't bad either.

Try a few others, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Mimeea]

I also have really enjoyed this cookbook. I've made the Vegetable Fried Rice a couple times already, and I've really liked it. I've made about 3 or 4 others, too, with good results.

[goofygirl]

Thanks swquilts,
I didn't know about those timers. Is this something that you plug into the wall? Where can I get one?

[RunnerKim]

My understanding is the timers are just what you'd pickup at walmart or home depot. What you'd plug a lamp into so it comes on while your on vacation (or to have a light on when you come home late). We use them for our Christmas lights too.

I'm definitely getting my money's worth out of this cookbook. I'm really trying to have family dinners since my baby is now eating most of what we eat and thus need to get dinner on the table quickly.

All meals have been decent, several repeaters. I've made (wish it had a recipe index in the back like the magazine does!):

Slow Cooker Lasagna (a little bland for my taste but will fix & repeat)
Seared Chicken with Avocado (repeater)
Romaine and Greek Vegetable Salad with turkey roll-ups (probably repeat)
Crunchy Picante Salad (repeater)
Portuguese Frittata (Chx-Veggie Toss base)
Chicken and Potato Hash (Chx-Veggie Toss base)
Chicken and Shells with Cheese Sauce (Chx-Veggie Toss base, Repeater)
Microwave Green Chile-Chicken Risotto (repeater)
Quick Vegetable Fried rice and Cucmber Salad (Repeat with something red/orange added and garlic and/or ginger, Cukes were (too) spicy)
Roasted aspargus on parmesan polenta (edible but defintiely not repeating)
Chicken with creamy dijon sauce w/balsamic cucumber and tomato salad
Cookies and Cream Parfaits (worthy of being a repeater but probably won't as there's so many desserts to try and we make few).

Tonight: Deep Dish Taco Pizza

Next week
Pepperoni and white bean sald with roasted red pepper spread and bread sticks
Chicken piccata w/garlic-basil pasta


so as you can see it's been worth the money for us.

Kim

[foodfiend]

How are these recipes different from the usual CL recipes? I know that use more convienence products, but is there anything else different?

[RunnerKim]

I would say the big difference is the convenience items (similar to the superfast recipes in the magazine). I'd also say they're simpler and thus have a tendency to be blander. Many still use "unusual" ingredients. We find ourselves adding a little this and that to the recipes (spices generally, garlic often :D ). Otherwise still CL recipes.

Kim