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Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat over-elaborate
Review: I wasn't impressed by the initial blurbs on each country (and by the way Great Britain has FOUR countries not three) nor by the wine/beer recommendations. These sound like padding (just who bothers to seek out the recommended bottle?). As for the recipes themselves, they all appear to need lengthy cooking before going into the slow cooker. Surely the point of a slow cooker is that you produce good-tasting food with the minimum of fuss. On the other hand there's no warning about boiling beans for 10 minutes beforehand to avoid poisoning one's guests (such a recommendation does however come from the manufacturer when you buy the slow cooker).
As for the recipes themselves, there are several which sound good (though occasionally,eg Chicken Mole, you wonder whether they aren't just too elaborate (ancho chiles AND pasilla chiles...) and with some adaptation most would taste good. There is also a reasonable amount of variety. It is well printed and illustrated.
Rating: 
Summary: So far it all tastes the same
Review: I've made three different recipes, all supposedly from different countries and all different, but somehow they seem to all taste the same. Rather disappointing...
Rating: 
Summary: Finally, a Slow Cooker Book That Works!
Review: I've tried three recipes so far from this collection, each one more complex than the last, as I gain my trust in this author. The Baked Eggplant was ridiculously easy (just cut the eggplants into cubes and cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the seasonings after the cooking is done.) Next I tried the Tuscan White Bean Soup, which was excellent and not at all watery, like most crock-pot soups. Finally, I made a pot of Mexican Chicken in Peanut and Ancho Chili Sauce, and I can finally say that I've found a crock pot book that really does work.The author encourages crock-pot users to lift the lid and stir while the food is cooking; I heartily agree, because the food ends up well cooked and NOT the watery, insipid mess I usually got. These are recipes that will not taste like a well-meaning, "good-for-you" home economics project. But this means you can't start your supper in the morning and have it done when you're back from work: the result may be watery. That's been my experience with other books, like Judith Finalyson's. So if you're going to be home and willing to keep an eye on your slow cooker while it's doing its thing, you will be very satisfied with the recipes in this book.
Rating:
Summary: This cookbook dominated our book discussion group.
Review: Our book discussion group recently met at the home of a member who can't often attend our meetings because of her demanding work schedule. We entered her home to be welcomed by the delicious aroma of PORK STEW WITH TOMATILLOS, prepared from The Gourmet Slow Cooker cookbook. After an outstanding meal, we shelved our scheduled discussion book and spent the evening looking through and discussing this wonderful cookbook and how it has simplified and enhanced dinnertime for a working woman and her family.
This is NOT your typical crockpot cookbook filled with 90% chicken recipes where you add frozen vegetables and canned soup (yuck!). The ingredients are fresh meat and vegetables, seasonings and spices. The international cuisine is a exciting change from the beef stew and cheese dip mindset we had long associated with slow cooker food preperation.
I am looking at my slow cooker with new enthusiasm, one friend is resurrectiong her THREE slow cookers from the basement and sharing two of them with other bookgroup members. The six of us without it are purchasing THE GOURMET SLOW COOKER and looking forward to ready-when-you-get-home gourmet meals for our families. And, of course, a make-ahead treat for the Wild Women of Wednesday Book Discussion Group when we are the hostess of the month.
Rating:
Summary: This cookbook dominated our book discussion group.
Review: Our book discussion group recently met at the home of a member who can't often attend our meetings because of her demanding work schedule. We entered her home to be welcomed by the delicious aroma of PORK STEW WITH TOMATILLOS, prepared from The Gourmet Slow Cooker cookbook. After an outstanding meal, we shelved our scheduled discussion book and spent the evening looking through and discussing this wonderful cookbook and how it has simplified and enhanced dinnertime for a working woman and her family.
This is NOT your typical crockpot cookbook filled with 90% chicken recipes where you add frozen vegetables and canned soup (yuck!). The ingredients are fresh meat and vegetables, seasonings and spices. The international cuisine is a exciting change from the beef stew and cheese dip mindset we had long associated with slow cooker food preperation.
I am looking at my slow cooker with new enthusiasm, one friend is resurrectiong her THREE slow cookers from the basement and sharing two of them with other bookgroup members. The six of us without it are purchasing THE GOURMET SLOW COOKER and looking forward to ready-when-you-get-home gourmet meals for our families. And, of course, a make-ahead treat for the Wild Women of Wednesday Book Discussion Group when we are the hostess of the month.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for crock pot lovers!
Review: This is the best crock pot cookbook I have ever used! So far I have made the apricot chicken, chicken curry and neopolitan lamb stew and they have all been wonderful. My husband is Punjabi and has lived all over the world- even he thought the recipes tasted authentic. My co-workers loved the apricot chicken. I highly recommend this cookbook for any busy cook who doesn't have all day to spend in the kitchen and wants to serve tasty recipes from around the world.
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