Slow Cooking for People with A Sweet Tooth

Everyone craves a sweet treat from time to time, but as we know all too well, we can’t always give in. you don’t need to be a health buff to know that too much sugar isn’t good for you. But who said you can’t have your sugar fix every day? It’s a lot easier than it seems. One way to work more sweets into your diet is by using the crock pot. Many crock pot recipes use very little sugar, or sometimes none at all—but you can get the sweet taste from more natural sources.

So why are crock pots so effective? Since they cook on low heat, ingredients have more time to blend together and really let out their flavors. That means even a small amount of spice can make a big difference in your cooking. No need for those calorie-laden artificial flavorings—with a crock pot, you can keep it light and healthy and get your sugar fix the natural way. Not sure how to do it? Here are some ways to work some sugar into your crock pot meals, minus the guilt.

Use more fruits.

Fruits are a great way to add some sweetness to your meals. The reason they’re much healthier is that they contain a different form of sugar called fructose, which is easily used up and doesn’t get stored as quickly as glucose. In the crock pot, they work especially well with meat. Recipes like crock pot orange pork or pineapple-glazed ham are always a hit at dinner, even with the kids. They also work well as cold cuts—just cut them up afterwards and use them on soups, salads and sandwiches.

When using oranges and lemons, use the rind and juice to intensify the flavor and give it a more "fruity" taste. Slow cooking will enhance their flavors and create a really appetizing aroma—perfect for setting the mood at parties. Rubbing the fruit on the skin also helps it set in better. Many recipes require a tangy spice to counter the sweetness, such as ginger—this can be a good choice if you don’t want it too sweet.

Combine it with other flavors.

When you’re making a main dish, sweet alone doesn’t usually make the cut. That’s why crock pot recipes often pair it with other flavors, such as sweet and sour, sweet and spicy. These other flavors help bring out the sweetness and keep it from getting too saturated. One good example is a crock pot chili recipe. Although the spiciness wins over, adding some sugar or honey can give it a hint of sweetness that adds just the right contrast.

If you like the sweet and sour combination, one good recipe to try is sweet and sour pork. Slow cooking intensifies both flavors, so even a little bit goes a long way. Pineapples and brown sugar add a nice bit of sweetness to the meat, while vinegar or lemon juice is great for adding some zest. You can also add whatever spices you like—onions, garlic, and pepper usually work best.

Have it for breakfast.

Unknown to many, the crock pot is a great tool for making healthy breakfasts, whether you have a sweet tooth or not. Crock pot breakfasts are filling but not fattening, and surprisingly easy to make—you can even customize them and add your choice of ingredients. Probably the most common dish is slow cooker oatmeal and fruit, which offers a pretty balanced mix of carbs, vitamins, dairy, and a bit of fruit to add that sweet taste. If you have leftovers from dinner, you can also make a nice breakfast casserole.

The best thing about crock pot breakfasts is that you can do it in advance, so you wake up to a hot, ready-to-serve meal every time. Before bed, just put in all your ingredients, set the time, and let it do the rest of the work. It’s a great way to avoid the morning rush and get a healthy breakfast at the same time.

Choose healthy desserts.

Few people know it, but crock pots are also a great tool for making dessert. In fact, they make much better desserts than the oven—healthier, more feeling, and often a lot sweeter. Because they concentrate all the flavors, you can get it really sweet while using half the sugar or less. And since most crock pot desserts have fruit as their main ingredient, you get a lot more nutrition as well. Some of the most popular recipes are crock pot bread pudding, baked custard, and apple cobbler. Some of these recipes are heavy enough to be a meal on their own! It’s best to use a small pot for dessert recipes (about 3 quarts), but if you only have a 5-quart one or bigger, just adjust the amount of liquid so it doesn’t get too soggy.

Tags: slow cooker oatmeal and fruit | slow cooker oatmeal and fruit | crock pot bread pudding | crock pot bread pudding | crock pot chili recipe | crock pot chili recipe | crock pot orange pork | crock pot orange pork | crock pot recipes