2. From Our Cookbook Shelf to the Kitchen: Slow Cooker Family Favourites

Written By Jenna Croake

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, I find myself reaching for recipes that are comforting, nourishing and easy to prepare. The kind of meals that fill the house with delicious aromas while you get on with the rest of your day.

This week, I've been cooking from The Australian Women's Weekly Slow Cooker Family Favourites, a collection of warming recipes designed to make the most of one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen.

The book features 67 beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian recipes, all tested by The Australian Women's Weekly Test Kitchen. From hearty casseroles and slow-cooked roasts to curries and family favourites, it's packed with practical recipes for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike.

This Week's Recipe: Pappardelle with Red-Wine Braised Lamb

This was exactly the sort of meal I crave at this time of year.

The recipe couldn't have been simpler — a case of adding the ingredients to the slow cooker and letting it work its magic throughout the day. I used local De Beaurepaire wine, which added beautiful richness to the sauce.

Of course, I couldn't resist making a few small adjustments. I added a little stock and a quarter of a red capsicum that was sitting in the crisper needing to be used. One of my favourite things about slow cooking is how forgiving it can be when you're trying to reduce food waste and make use of what you already have on hand.

I also couldn't get my hands on pappardelle pasta and, truthfully, wasn't feeling motivated enough to make it from scratch. Instead, I used one of my children's favourites — San Remo Vermicelli Egg Noodle Pasta Nests. They worked brilliantly, soaking up all that rich lamb sauce while cooking in just a few minutes.

To finish, we were very generous with the shaved parmesan on top, and the result was absolutely delicious. Rich, comforting and perfect for a cool country evening.

My Notes

  • A true "set and forget" recipe.

  • Great for using up vegetables already in the fridge.

  • The De Beaurepaire wine added wonderful depth of flavour.

  • Vermicelli egg noodle nests were an easy substitute for pappardelle.

  • Don't be shy with the parmesan.

Next Recipes I Want to Try

1. Poached Chicken with Soy and Sesame (Page 66)

Nobody likes dry chicken, and the ingredient list in this recipe sounds incredible. Fresh ginger, herbs and fragrant seasonings promise plenty of flavour while keeping the chicken beautifully tender.

2. Chicken, Leek and Cider Casserole (Page 76)

I love cider, and it almost always works beautifully in cooking. This sounds like the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening.

3. Honey Balsamic Pork Belly (Page 117)

Sometimes a recipe catches your eye simply because the photograph looks irresistible. This is one of those recipes.

About the Book

Discover the joy of slow cooking with this selection of comforting family favourites. From tender roasts and hearty stews to flavourful curries and classic casseroles, these recipes make it easy to create nourishing, home-cooked meals everyone will love.

Perfect for busy families or relaxed weekends, each dish celebrates the magic of your slow cooker in transforming simple ingredients into rich, flavourful meals that bring people together.

Book Details

  • Paperback

  • 164 pages

  • Tested by The Australian Women's Weekly Test Kitchen

  • Includes 67 beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian favourites

Retail Price: $24.95

If you're looking for simple, dependable comfort food this winter, this cookbook is well worth adding to your collection.

Jenna Croake
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