TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2009
2.5 stars (out of 5 - not so much recommended)
It's slow-cooker time again! I like to do slow-cooker recipes on Tuesdays, as I prefer to work from home those days. This recipe looked very unique, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm a bit afraid that the dijon will be overpowering....
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dijon mustard*
2 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
3/4 tsp dried marjoram*
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs*
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 (12 ounce - ~370g)jar marinated artichoke heart quarters, w/ liquid*
{Note changes: For the dijon mustard, it is highly recommended that you use the mustard in the picture below. I bought a cheap jar of French's Dijon and when I tasted it I basically burned my mouth so I switched to the Maille brand. Much better. I also used marjoram; however, the recipe actually calls for 1/2 tsp tarragon (I mistakenly thought that I had some in my kitchen... oopsies). Finally, I only bought a small jar of marinated artichoke hearts, so make sure you don't make the same mistake. I ended up slicing some whole canned artichoke hearts in half and adding them. To do the veggie version, just substitute the chicken with chick'n}
2.5 stars (out of 5 - not so much recommended)
It's slow-cooker time again! I like to do slow-cooker recipes on Tuesdays, as I prefer to work from home those days. This recipe looked very unique, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm a bit afraid that the dijon will be overpowering....
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dijon mustard*
2 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
3/4 tsp dried marjoram*
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs*
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 (12 ounce - ~370g)jar marinated artichoke heart quarters, w/ liquid*
{Note changes: For the dijon mustard, it is highly recommended that you use the mustard in the picture below. I bought a cheap jar of French's Dijon and when I tasted it I basically burned my mouth so I switched to the Maille brand. Much better. I also used marjoram; however, the recipe actually calls for 1/2 tsp tarragon (I mistakenly thought that I had some in my kitchen... oopsies). Finally, I only bought a small jar of marinated artichoke hearts, so make sure you don't make the same mistake. I ended up slicing some whole canned artichoke hearts in half and adding them. To do the veggie version, just substitute the chicken with chick'n}
1. First I combined the mustard, garlic, and marjoram in a medium-large bowl.
2. I then added the chicken thighs and stirred to coat them. I didn't cut the fat off of them this time, so we'll see if SB notices. I just can't do it.
3. After the chicken thighs were coated, I placed them at the bottom of my 4.5 qt slow-cooker.
4. I then topped with the onion, mushrooms, and artichokes (with the liquid from the jar).
5. I covered the pot, and placed it on high for 45 minutes, and then on low for about 6 hours (recipe says anywhere between 6 and 8 hours).
6. After cooking and smelling it all day, I was very disappointed to see that the sauce had, yet again, separated.
7. I served the chicken over a bed of basmati rice.
SB's:
Mine:
Here is what the sauce looked like after it was done:
I have to admit, I am quite discouraged with this cookbook. I bought it because it is the official "CrockPot" cookbook and came with great instructions, seemingly delicious recipes, and nice pics; however, this is the second time that their sauce has not turned out at all like what is supposed to. Furthermore, none of their recipes thus far have been anywhere close to fantastic. I am really questioning whether they actually tried these recipes out themselves. The picture they display is all creamy and perfect. Nothing close to the dish I produced.
The combination of artichokes and dijon seemed like a winning one; however, in the future I will look for a recipe that uses these ingredients in a casserole. SB seemed to like it enough, but I couldn't eat mine. It had that "slow-cooker" taste to it (see Easter - Vegetarian Edition). I'm not sure when I will be using it again :( It's too discouraging to put in so much effort to produce something so subpar. (SB is disagreeing right now... but I'm disappointed anyways!).
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