Woo-hoo, I have beef stew in the crockpot!

They have a cream for that now.

Do you brown the beef, or not?

Upsides of browning: much, much better taste.

Upsides of not browning: much, much less work* - and it is not like it tastes bad or anything.

*Browning not only requires actual browning time and cleaning another pot. Ideally you also add browned meat only after other stuff has been cooking a while so meat does not get overcooked.

Or, you brown in the same pot - take the meat out and add the other stuff and then add the meat back in.

Hmm - I'll try that - saves dishwashing. How long does it take to brown in a crockpock vs. a regular pan? (Mine does not have a brown setting, which I know some do, but does have a "high" setting. How long does it take to brown on high?

Ah. Crock pot - that's the part I forgot. Don't know. . . I don't have a crock pot.

The last stew I made (Sunday) I browned the meat in batches, and set the browned meat aside while I cooked the onion and deglazed the dutch oven with beer and broth. Then threw the beef back in with some seasoning and put in my oven for a couple of hours.

We cubed a chuck roast so the meat was tender after all the cooking, instead of tough or stringy.

I'm a fan of browning meat in this kind of application. That way you get to cook the vegetables in all the nummy fond left behind, as well.

ours went from $50 to $400. I am deeply suspicious.

request a meter read. sometimes they estimate.

How long does it take to brown in a crockpock vs. a regular pan?

It won't really brown properly in a crock pot, it doesn't get hot enough.

Snarl.

Grump #1 - went to heat up my TJ's tamale for lunch and it incinerated itself. WTF. Now the kitchen smells gross and I'm hungry.

Grump #2 - Program Manager was informed about my new job in the making and he is supportive IF he can set the timetable for the transition which would keep me dedicated on this contract through September. I told my boss NO. I'd be happy to assist and consult, but I want to pass off the "lead" hat by June.

I haven't seen Program Manager face to face since he gained this knowledge and I'm not looking forward to it. I expect him to be all happy for me to my face, but I know behind my back he will be throwing up roadblocks and ways to control me.

request a meter read. sometimes they estimate.

brilliant. I will do so. thx!

SuziQ - that sucks! would it have been better if the tamale had been happy for you and the PM had incinerated himself?

I like Sox's brain. Yep, yep, yep.

I mean, his reaction was utterly expected but yet, I wasn't ready for this to happen quite yet. I'm trying to look at it from the angle that if they are cluing him in already it means they really want me (cue Sally Fields)...