Excess fat

I have a sausage casserole in my slow cooker at the moment and when I just checked it there is a layer of fat (presumably fron the sausages) on top

Any ideas how I can soak it up and get rid of it?

One of the easiest ways if you have time is to chill the pot. The fat will turn solid at the top and you can just pick it off.

For a warm pot, you can try to skim off the top with a flat spoon. This can take awhile.

You can also use a baster and suck the fat off the top while it's liquid and warm.

They also make these things that absorb fat. They look kind of like a scrubber, but the top is longer and floppy. I think they're kind of a pain and I trhew mine out.

You can also fold a couple of paper towels several times over and them dip the edges into the layer of fat and let it absorb into the towels.

Thanks Moonikins, the paper towels worked a treat. I layed them on the top of the casserole and they absorbed it all.

*mental note to self* Next time buy better sausages!

Off to make the mash now, thanks again.

I like to boil sausages first to get most of the grease out.  So when I add them into the crock pot or a casserole there is less fat to absorb.

I agree with what lauraclarkcosta said.  I would make a slit in the sausages and then boil them.  I always do that.

Would you mind sharing your recipe?  I love using my crock pot and have some beef and barley soup in it right now.  Got the recipe from someone else in CC. 

Original Post by robin9395:

Would you mind sharing your recipe?  I love using my crock pot and have some beef and barley soup in it right now.  Got the recipe from someone else in CC. 

 Please bear in mind this is my 'Should have gone to the supermarket yesterday' recipe for sausage casserole.

1 can of canellini beans or any other beans you find lurking in the cupboard

 mushrooms, onion, pepper or any veg you can lay your hands on

sausages, enough for 2 each

1 can chopped tomatoes

put it all in the slow cooker on low for about 6 hours

feel smug because dinner is sorted and its only 10am.

Is the beef and barley soup in CC's recipe collection? Sounds good!

Okey dokey, here's Nicole's beef and barley soup recipe:

"I make a really delicious and healthy beef barley soup in the crock pot.

1 lb beef cubes

1 large can of reduced sodium Beef Broth (at least 32 ounces)

couple of celery stalks and carrots chopped

1/2 onion chopped

1 cup pearl Barley

2 cups frozen peas (i like peas ;)

1 can stewed tomatoes

add everything into the crock pot and set on high for 4-6 hours!

easy and sticks to your ribs during the chillier months..

you could also sub out the beef for another meat or omit the meat altogether and use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian!"

I cut and pasted it from her message to me.

I've got just about everything I need to make the sausage casserole, so I think I'll try it tomorrow.  Going to have to get some more Ziploc plastic containers.  Thanks so much for sharing, Alycia.

It's me, again, Alycia.  I found this great website with a ton of low-cal crock pot recipes.  Thought you'd like to take a peek at it.

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/great-recipes. asp?food=low+calorie+crock+pot

Thanks so much for that Robin

I <3 my slow cooker. It makes busy days so much easier!