has following a recipe ever been a good thing in cooking??

You have to use a little bit of brainpower too, and sometimes work round things that just don't sound right. The more cooking you do the more you'll learn that, and to trust your instincts. What is it about me and instincts today?? How does anyone survive without trusting their instincts on things?? I certainly wouldn't make through a day!

Remember to substitute for anything in those recipes from Hope and Jenny that would mean an extra special grocery trip. Learning to substitute smartly will save you money and headaches. You can then take any basic recipe and tailor it to fit you better, without needing to make a special trip to the supermarket (from which nobody can emerge with just the one single item they went in for, unless they have testosterone in their veins!).

I still reckon you should test the recipes you're familiar with first, see how the slow cooker works with them. It will work, but you need to see that. My curry works perfectly well in there too because I've been known to do it in there once or twice. You just have to not panic at the sight of coconut milk that's been left unattended for several hours!

Kerri.