I had high hopes for this cookbook because several friends had raved about others in the series. And it does (mostly) read well. Many delicious sounding recipes and a really handy general advice section. But at least a few recipes are missing steps on closer reading (although the publisher is great about promptly replying to emails with the answer). And the two recipes I actually tested turned out very badly. One was hurt on several levels by too much oil and (and!) butter and one was just bland. It's not my new crockpot -- I then tried similar recipes from books I already owned and they turned out great. There were a couple others I really wanted to test but they have even more expensive ingredients than the first two and I just can't take that chance. Fortunately, this was a library copy. ( )

Looking for a dependable slow cooker meal that even children or teens will love? Something quick and easy to put together in the morning before work? A book with clear, practical directions and ingredients that your family will like? Beth Hensperger has it all in her newest "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Family Favorites."

Hensperger has a deservedly fine reputation in the world of cookery books - her bread books stand as some of the finest currently in print. Her current offering seems to be aimed for the busy young cook, but it would also effective for older cooks who want a bit more time out of their kitchens.

There's lots of variety here. For example, if you're looking for chili she offers her readers Big Sky Bison, Vegetarian Chili and Cheese Casserole, Creamy White Chicken Chili, Poker Party Creamy Cheese Chili Dip, Turkey Mac Chili, Turkey and Three-Bean Chili, Two Bean with Tofu and Cilantro, and Vegetarian 15-Bean with Black Beans and Corn Salsa. Plus she provides two great cornbread recipes and tortilla warming tips to go along with it.

These are not gourmet slow cooker meals (try Lynn Alley's books for those); Hensperger gives the general cook reliable, easy-follow-to recipes for meals most families will enjoy. ( )