Win a VersaCook Multi Cooker X5

There was much excitement this week, when the lovely people at Sunbeam sent us a VersaCook Multi Cooker X5 to review. It is an all-in-one electronic multi cooker that can be used as a deep fryer, frypan, slow cooker, saucepan, and steamer. 5 Appliances in one - how is that for space saving! One of the best features is that there is no need for separate pans - so if you need to brown meat before popping it in the slow cooker, it can all be done in the same unit, thereby reducing the clean up time. It has an electronic display which makes it easy to select the function required.

To put it through its paces, we made up a big batch of  Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 kg minced meat (you can use a combination of pork, veal or beef. We used premium beef mince.)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon oregano
400g crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken stock
700g passata
salt and pepper
parsley and basil to garnish (optional)

Method:
1. Using Brown function, heat half the oil on 190 deg C. When pre-heated add onion and garlic. Cook stirring until soft. Remove from pan.
2. Transfer half the onion mixture to a large bowl. Add mince, breadcrumbs, egg and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. mix to combine. Roll mixture into balls.
3. Using the Brown function, heat remaining oil on 210 deg C. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned. Return remaining onion to the pan with tomatoes, tomato paste, stock and passata.
4. Cover with lid. Using Slow Cooker function, cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil leaves. Serve with pasta.

(recipe courtesy of Sunbeam)

What we loved most about the VersaCook is:

• Compact unit - takes up less room in the kitchen that all 5 appliances. We don't eat a lot of fried food so would not invest in a deep fryer but it will be handy to be able to deep fry occasionally.(Sarah is keen to make some doughnuts and churros!)
• Reduces the need for separate pans which means less washing up and cleaning.
• Easy to operate with electronic display, temperature control; and timer.
• Slow cooker will keep food warm for 4 hours. This is great for nights when the teens work and we all eat dinner at different times.
• Non stick pot is so much easier to clean than our existing slow cooker which has a heavy ceramic pot. It is also dishwasher safe.
• It comes complete with basket for deep fryer and two racks for the steamer.

The VersaCook Multi Cooker is a great addition to the kitchen as it eliminates the need to buy so many different appliances.

Sunbeam are giving one lucky A Spoonful of Sugar reader the chance to win a VersaCook Multi Cooker X5, valued at $179.

To be in the running to win a this fantastic prize from Sunbeam, log in to the Raflecopter giveaway box below with your email address or facebook account and follow the steps. Do as many of the giveway options as you wish - if your already follow A Spoonful of Sugar or Sunbeam on facebook or pinterest, just click the button below for an automatic entry. 

Giveaway is open to Australian residents only until October 15. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Sunbeam sent us a a VersaCook Multi cooker to review and one to giveaway. All opinions and photographs are are own.







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