Hints and Tips

4-7QT SMART-POT NEXT GEN 10EM1.qxd:136966 10/15/10 8:13 AM Page 9

PASTA AND RICE

•For best rice results, use long grain converted rice or a specialty rice as the recipe suggests. If the rice is not cooked completely after the suggested time, add an extra 1 to 1½ cups of liquid per cup of cooked rice and continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes.

•For best pasta results, first partially cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water until just tender. Add the pasta to the Crock-Pot®slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cook time.

BEANS

•Beans must be softened completely before combining with sugar and/or acidic foods. Sugar and acid have a hardening effect on beans and will prevent softening.

•Dried beans, especially red kidney beans, should be boiled before adding to a recipe.

•Fully cooked canned beans may be used as a substitute for dried beans.

VEGETABLES

•Many vegetables benefit from slow cooking and are able to develop their full flavor. They tend not to overcook in your slow cooker as they might in your oven or on your stovetop.

•When cooking recipes with vegetables and meat, place vegetables in slow cooker before meat. Vegetables usually cook slower than meat in the slow cooker.

•Place vegetables near the sides or bottom of the stoneware to facilitate cooking.

HERBS AND SPICES

•Fresh herbs add flavor and color, but should be added at the end of the cooking cycle as the flavor will dissipate over long cook times.

•Ground and/or dried herbs and spices work well in slow cooking and may be added at the beginning.

HINTS AND TIPS (CONT.)

•The flavor power of all herbs and spices can vary greatly depending on their particular strength and shelf life. Use herbs sparingly, taste at end of cook cycle and adjust seasonings just before serving.

MILK

•Milk, cream, and sour cream break down during extended cooking. When possible, add during the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking.

•Condensed soups may be substituted for milk and can cook for extended times.

SOUPS

•Some soup recipes call for large amounts of water. Add other soup ingredients to the slow cooker first then add water only to cover. If thinner soup is desired, add more liquid at serving time.

MEATS

•Trim fat, rinse well, and pat meat dry with paper towels.

•Browning meat in a separate skillet or broiler allows fat to be drained off before slow cooking and also adds greater depth of flavor.

•Meat should be positioned so that it rests in the stoneware without touching the lid.

•For smaller or larger cuts of meat, alter the amount of vegetables or potatoes so that the stoneware is always ½ to ¾ full.

•The size of the meat and the recommended cook times are just estimates and can vary depending upon the specific cut, type, and bone structure. Lean meats such as chicken or pork tenderloin tend to cook faster than meats with more connective tissue and fat such as beef chuck or pork shoulder. Cooking meat on the bone versus boneless will increase required cook times.

•Cut meat into smaller pieces when cooking with precooked foods such as beans or fruit, or light vegetables such as mushrooms, diced onion, eggplant, or finely minced vegetables. This enables all food to cook at the same rate.

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Designer Series 4-7 Quart specifications

The Crock-Pot Designer Series 4-7 Quart is a versatile slow cooker designed to enhance the cooking experience while ensuring meals are flavorful and tender. With a sleek and modern design, this slow cooker stands out in any kitchen space, making it not just a functional appliance but also a stylish addition.

One of the hallmark features of the Crock-Pot Designer Series is its generous capacity, accommodating between 4 to 7 quarts. This range makes it ideal for preparing meals for both small families and larger gatherings alike, allowing culinary enthusiasts to experiment with a variety of recipes. Whether you're whipping up a comforting stew, slow-cooked ribs, or a healthy vegetable medley, the ample capacity ensures there’s plenty to go around.

The slow cooker boasts a user-friendly digital control panel, allowing for precise temperature settings and cooking times. The programmable feature is particularly appealing, enabling users to set cooking durations ranging from 30 minutes up to 20 hours. This means you can conveniently prepare meals ahead of time and have them ready when you need them. The automatic keep-warm function ensures that food maintains its ideal serving temperature until you're ready to enjoy it.

Advanced temperature control technology is another standout characteristic of the Crock-Pot Designer Series. This slow cooker offers low, high, and warm settings, allowing for versatility depending on the ingredients and the desired cooking time. The even heat distribution ensures that food is cooked uniformly, resulting in deliciously tender meals every time.

In terms of safety, the Crock-Pot Designer Series is equipped with an easy-to-clean stoneware pot that is dishwasher-safe, reducing post-cooking cleanup time significantly. The lid is also designed to lock securely in place, preventing spills during cooking and making it easier to transport dishes for potlucks or gatherings.

Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the Crock-Pot Designer Series cannot be overlooked. With its sleek finish and modern design, it is available in various colors to match any kitchen décor. This makes it not just a cooking appliance but also a decorative piece on your countertop.

In summary, the Crock-Pot Designer Series 4-7 Quart combines functionality, versatility, and style. Its innovative features make meal prep an enjoyable and stress-free experience, while the contemporary design ensures it complements any kitchen environment. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this slow cooker is a valuable addition to any culinary toolkit.