Tips for Slow Cooking

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•Foods will continue to increase in temperature after desired temperature has been reached.

•The Crock should be at least half-filled for best results. If only half-filled, check for doneness 1 to 2 hours earlier than recipe.

•Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking. Removing the glass lid results in major heat loss and the cooking time may need to be extended. However, if cooking on High, you may want to stir occasionally.

•If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch space between the top of the Crock and the food so that the recipe can come to a simmer.

•Many recipes call for cooking all day. If your morning schedule doesn’t allow time to prepare a recipe, do it the night before. Place all ingredients in the Crock, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the Crock in the slow cooker.

•Do not use frozen, uncooked meat in the slow cooker. Thaw any meat or poultry before slow cooking.

•Some foods are not suited for extended cooking in the slow cooker. Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream should be added 2 hours before serving. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are perfect for the slow cooker.

•The higher the fat content of the meat, the less liquid is needed. If cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick onion slices underneath so the meat will not sit on (and cook in) the fat.

•Slow cookers allow for very little evaporation. If making your favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce the liquid called for in the original recipe. If too thick, liquid can be added later.

•If cooking a vegetable-type casserole, there will need to be liquid in the recipe to prevent scorching on the sides of the crock.

•To keep previously cooked food warm (food that is already at the desired temperature), select the Warm setting in any of the two cooking modes: Program or Manual.