TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL OPERATION
As you become familiar with your new small appliance, we want to share a few suggestions for adapting your traditional recipes for the slow cooker. You may want to begin by referring to slow cooker cookbooks for recipes similar to those you want to adapt. They will serve as a guide for cooking times and temperatures. Refer to our handy “Suggested Slow Cooker Settings” in the Quick Start Guide.
Why Moist Heat?
In general, slow cooking is a moist heat method of cooking. Steam accumulates under the lid during cooking, which naturally adds more moisture during the cooking process. This type of cooking is especially suitable for foods that benefit from simmering in liquids over several hours to tenderize and/or develop flavors.
Tips:
•When using traditional recipes for the slow cooker, reduce the liquid by about
•If you lift the lid at the end of the cooking time and discover there is too much liquid that has accumulated during cooking, remove the lid. Set the slow cooker on high for about 30 minutes and some of the liquid will simmer away.
•Cut vegetables into approximately
•Reserve tender vegetables (such as broccoli and asparagus), pasta, and quick cooking rice, and add in the final 30 minutes of cooking time.
•Dairy products tend to break down when using a long cooking process. So, wait and stir them in about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
•Seafood should be added during the last hour to avoid overcooking.
•Brown meats, including ground meats, before slow cooking for added flavor. And, slice larger cuts of meat (such as pot roast) into pieces before placing in slow cooker.
•When slow cooking a roast, add approximately one cup of liquid (i.e., beef or vegetable broth) to the ceramic crock for a 2½ to 3 pound roast.
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