Tips for Slow Cooking

The crock should be at least half-filled for best results. If only half-filled, foods may cook faster.

Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking. Removing glass lid results in major heat loss and the cooking time may need to be extended.

If cooking soups or stews, leave a 1-inch (2.5-cm) space between the lid 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 crock, cover with lid, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place crock in slow cooker.

When choosing recipes for this slow cooker, look for recipes that call for cooking time on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or LOW 6 to 8 hours. Recipes calling for less cooking time should be checked periodically for doneness.

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

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

Slow cookers allow for very little evaporation. If making your favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce liquid called for in 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.

Food Safety Tips

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

Visit www.foodsafety.gov for more information on safe internal cooking temperatures.

To store leftovers after cooking, do NOT place the entire crock in the refrigerator since contents will take too long to cool. Instead, divide leftovers into smaller containers and place into refrigerator.

Never allow undercooked or raw meat to sit at room temperature in the slow cooker. Once meat is placed into the crock, it should be cooked immediately (unless prepping slow cooker the night before, where crock should be placed into the refrigerator).

IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH-ALTITUDE AREA:

The Extension service will have detailed information about cooking for your area. To locate the Cooperative Extension service in your county, please visit: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/.

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Hamilton Beach 840229800 ENv02.indd 1, Slow Cooker manual Tips for Slow Cooking, Food Safety Tips

840229800 ENv02.indd 1, Slow Cooker specifications

The Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker 840229800 is a versatile and innovative kitchen appliance designed to simplify meal preparation and enhance your cooking experience. This model stands out with its user-friendly features and advanced technology, making it a favorite among both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

One of the primary characteristics of the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker is its large capacity. With a generous size, it can easily accommodate meals for families or gatherings, allowing you to cook everything from stews and casseroles to roasts and soups in one pot. The durable stoneware insert ensures even heating and can be removed for easy cleaning, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.

The slow cooker comes equipped with multiple cooking settings, allowing you to choose between low, high, and keep-warm options. This flexibility provides you with the ability to slow-cook meals over several hours, allowing flavors to develop richly, or to cook more quickly based on your schedule. The programmable timer is another standout feature, providing you the ability to set the cooking time in advance. Once the cooking time is complete, it automatically shifts to the warm setting, ensuring your food is served at the perfect temperature without overcooking.

Hamilton Beach has integrated advanced safety features, such as a lid that locks in place to prevent spills and a cooling base to ensure it remains safe to touch, even during long cooking sessions. The lid is also designed to help trap heat and moisture, contributing to the overall efficiency of the cooking process.

In addition to its practical features, the sleek and modern design of the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen countertop. It is easily portable, making it a great choice for potluck dinners or family gatherings.

Overall, the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker 840229800 is a reliable and efficient appliance that brings convenience to meal preparation. With its thoughtful design, versatile cooking options, and safety features, it empowers home cooks to create delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Whether you're working long hours or simply want a no-fuss way to prepare dinner, this slow cooker delivers on all fronts.