QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q “What if the food isn’t done after 8 hours…when the recipe says 8 to 10 hours?”
A This is due to voltage variations which are commonplace everywhere; altitude; or even extreme humidity. The slight fluctuations in power do not have a noticeable effect on most appliances; however, it can slightly alter the cooking times. Allow plenty of time, and remember, it is practically impossible to overcook. You will learn through experience whether to decrease or increase cooking times.
“Must the Crock-Pot®slow cooker be covered? Is it necessary to stir?”
Cook with the cover on. The Crock-Pot®slow cooker will not recover heat losses quickly when cooking on LOW setting. Significant amounts of heat escape whenever the lid is removed; therefore the cooking time must be extended. Avoid frequent removal of the cover for checking cooking progress or stirring. Never remove cover during the first 2 hours when baking breads or cakes.It is not necessary to stir while cooking on LOW heat. While using HIGH heat for short periods,
occasional stirring improves the distribution of flavors.
“How about thickening the juices or making gravy?”
Add some quick-cooking tapioca to any recipe when you want to make a thick gravy. Add the tapioca at the beginning and it will thicken as it cooks! Or you may remove the solid foods, leaving the juices. Prepare a smooth paste of approximately 1⁄2 cup flour or cornstarch to 1⁄2 cup water or 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pour mixture into liquid in stoneware and stir well. Turn to HIGH and when it comes to a boil (about 15 minutes) it’s ready.
“Can I cook a roast without adding water?”
Yes – if cooked on LOW. We recommend a small amount because the gravies are especially tasty. The more fat or “marbling” the meat has, the less liquid you need. The liquid is needed to properly soften and cook vegetables.
IMPORTANT TIPS
4-5 QUART MODELS (3140, 3145, 3164, 3351, 3950, 3355)
•All recipes in this book may be prepared as shown for the 4 and 5 quart models. If desired, recipes may be increased by one-half for 5-quart models. When a recipe may be doubled it will indicated by a footnote. If a recipe is increased, cooking time may need to be extended.
•The size and shape of the 5 quart Crock-Pot®slow cooker is ideal for larger roasts (3 to 5 pounds), baking hens (3 to 4 pounds), and picnic hams (up to 5 pounds).
