•Always use potholders or oven mitts when removing hot cooking pot from base. Do not set hot cooking pot directly on countertop or table; use a trivet or hot pad.
•Unplug unit and allow to cool after using and before cleaning.
•KEEP PYREX LID AWAY FROM broiler, microwave browning element, toaster oven, hot stovetop burners, oven heat vents or any other direct heat source. If lid has been utilized in any of these locations, do not use it again, even if there are no signs of damage. Order a replacement lid immediately.
•DO NOT SUBJECT LID TO SEVERE CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE. Always let it cool on a dry, heat-resistant surface before handling. DO NOT PLACE LID on cold or wet surfaces, as this may cause it to crack or shatter.
•IF LID BECOMES CHIPPED, CRACKED OR SCRATCHED, do not use it. Discard it and order a replacement.
•ALWAYS USE POTHOLDERS OR OVEN MITTS when removing the hot lid. To avoid burns from escaping steam, always tilt cover away from hands and face.
•DO NOT use or repair any item that is chipped, cracked or noticeably scratched. Damaged items may break without warning.
FOR REPLACEMENT LIDS AND INSERTS, CALL 1-800-557-9463.
TO USE
Using a slow cooker is easy but different from conventional cooking. To help you, this manual contains many helpful hints and recipes for successful slow cooking. Many more slow cooker recipe books are available in libraries and bookstores. Keep these materials handy whether preparing favorite recipes or trying something new.
This slow cooker has three settings: 1 (Low), 2 (High) and AUTO. Use the recommended guidelines offered in recipe being used to determine cooking time and heating position. Dishes can be prepared well in advance of mealtime and cooking time regulated so that food is ready to serve at a convenient time. A general rule of thumb for most slow cooker meat-and-vegetable combos is:
Position | Cooking Time |
1 | (Low) | 8-10 | hours |
2 | (High) | 4-6 | hours |
AUTO | 5-7 | hours |
When in the AUTO setting, the slow cooker will begin cooking on HIGH and then will shift to LOW after approximately 2 hours of cooking time. AUTO setting does not turn off the unit.
Other favorite recipes may be adapted to the slow cooker. All times listed in the following chart are approximate and should serve only as cooking guidelines.
Regular Cooking | Slow Cooker Cooking Times |
Time | 1 (Low) | 2 (High) | AUTO |
30 minutes | 6-8 hrs. | 3-4 hrs. | 5-7 hrs. |
35-60 minutes | 8-10 hrs. | 5-6 hrs. | 6-8 hrs. |
1-3 hours | 10-12 hrs. | 7-8 hrs. | 8-10 hrs. |
1.Prepare recipe according to instructions.
2.Place food in cooking pot and cover.
3.Plug slow cooker into wall outlet and select setting desired: 1 (Low), 2 (High) or AUTO.
4.When food is ready to be served, turn slow cooker Off, and unplug it from the wall outlet.
5.Remove cover.
CAUTION: When removing lid, grasp the knob and lift to allow steam to escape before setting lid aside. To avoid burns, always hold cover so that escaping steam flows away from hands and face.
6.Using potholders grasp cooking pot by the handles and remove it from the base.
7.Serve contents. If serving directly from the CORNINGWARE® cooking pot, always place a trivet or protective padding under pot before placing it on a table or countertop.
HELPFUL HINTS
•The lid of the slow cooker does not form a tight fit on the cooking pot but should be centered on the pot for best results. Do not remove the lid unnecessarily – this will result in a major
heat loss.
•Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking. However, if cooking on 2 (High), stirring occasionally will help to distribute flavors throughout the recipe.
•For best results, the slow cooker should be at least half-filled.
•If cooking soups or stews, allow a 2-inch space between the food and the top of the cooking pot, so ingredients can come to a simmer. When cooking on 2 (High), keep checking its progress, as some soups may come to a boil.
•Less tender, cheaper cuts of meat are better candidates for slow cooking than more expensive varieties. When possible, remove excess fat before cooking. If recipe calls for browning the meat, it may be browned in the CORNINGWARE® cooking pot.
•The greater the fat content of the meat, the less liquid needed for cooking. If cooking meat with a high-fat content, place thick onion slices beneath it, so the meat will not sit and cook in the fat. Roasts may be prepared in cooker without adding liquid, if cooked on 1 (Low).
•Use a meat thermometer to determine if roasts or hams have been cooked to satisfaction.
•Add fresh or thawed fish or seafood to cooking pot an hour before serving, as these ingredients can fall apart during long hours of cooking.
•Since raw vegetables usually take longer to cook than meats, cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch in diameter) before adding them to cooking pot.
•If recipe calls for milk, sour cream or other fresh dairy products, add them just prior to serving, as these ingredients tend to break down during long hours of cooking. If preferred, substitute condensed creamed soups (undiluted) or evaporated milk. Processed cheese may be substituted for naturally aged cheese.
•Rice or pasta may be cooked separately or added uncooked to recipes no more than two hours before serving. If adding uncooked pasta, there should be at least 2 cups of liquid in the pot. Stir occasionally to keep pieces from sticking together.
•To thicken juices or make gravy at the end of the cooking process, make a smooth mixture consisting of 2-4 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour and 1/4 cup water or 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove cooked food from pot, letting juices remain. Add mixture to juices, set control at HIGH, and stir until liquid thickens.
•Don’t worry if food is allowed to cook a bit longer than specified. Remember, the slow cooker – as its name implies – cooks very slowly.
•To keep foods warm for serving, turn control to the 1 (Low) setting.
ADAPTING RECIPES
General Hints
•The 1 (Low) or AUTO setting is recommended for all-day cooking. Most meat and vegetable combinations require at least 7 hours on 1 (Low). On the AUTO setting, the slow cooker will begin cooking on 2 (High) and then will shift to 1 (Low) after approximately 2 hours of cooking time.
•For best flavor, use whole-leaf herbs and spices during initial preparation. If ground herbs and spices are used, stir in during last hour of cooking.
•Many factors can affect how quickly a recipe will cook. The water and fat content of food,
its temperature, and the size of the item(s) will all affect the cooking time. Food cut into pieces will cook faster than whole roasts or poultry.
•Recipes for vegetable-type casseroles must contain liquid to prevent scorching on the sides of the cooking pot.
