Guide to Slow Cooking
Always allow sufficient time for the food to cook. It is almost impossible to
overcook food in the slow cooker, particularly when using the low or keep warm
settings. Most of the recipes contained within this book can be cooked on any
one of the temperature settings, however the cooking times will vary
accordingly. Each recipe in this book will give specific instructions indicating the
appropriate temperature setting as well as the suggested cooking times to use.
Adapting Cooking Times
Your favorite traditional recipes can be adapted easily by halving the amount of
liquid and increasing the cooking time considerably. See the guide below for
suggested cooking times and settings when adjusting your favorite recipes.
Traditional Recipe Time
Slow Cooker Recipe Time
15-30 minutes
4-6 hours on LOW
60 minutes
6-8 hours on LOW
1-3 hours
8-12 hours on LOW
Note
: These times are approximate. Times can vary depending on ingredients
and quantities in recipes.
All food should be cooked with the glass lid in place. Each time the lid is lifted,
both the heat and moisture in the food are lost. Cooking times should thus be
extended by approximately 30 minutes.
Liquid Amounts
When food is cooking in your slow cooker, very little moisture boils away. To
compensate this, it is advisable to halve the liquid content of traditional recipes.
However, if after cooking, the liquid content is excessive, remove the lid and
operate the slow cooker on the high setting for 30-45 minutes or until the liquid
reduces by the desirable amount.
Stirring Food
Little or no stirring is required when using the low or keep warm setting. when
using the high setting, stirring ensures even flavor distribution.
H eat S ettin g
L ow
H ig h
3-4 L b . C h icken
6-8 H o u rs
3-4 H o u rs
3-4 L b . P o t R o ast
6-8 H o u rs
4-5 H o u rs
3 Q t. B eef S tew
8-10 H o u rs
4-5 H o u rs
3 Q t. C hili
8-10 H o u rs
4-5 H o u rs
3 Q t. V eg etab le S o u p
6-8 H o u rs
3-4 H o u rs
Basic Cooking Time Guide
5
*The cooking times given above should be used
ONLY
as a guide. It is
recommended that a thermometer be used to check the temperature to ensure
the food is completely cooked.
Tips for Slow Cooking
•
The cover of the slow cooker does not form a tight fit on the ceramic pot
but should be centered on the ceramic pot for best results.
Do not
remove the glass cover unnecessarily
- this will result in major heat
loss. Do not cook without the glass cover in place.
•
Stirring is not necessary when using a slow cooker. However, if cooking
on high, you may want to stir occasionally.
•
Slow cooking retains most of the moisture in foods. If a recipe results in
too much liquid at the end of the cooking time, remove glass cover, turn
the control knob to high, and reduce the liquid by simmering. This will
take 30-45 minutes.
•
The slow cooker should be at least half-filled for best results.
•
If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch space between the top of the
ceramic pot and the food so that the recipe can come to a simmer.
•
Many recipes call for cooking all day. You can also prepare the recipe the
night before by placing all ingredients in the ceramic pot, cover and
refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the ceramic pot in the
slow cooker and select the temperature setting.
•
Meat & Poultry require at least 6 to 8 hours on LOW. Do not use frozen
meat in the slow cooker. Thaw any meat or poultry before slow cooking.
•
Trim all visible fat from meat or poultry.
•
Cook dried beans 1-2 hours on high setting, then add remaining
ingredients, cook on low for the remaining time.
•
When cooking curries and casseroles, richer, more intensive flavors will
develop when the first stage is prepared by traditional methods, i.e. brown
the onions, meat and spices first in a non-stick pan.
6
DO’s
•
Handle the ceramic pot and glass lid with care.
•
Use oven mitts when lifting the ceramic pot containing hot foods.
•
Avoid extreme temperature changes in the ceramic pot or glass lid. For
example, do not place into or under cold water while still hot.
DO NOT’s
•
Use the ceramic pot if chipped or cracked.
•
Operate the slow cooker without the ceramic pot in place.
•
Place the hot ceramic pot onto a wet surface.
•
Use frozen meats or foods in slow cooker. Always defrost them first.
•
Place the glass lid in oven or microwave.
NEVER
•
Use abrasive cleansers or metal scouring pads when cleaning the
ceramic pot.
•
Place water or other liquids into the base of the slow cooker.
•
Immerse the base, cord or plug of the slow cooker into water.
•
Touch hot surfaces with bare hands.
