Guide to Slow Cooking cont.
Tips for Slow Cooking
Heat S etting
Low
High
3-4 Lb. Chicken
6-8 Hours
3-4 Hours
3-4 Lb. Pot Roast
6-8 Hours
4-5 Hours
3 Q t. Beef Stew
8-10 Hours
4-5 Hours
3 Q t. Chili
8-10 Hours
4-5 Hours
3 Q t. Vegetable Soup
6-8 Hours
3-4 Hours
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.
Basic Cooking Time Guide
*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.
Cleaning & Maintenance
CAUTION:
Make sure that the unit is unplugged from the power source
and the control button is on “Off” before cleaning.
•
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 7 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.
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.
•
Always allow unit to cool before cleaning.
•
Remove the ceramic pot and glass lid and wash in hot, soapy water using a mild
household detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
•
Never use abrasive cleansers or metal scouring pads to clean the ceramic pot or
glass lid.
•
To soften stubborn, cooked on foods, fill the ceramic pot with warm, soapy water and
allow to soak. Remove by lightly scrubbing with a nylon kitchen brush.
•
The ceramic pot and glass slid can be washed in the dishwasher. However care
should be taken not to chip or crack the ceramic pot or glass lid.
•
Never immerse the metal housing, cord or plug in water or any other liquid.
•
Clean the metal housing only with a damp cloth. Do
NOT
immerse in water.
•
When storing your slow cooker, loosely coil the power cord , don’t wrap the cord
around the unit.
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