Using Your Slow Cook Oven (if fitted)
Introduction
One of your oven compartments is an electric oven which
provides a gentle heat suitable for slow cooking or keeping
food warm. The slow cook element is positioned in the
base of the lower compartment - always make sure that the
cooking pot is placed centrally on the base of this compart-
ment.
Do not use the compartment to store food or canned
items.
Cooking times
The cooking time varies according to the type of food being
cooked, and experience will show how long foods should be
cooked for, according to personal taste and preference.
In general foods should be cooked for at least 5 hours, and
may be left up to 8 - 10 hours without spoiling if covered.
Foods cooked using the slow cook oven will take about
three times longer than they would in a conventional oven.
Utensils
Any oven proof utensils may be used for slow cooking -
provided they have a close fitted lid.
To rectify a badly fitting lid a piece of cooking foil may be
placed over the dish, under the lid.
The most useful utensils for slow cooking are the flame
proof type which can be used over direct heat and for oven
cooking, and are sufficiently attractive to use as serving
dishes.
Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking has always been the best way to prepare hot
meals with the minimum of preparation and maximum time
away from the kitchen.
The advantages of slow cooking are as follows:
Food can be left to cook unattended for several hours
and will keep hot for several hours if left covered.
Inexpensive cuts of meat become deliciously tender
when slow cooked. There is also a reduction in meat
shrinkage.
Dishes such as soups, vegetables, puddings savoury
dishes and preserves are also suitable for slow cooking.
There is no topping up of steamers, steam filled kitchens
or constant checking to do.
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