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PASTA AND RICE
If a recipe calls for cooking noodles, pasta or macaroni etc., cook on the hob in a saucepan before
adding to the Slow Cooker. Do not overcook - just until slightly tender.
If rice is required, stir in with other ingredients. Add 60ml (4tbsp) cup of extra liquid per 60ml (4tbsp)
cup of raw rice. Use long grain rice for best results.
LIQUIDS
Use less in Slow Cooking - usually about half the recommended amount. 250ml (8 fl.oz) of liquid is
usually enough, unless it contains rice or pasta.
SAUTEING VEGETABLES
This is generally not necessary. Stir in chopped or sliced vegetables with other ingredients. The only
exception to this is Aubergine which should be parboiled or sauteed, due to its strong flavour.
Since vegetables develop their full flavour potential with slow cooking, expect delicious results, even
when you reduce quantities. Because vegetables take longer to cook than meat, slice or chop them
where possible.
HERBS AND SPICES
Fresh herbs add flavor and color when added at the end of the cooking cycle but for dishes with
shorter cook times, hearty, fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme hold up well. If added at
beginning, many fresh herbs’ flavor will dissipate over long cook times. Ground and/or dried herbs
and spices work well in slow cooking and may be added at beginning, but use sparingly and taste
at end of cook cycle and correct seasonings including salt and pepper. The flavor power of all herbs
and spices can vary greatly depending on their particular strength and shelf life and so it is always
recommended to taste and adjust seasonings just before serving.
MILK
Milk, cream and soured cream tend to breakdown during extended cooking. When possible, add during
the last hour of cooking. Condensed soups may be substituted and can cook for extended times.
SOUPS
Some soup recipes call for 2-3 litres of water. Add other ingredients to the Removable Cooking Pot,
then add the water only to cover. If thinner soup is desired, add more liquid at serving time. If milk based
recipes have no other liquid for initial cooking, add 1 or 2 cups of water. Then during the final hour add milk or
cream as required.
Q
“What if the food is not done after 8 hours..... when the recipe says 8 - 10 hours”.
A
This can be due to voltage variations, altitude or even extreme humidity. Slight fluctuations in
power are not normally noticeable on most appliances, however with Slow Cookers it can alter
the cooking times. Allow plenty of time. You will learn through experience whether to increase or
decrease cooking times.
Q
“Must the Slow Cooker be covered. Is it necessary to stir”.
A
Always cook with the lid on. If the lid is removed, the Slow Cooker will not recover heat losses
quickly on LOW setting. Significant amounts of heat escape whenever the lid is removed,
therefore cooking times are extended. Avoid frequent removal of the lid for checking cooking
progress or stirring. Never remove the lid during the first two hours when baking breads or cakes.
It is not necessary to stir whilst cooking on LOW heat. Whilst using HIGH heat for short periods,
occasional stirring improves the distribution of flavours.
Q
“How about thickening juices or making gravy”.
A
Add some quick cooking tapioca to any recipe if you want to make a thick gravy. Add the tapioca at
the beginning and it will thicken as it cooks. Alternatively, you can remove the solid foods, leaving
the juices. Then prepare a smooth paste of approximately 100g (4oz) of flour or cornflour to 90ml
(6tbsp) water or 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Pour the mixture into the liquid in the Stoneware
Cooking Pot and stir well. Turn to HIGH and when it comes to the boil (about 15 minutes) it is
ready.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
