HINTS AND TIPS (CONT.)
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HINTS AND TIPS
PASTA AND RICE
• For best rice results, use long grain converted rice or a specialty rice as
the recipe suggests. If the rice is not cooked completely after the
suggested time, add an extra 1 to 1½ cups of liquid per cup of cooked
rice and continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes.
• For best pasta results, first partially cook the pasta in a pot of boiling
water until just tender. Add the pasta to the
Crock-Pot
®
slow cooker
during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
BEANS
• Beans must be softened completely before combining with sugar and/or
acidic foods. Sugar and acid have a hardening effect on beans and will
prevent softening.
• Dried beans, especially red kidney beans, should be boiled before
adding to a recipe.
• Fully cooked canned beans may be used as a substitute for dried beans.
VEGETABLES
• Many vegetables benefit from slow cooking and are able to develop
their full flavor. They tend not to overcook in your slow cooker as they
might in your oven or on your stovetop.
• When cooking recipes with vegetables and meat, place vegetables in
slow cooker before meat. Vegetables usually cook slower than meat in
the slow cooker.
• Place vegetables near the sides or bottom of the stoneware to facilitate
cooking.
HERBS AND SPICES
• Fresh herbs add flavor and color, but should be added at the end of the
cooking cycle as the flavor will dissipate over long cook times.
• Ground and/or dried herbs and spices work well in slow cooking and
may be added at the beginning.
• The flavor power of all herbs and spices can vary greatly depending on
their particular strength and shelf life. Use herbs sparingly, taste at end
of cook cycle and adjust seasonings just before serving.
MILK
• Milk, cream, and sour cream break down during extended cooking.
When possible, add during the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking.
• Condensed soups may be substituted for milk and can cook for
extended times.
SOUPS
• Some soup recipes call for large amounts of water. Add other soup
ingredients to the slow cooker first then add water only to cover. If
thinner soup is desired, add more liquid at serving time.
MEATS
• Trim fat, rinse well, and pat meat dry with paper towels.
• Browning meat in a separate skillet or broiler allows fat to be drained
off before slow cooking and also adds greater depth of flavor.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SLOW COOKER
• ALWAYS turn your slow cooker off, unplug it from the electrical outlet,
and allow it to cool before cleaning.
• The lid and stoneware can be washed in the dishwasher or with hot,
soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaning compounds or scouring pads.
A cloth, sponge, or rubber spatula will usually remove residue. To
remove water spots and other stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or
vinegar.
• As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware and lid will not withstand
sudden temperature changes. Do not wash the stoneware or lid with
cold water when they are hot.
• The outside of the heating base may be cleaned with a soft cloth and
warm, soapy water. Wipe dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
CAUTION:
Never immerse the heating base in water or other liquid.
• No other servicing should be performed.
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