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 glass
cover unnecessarily
– this will result in major heat loss. Do not cook without
the glass cover in place.
Stirring is not normally needed 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 stew, leave a 2-inch space between the top of the ceramic
pot and the food so that the food may be allowed to 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, covering and refrigerating
them overnight. In the morning, simply place the ceramic pot in the slow cooker
and select the time and temperature setting.
Meat & Poultry requires at least 7 or 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 crockery pot and glass lid with care.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads, when cleaning the
crockery pot.
Avoid hitting the crockery pot against hard surfaces.
Avoid extreme temperature changes in the crockery pot and glass lid. For
example do not place into or under cold water while still hot.
Use oven mitts when lifting crockery pot containing hot liquids.
DON’TS
Use the crockery pot if chipped or cracked.
Operate the slow cooker without the crockery in position.
Place the hot crockery pot onto a wet surface.
Use frozen meats or foods in your slow cooker. Always defrost them first.
Place the lid in the microwave or oven.
NEVER
Place water or other liquids into the base of the slow cooker.
Immerse the base, cord or plug of the slow cooker in water.
Touch hot surfaces with bare hands.
NOTE! High humidity, altitude and minor fluctuations in power may slightly effect cooking
times in the slow cooker. As it is almost impossible to overcook in the slow cooker, allow
plenty of time.
CARE & CLEANING
Before cleaning your slow cooker, always ensure that the temperature control
dial is in the OFF position and the unit is disconnected from the power point.
Ensure that the unit is always unplugged from the power outlet when not in use.
Always allow the unit to cool before cleaning.
Remove the crockery pot and glass lid and wash in hot, soapy water, using a
mild household detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
To soften stubborn, cooked on foods fill the crockery pot with warm, soapy water
and allow
it
to soak. Remove by lightly scrubbing with a nylon kitchen brush.
The crockery pot and glass lid can also be washed in the dishwater. However
care should be taken not to chip or crack the crockery pot or lid.
The body of the unit should be wiped over with a soft damp sponge and warm
soapy water. Do NOT immerse in water.
NOTE! Never immerse the body of the unit, cord or plug in water or any other
liquid..
When storing your slow cooker loosely coil the cord, don’t wrap the cord around
the unit.
NOTE! Never subject the crockery pot to extreme hot or cold temperature as
this may damage the pot.
