Guide to Slow Cooking
Always allow sufficient time for the food to cook. It is almost impossible to overcook
food in the slow cooker, particularly when using the low or keep warm settings. Most of
the recipes contained within this book can be cooked on any one of the temperature
settings, however the cooking times will vary accordingly. Each recipe in this book will
give specific instructions indicating the appropriate temperature setting as well as the
suggested cooking times to use.
Adapting Cooking Times
Your favorite traditional recipes can be adapted easily by halving the amount of liquid
and increasing the cooking time considerably. See the guide below for suggested
cooking times and settings when adjusting your favorite recipes.
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
5
*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.
3-4 Hours
6-8 Hours
3 Qt. Vegetable Soup
4-5 Hours
8-10 Hours
3 Qt. Chili
4-5 Hours
8-10 Hours
3 Qt. Beef Stew
4-5 Hours
6-8 Hours
3-4 Lb. Pot Roast
3-4 Hours
6-8 Hours
3-4 Lb. Chicken
High
Low
Heat Setting
8-12 hours on LOW
1-3 hours
6-8 hours on LOW
60 minutes
4-6 hours on LOW
15-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Recipe Time
Traditional Recipe Time
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 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 and 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
, 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…
•
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…
•
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.
6
