6
Tips for Slow Cooking
• Foods will continue to increase in temperature after desired
temperature has been reached.
• The removable stoneware crock should be at least half-filled
for best results. If only half-filled, check for doneness 1 to 2
hours earlier than recipe.
• Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking and removing the
glass lid results in major heat loss and the cooking time may
need to be extended. However, if cooking on High, you may
want to stir occasionally.
• If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch space between the
top of the removable stoneware crock and the food so that
the recipe can come to a simmer.
• Many recipes call for cooking all day. If your morning schedule
doesn’t allow time to prepare a recipe, do it the night before.
Place all ingredients in the removable stoneware crock, cover
and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the
removable stoneware crock in the slow cooker.
• Do not plug steam vent holes with paper towels or other
objects. Steam vent holes allow steam to escape and wattage
has been adjusted to compensate for heat loss.
• Do not use frozen, uncooked meat in the slow cooker.
Thaw any meat or poultry before slow cooking.
• Some foods are not suited for extended cooking in the slow
cooker. Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream should be
added 2 hours before serving. Evaporated milk or condensed
soups are perfect for the slow cooker.
• The higher the fat content of the meat, the less liquid is needed.
If cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick onion slices
underneath so the meat will not sit on (and cook in) the fat.
• Slow cookers allow for very little evaporation. If making your
favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce the liquid called for in the
original recipe. If too thick, liquid can be added later.
• If cooking a vegetable-type casserole, there will need to be
liquid in the recipe to prevent scorching on the sides of the
removable stoneware crock.
• To keep previously cooked food warm (food that is already
at the desired temperature), select the Warm setting.
• Reduce temperature of leftover food as quickly as possible by
dividing the meal into smaller portions and placing into shallow,
airtight containers to be refrigerated.
Visit www.hamiltonbeach.com for our
complete line of products and Use and Care
Guides – as well as delicious
recipes, tips, and to register
your product online!
840178203 ENv01.qxd:Layout 1 8/25/10 2:57 PM Page 6