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Tips for Slow Cooking
• The stovetop-safe cookware 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. Removing 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 (5 cm) space between
the top of the stovetop-safe cookware 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 stovetop-safe cookware, cover with lid, and
refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place stovetop-safe
cookware in slow cooker.
• Do not use frozen, uncooked meat in slow cooker. Thaw any meat
or poultry before searing or slow cooking.
• Some foods are not suited for extended cooking in a slow cooker.
Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream should be added 2
hours before serving. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are
perfect for slow cooking.
• The higher the fat content of meat, the less liquid is needed. If
cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick onion slices
underneath so meat will not sit on (and cook in) fat.
• Slow cookers allow for very little evaporation. If making your
favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce liquid called for in 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 stovetop-safe
cookware.
• Lid vent hole will not affect cooking time. The vent hole may
be used with a temperature probe to test food doneness.
Visit foodsafety.gov for safe cooking temperature information.
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