Crockpot tips

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http://www.spirasolaris.com/hshp/crockpot2.html

 

Here are some great tips taken from the website listed above:

 

Buying a Crockpot------

Make sure to get one with a removable liner. It is easier to clean.

 

Buy a large crockpot. Once you get used to it, you'll want to use it for all

kinds of dishes, and you will definitely need a larger size.

 

A traditional crockpot (where the heat comes from all around the insert) is

better than the slow cooker kind (where the heat comes from underneath). The

reason is that when the heat is all around the insert, the food cooks faster

and more evenly.

 

Using a Crockpot-----

Most crockpot recipes call for a cooking time of about 8 hours on low. If a

recipe calls for less time (or you want to cook on high), you can use a

household timer to start the crockpot at the appropriate time, and to turn

it off as well. Just use the same type of timer used to turn lights on and

off when you're away from home.

 

Use the crockpot for slow cooking dishes you normally cook on the stove,

such as stew, spaghetti sauce, soups, chili, etc. They cook unattended and

you can use that time for something else.

 

Resist the impulse to peek inside the crockpot. Every time you lift the lid,

you add about 30 minutes cooking time, due to heat loss.

 

Always put vegetables at the bottom.

 

 

Crockpot FAQ

What's the difference between a crockery cooker and a slow cooker?

The most common models have a crockery pot insert and the heating elements

are housed in the sides, so the heat actually surrounds the food. The two

heat settings are low (200 degrees) and high (300 degrees). The slow cooker,

or " multi-cooker " usually cooks from the bottom and might have a thermostat

allowing a wide range of temperatures. Even if your slow cooker has a

crockery insert, you may need to stir some recipes occasionally to prevent

scorching. Every time the lid is lifted, add 20 minutes to the overall

cooking time.

 

The commonly used term Crock-Pot® is actually Rival Manufacturing Company's

trademarked name. Most recipes designed for the crock pot are with the

two-setting Rival model in mind, so adjust accordingly if using another

brand of cooker, and read the manufacturer's instructions.

 

What are some advantages of slow cooking?

The extended cooking times allow better mingling of flavors in many recipes.

 

The lower temperatures lessen the chance of scorching of foods which tend to

stick to the bottom of a pan and burn easily in an oven.

 

The slow cooker frees your oven and stove top for other uses, and should

always be considered as an option for large gatherings or holiday meals.

 

Convenience! A slow cooker can be left unattended all day for many recipes.

You can put recipe ingredients in it before going to work and come home to a

meal.

 

Does a slow cooker get hot enough to cook foods safely?

Even at the low setting, internal temperatures of foods are raised well

above 140 degrees, the minimum temperature at which bacteria are killed.

 

What foods are not suited to slow cooking?

Natural cheeses tend to break down, so should be avoided, replaced by

process cheese, or added late in cooking. Milk will curdle over long cooking

times, but you can substitute evaporated milk or stir in heavy cream or sour

cream near the end of cooking.

 

Why are potatoes still hard after hours of cooking?

Root vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, and turnip, should be cut in small

pieces, about 1-inch, and layered on the bottom of the crock so they will

start to cook as soon as the liquid heats.

 

Can I use a timer on my slow cooker?

A timer will allow you to cook a dish requiring 6 hours even though you will

be away for 8 hours. Make sure all ingredients are chilled, and for safety,

start the cooking no longer than 2 hours later. The cooked food should not

stand for longer than 2 hours after the cooking time ends.

 

Another alternative for a dish requiring a short cooking time is to cook it

the night before, cool for no longer than 2 hours, and refrigerate. Heat it

in the microwave the next day.

 

What size slow cooker should I buy?

Popular sizes are 3 1/2-, 4-, and 5-quart models. Most have removable

liners. The 3 1/2-quart models are fine for most dishes and needs, but the

5-quart models allow you to insert other dishes, such as soufflé, spingform

pans, or pudding molds, giving you a wider range of options. Manufacturers

usually recommend filling the pot half to three-quarters full, so if you're

cooking for two, this might be an important consideration.

 

Crockpot Safety

To qualify as a safe slow cooker, the appliance must be able to cook slow

enough for unattended cooking, yet fast enough to keep food above the danger

zone.

 

To determine if a slow cooker will heat to a safe temperature:

 

Fill cooker with 2 quarts of water.

 

Heat on low for 8 hours or desired cooking time.

 

Check the water temperature with an accurate thermometer (quickly because

the temperature drops 10 to 15 degrees when the lid is removed).

 

The temperature of the water should be 185°. Temperatures above this would

indicate that a product cooked for 8 hours without stirring would be

over-done. Temperatures below this may indicate the cooker does not heat

food high enough or fast enough to avoid potential food safety problems.

When preparing food in a slow cooker, follow these guidelines:

 

Only use recipes that include a liquid.

 

Check internal temperature to make sure food reaches 160 degrees F.

 

Do not delay starting time.

 

Do not reheat foods in slow cooker.

 

Keep the lid on.