OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
GUIDE TO SLOW COOKING
Always allow sufficient time for the food
to cook. It is almost impossible to
overcook food in a slow cooker,
particularly when using the low or warm
settings. Most recipes contained within
this book can be cooked on any one of
the temperature settings, however
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.
GUIDE TO SLOW COOKING
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.
Traditional Recipe
Slow Cooker
Time
Recipe Time
4-6 hours on
15-30 minutes
LOW
6-8 hours on
60 minutes
LOW
8-12 hours on
1-3 hours
LOW
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 desired
amount.
STIRRING FOOD
Little or no stirring is required when using
the low or warm setting. When using the
high setting, stirring ensures even flavor
distribution.
BASIC COOKING TIME GUIDE
Heat
Low
Setting
4-5 Lb.
6-8 Hours
3-4 Hours
Chicken
4-5 Lb. Pot
6-8 Hours
4-5 Hours
Roast
Beef Stew
8-10 Hours
4-5 Hours
Chili
8-10 Hours
4-5 Hours
Vegetable
6-8 Hours
3-4 Hours
Soup
*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.
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 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, set the cooking
mode 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 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, cover and refrigerate
overnight. In the morning, simply place
the ceramic pot in the slow cooker and
select the temperature setting.
5
•
Meat & 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
setting, then add remaining ingredients,
cook on low for the remaining time.
High
•
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.
•
When using the ceramic pot to reheat
food in the oven, never preheat the
oven first. The ceramic pot cannot
withstand sudden temperature
changes.
•
Never place the glass cover in the
oven.
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.
CAUTION:
Make sure that the unit
is unplugged from the power source
and the control button is on "Off"
before cleaning.
•
Always allow unit to cool before
cleaning.
•
Remove the ceramic pot and glass
lid and wash in hot, soapy water
using mild dishwashing detergent.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
•
Never use abrasive cleansers or
metal scouring pads to clean the
ceramic pot or glass lid.
•
To soften stubborn, cooked on
foods, fill the ceramic pot with warm,
soapy water and allow to soak.
Remove by lightly scrubbing with a
nylon kitchen brush.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
•
When using the ceramic pot to
serve, place it on a heat resistant
pad so as not to damage the table or
counter surface.
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 or any
other liquid.
•
Touch hot surfaces with bare hands.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
•
The ceramic pot and glass lid can
be washed in the dishwasher.
However care should be taken not to
chip or crack the ceramic pot or
glass lid.
•
Never immerse the metal housing,
cord or plug in water or any other
liquid.
•
Clean the metal housing only with a
damp cloth. Do NOT immerse in
water.
•
When storing your slow cooker,
loosely coil the power cord, don't
wrap the cord around the unit.
6