TIPS FOR SLOW COOKING
• The 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. Removing the lid and doing so will
result in major heat loss, extending cooking time.
• If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch (5 cm) space between the top of the
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 crock, cover with
lid and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place crock in slow cooker.
• Do not use frozen, uncooked meat in slow cooker. Thaw any meat or poultry
before 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 crock.
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