~ * helpful crock pot cooking tips * ~

[Guest guest]

Here are a few basic helpful hints about cooking

successfully in your crock pots.

 

 

1. LEAVE IT ALONE:

The main advantage of slow cooking is to set

and forget it. You do not need to tend the pot.

By all means do not hesitate to leave your home

while your crockpot is on. DO make sure it is not

touching the walls or other appliances.

 

2. STIRRING:

Stirring is not required for the great majority of

crock- pot recipes.

 

3. KEEP IT COVERED LEAVE THE LID ON:

I cannot stress this point enough. Every time the

crockpot is uncovered, 1/2 cooking time is lost.

NEVER remove the lid during the first two hours

when baking breads or cakes. Most pots have a

glass lid, so you can see pretty much what is going

on inside. If for some reason you must open the pot,

make sure you do all your additions then to minimize

overall heat loss.

 

4. COOKING TIMES:

It is best to follow the recipe's instructions, but a

general rule of thumb is:

ONE HOUR ON HIGH EQUALS TWO HOURS ON LOW.

If for some reason you cannot be there at exactly the

time specified to turn it off, don't worry. Because of

the low cooking temperatures your food will not burn.

 

5. HIGH ALTITUDE COOKING:

Allow more time than given in the recipe at altitudes

over 4000 feet. TEMPERATURES There are generally two

temperature settings, low and high. Low is 200 degrees

and high is 300 degrees.

 

6. FROZEN FOODS:

When using frozen foods in a recipe, thawing prior to

adding them to the pot is essential, actually more

because you risk damage to a ceramic pot liner more

than anything. If you have a metal crockpot you may

add frozen items but several extra hours of cooking

time must be added as well. (PT's note: I have cooked

frozen food successfully)

 

7. SPICES:

Because so little evaporation takes place when cooking

with this method, spices tend to be intensified.

I am careful not to over-season and just before serving

make additions by taste.

 

8. FOIL SPEEDS COOKING:

To save time, aluminum foil may be placed under the

crock pot lid. The foil reflects the heat back onto the

food and can the heat in the pot a little more

efficiently. (PT's note: I personally don't use foil but the

concept might be helpful if in a time crunch)

 

 

9. VEGETABLES:

Vegetables intended for the crockpot should be cut

into bite-size pieces not only for convenience in eating,

but for better cooking, too. Surprisingly, vegetables can

take longer to cook than meat in Crockpots.

The vegetables will be more tender if you cut the veggies

into pieces around 1/2 inch.

 

 

10. USING THE CROCKPOT AS AN OVEN:

When the oven is full and all burners on the range are

in use, (as in cooking a holiday dinner), pull out your

crockpot. You can cook such things as bread,

puddings, baked beans and custard in the crockpot.

 

 

 

11. USING THE CROCKPOT AS A STEAMER:

You can prepare steamed bread or pudding in shaped

molds or jars in the crockpot, too. Do NOT use shortening

cans, coffee cans or vegetable cans for cooking the

crockpot. Most cans contain lead and are painted with or

sealed with materials that give off toxic gases when heated.

 

12. BEVERAGES:

When it's cold and damp outside, you can simmer hot

beverages which will stay at perfect sipping temp.

The aroma of spiced tea or punch will appeal to

your family and/or guests. They can serve themselves

from the crockpot.

 

 

13. PARTY TIME:

Dips and other appetizers such as veg meatballs will stay at

the right temp. and consistency for several hours in the

crockpot. You can buy crockpots up to a 6-quart size which

are ideal for larger gatherings.

 

Happy Cooking!

 

~ PT ~