Crock Pot Tips

Posted By Tessie2.

This is where we can post our crock pot tips...So if you know of any tips share them with us here....

Posted By Tessie2.

Dairy products should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, unless the recipes states otherwise.

Posted By Tessie2.

Most meats require 8 hours of cooking on LOW. Use cheaper cuts of meat - not only do you save money, but these meats work better in the slow cooker. Cheaper cuts of meat have less fat, which makes them more suited to crock-pot cooking. Moist, long cooking times result in very tender meats.

Posted By Tessie2.

Large pieces of meat can be browned before cooking in the crockpot, but this step isn't necessary. Browning adds color and helps in flavor development.

Posted By Tessie2.

Trim fats and wipe meats well to remove residue. (If meats contain fats, brown in a separate skillet or broiler and drain well before adding to cooker). Season with salt and pepper. Place meat in stoneware on top of vegetables.

Posted By Tessie2.

Due to the nature of a slow cooker, there is no need to stir the food unless it specifically says to in your recipe. In fact, taking the lid off to stir food causes the slow cooker to lose a significant amount of heat, extending the cooking time required. Therefore, it is best not to remove the lid for stirring.

Posted By Tessie2.

Only fill the crock-pot one half to two thirds full. The foods will not cook properly if the appliance is filled to the brim. If the food and liquid level is lower, the foods will cook too quickly.

Posted By Tessie2.

140 degrees is the temperature the food needs to reach as quickly as possible. If you are at home during the cooking times, test the food temperature after four hours of cooking on LOW - the temp should be at least 140 degrees. If it isn't, there's a problem with your crockpot and you should get a new one.

Posted By Tessie2.

When purchasing a crock-pot, look for one with a removable liner. They are much easier to clean. If you have a non- removable liner, however, all is not lost! Line your crock-pot with a cooking bag and you'll have no cleanup at all. Spray the inside of the liner with cooking spray before you fill it to make cleanup easier.

Posted By Tessie2.

For roasts and stews, pour liquid over meat. Use no more liquid than specified in the recipe. More juices in meats and vegetables are retained in slow cooking than in conventional cooking.

Posted By Tessie2.

Certain ingredients tend to break down during extended cooking. When possible add these ingredients toward the end of the cooking time. These include: Milk, cream and sour cream - add during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Seafood - add in the last hour of cooking time, unless the recipe specifies otherwise.

Posted By Tessie2.

When cooking with your Crock-Pot slow cooker, it is best to use whole herbs and spices rather than crushed or ground. The flavor of crushed or ground herbs and spices seems to lessen during the extended cooking time with the slow cooker. Fresh herbs and spices take longer to release their flavor, and therefore withstand the extended cooking times required of slow cooking.

Posted By Tessie2.

One hour on HIGH is equal to two hours on LOW.