Slow cookers gained popularity in the 70's and are making a comeback in our hectic lifestyles. Many families are tired of fast-foods and boxed mixes. Even more as winter approaches, we need to fill the house with the inviting aroma of comfort foods.
For our fast-paced lives, a little advanced preparation can actually save time, cut expenses, and please families and guests.
To get the best service from your slow cooker, fill it from one-half to three-quarters full and keep the lid on it. If you have to stir, do it quickly and replace the lid. It can take fifteen to twenty minutes to regain lost heat from taking the lid off.
Because the slow cooker captures moisture, you want to use care in adding liquids. You can always add more if needed at the end of the cooking cycle.
Does your family enjoy highly seasoned foods? Keep a supply of seasoned salt, herb blends, lemon juice, flavored vinegars, and soy sauce. Freshly ground pepper and minced fresh herbs add a refreshing taste and aroma when added at the end of the cooking cycle.
Vegetables take longer to cook than meat. Cut the vegetables in small, thin pieces and place them on the bottom and sides of the cooker; then pile meats on top.
Another money-saving trick with the slow cooker is the meats. Purchase the tougher, inexpensive cuts of meat as they will come out fork-tender and flavorful.
Be sure to remove foods from cooker once your dish is cooked. Put leftover foods in a clean container, cover and refrigerate as soon as possible. Do not use your crock pot to reheat foods.
A recipe that takes 30 minutes to cook will take 4 - 6 hours on low or 1 1/2 - 2 hours on high in the crock pot. This seems like a waste of time on the surface. But once you put your foods into the crock pot and set the temperature, you can walk away and let it cook. Not so with foods cooked on top of the stove.
Using the crock pot for hours also seems a waste of electricity. However, we are told the crock pot uses less power than a light bulb; certainly less than even thirty minutes on the stove top.
With a few adjustments, you will be able to cook your favorite recipes in the crock pot and amaze your friends and family with scrumptious meals and time to spare.
Happy cooking!
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