Converting Recipes: Converting your favorite recipes to the
crockpot or slow cooker is pretty easy. Here is a guideline for
cooking times. If you are cooking on the low setting, make sure that any uncooked meat cooks for at least 8 hours.
| Stovetop Cooking Time | Crockpot Cooking Time |
| High Temp | Low Temp |
| 15-30 minutes | 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hrs | 4 - 8 hours |
| 35-45 minutes | 3 - 4 hours | 6 - 10 hours |
| 50 minutes - 3 hours | 4 - 6 hours | 8 - 16 hour |
Seasoning: Spices will be diluted overtime as they cook in a
crockpot. So add spices in the last hour of cooking.
Ground Beef: Brown ground beef before adding to the crockpot. It
will taste better and have better texture this way.
Raw Vegetables: Uncooked vegetables like carrots, potatoes and
onions should be place at the bottom of the crockpot for faster
cooking.
Dairy: Add sour cream, heavy cream and other dairy ingredients
during the last hour of cooking.
Cleaning: Do not add cold water to a hot crockpot to clean it.
Either let it cool down or add warm soapy water.
Garnish: Many vegetables will lose their color in a slow cooker.
Add a colorful garnish like fresh parsley, chives, tomatoes, red
peppers or cheese for color.
Cooking Tip: Keep your crockpot at least half full to avoid
overheating and overcooking food.
Thickening: Add a cornstarch in the final hour of cooking to
thicken juices.
Use your crockpot outside in the summer to help keep your house
cool.
What are your favorite crockpot tips?
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