Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Slow cookers could be one of the most lovable appliances in the kitchen if it is used to its maximum capacity. It lets the zest of the dish flesh out on its own as it cooks between 170 and 280 degrees Fahrenheit. More so, it saves time for people who are always on the go by giving them the chance to prepare meals before they go to work and come home to a hot and sumptuous dish. Here are some helpful tips in using the slow cooker.

Before placing food in the slow cooker, defrost them so that ice will melt and it will be easier for them to be cooked. However, make sure that the slow cooker reached a temperature high enough to kill bacteria. If meat defrosts before the cooker reaches the bacteria-free temperature, put it in the chiller section of the refrigerator to keep it cold but not frozen. For vegetables, place them in the vegetable tray of the refrigerator, too.

Cut the vegetables and meat into small, yet presentable and scrumptious, pieces. It will help them to get cooked better and easier than whole meat. Whole meat could take so long to cook and can let bacteria thrive in for a long time, a very unhealthy thing. Also remember that when cooking meat, do not get them so cramped inside. Leave some space in between them so that heat could move freely. If you have vegetables to go with your meat, place them first before throwing in the meat because they tend to cook slower especially root vegetables. For minced seasonings, it is highly suggested that they be placed later because they will not stand long hours of cooking.

Long hours of cooking can make the food look paler. Pretty it up it with necessary garnish like cheese, red bell pepper, carrots, herbs, and others of your choice when cooking is almost done.

Never, ever, try to squeeze in lumps of food which are bigger than what the slow cooker can contain. The desired level of food to be placed in should not be less than one-half and not over two-thirds of the container. There are some cook books going around which provide recipes that entail putting whole chickens or ice-covered slices of meat. Please take note that these practices does not conform to food safety guidelines.

A timer or clock plugged near the slow cooker or that one in the microwave could be of use when the cooker is left alone and the power cuts off. The time will be displayed and will indicate if the food inside is still safe, two hours is considered the tops. Continue cooking the food if it is within the two-hour limit. After two hours or if a timer is not available to tell if the food is still all right, it is best to just throw the food away.

The slow cooker could add a lot of magic in cooking if one only knows its twists and turns. These are simple tips from cooking, capacity, food handling, and safety that could make cooking more enjoyable. Happy cooking!

Tags: Cooking, Rival, Cooker, Crock Pot, Recipes