The slight fluctuations in power do not have a noticeable effect on most appliances; however, it can slightly alter the cooking times. Allow plenty of time, and remember, it is practically impossible to overcook. You will learn through experience whether to decrease or increase cooking Q “Must the Crock-Pot ® slow cooker be covered? Is it necessary to stir?” A Cook with the cover on. The slow cooker will not recover heat losses quickly when cooking on LOW setting. Significant amounts of heat escape whenever the lid is removed; therefore the cooking time must be extended. Avoid frequent removal of the cover for checking cooking progress or stirring. Never remove cover during the first 2 hours when baking breads or cakes. It is not necessary to stir while cooking on LOW heat. While using HIGH heat for short periods, occasional stirring improves the distribution of flavors. Q “How about thickening the juices or making gravy?” A Add some quick-cooking tapioca to any recipe when you want to make a thick gravy. Add the tapioca at the beginning and it will thicken as it cooks! Or you may remove the solid foods, leaving the juices. Prepare a smooth paste of approximately 1. 2 cup flour or cornstarch to 1. 2 cup water or 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pour mixture into liquid in stoneware and stir well. Turn to HIGH and when it comes to a boil (about 15 minutes) it’s ready. Q “Can I cook a roast without adding water?” A Yes – if cooked on LOW. We recommend a small amount because the gravies are especially tasty. The more fat or “marbling” the meat has, the less liquid you need. The liquid is needed to properly soften and cook vegetables. -5 R.M428.0218_6/14/01 9:35 AM Page 6 GUIDE TO ADAPTING RECIPES This guide is designed to help ® slow cooker — your own favorites and prized recipes and magazines. Our aim is to save to keep cooking simple. In most cases, the beginning and can cook all day. Many preparatory steps are unnecessary when using the Crock-Pot ® slow cooker. A few hints: • Allow sufficient cooking time. • Cook with cover on. • Do not add as much water as some recipes indicate. • Remember — liquids don’t “boil away” as in conventional cooking. Usually you’llhave more liquid at the end of cooking instead of less. • It’s “one-step” cooking: many steps in recipes may be deleted. the stoneware at one time and cook 8 to 12 hours (add any • Vegetables do not overcook as they do when boiled in your oven or on your range. Therefore, everything can go into the Crock-Pot ® slow cooker at one time. EXCEPTION: milk, sour cream or cream should be added during last hour of cooking. TIME GUIDE IF RECIPE SAYS: COOK ON LOW: OR COOK ON HIGH: 15 to 30 minutes 4 to 6 hours 11. 2 to 2 hours 35 to 45 minutes 6 to 10 hours 3 to 4 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 8 to 18 hours 4 to 6 hours Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations will require at least 8 hours on LOW. PASTA AND RICE If recipe calls for cooking noodles, macaroni, etc., cook on rangetop before adding to slow cooker. Don’t overcook — just until slightly tender. If cooked rice is called for, stir in with other ingredients; add 1. 4 cup extra liquid per 1. 4 cup of raw rice. Use long grain converted rice for best results in all-day cooking. LIQUIDS Use less in slow cooking — usually about half the recommended amount. One cup of liquid is enough for any recipe unless it contains rice or pasta. SAUTEING VEGETABLES Generally not necessary! Stir in chopped or sliced vegetables with other ingredients. ONLY EXCEPTION: eggplant should be parboiled or sauteed, due to strong flavor. Since vegetables develop their full flavor potential with slow cooking, expect delicious results even when you reduce quantities. Because vegetables take longer to cook than meat, slice or chop them when possible. -6 HERBS AND SPICES Leaf or whole herbs and spices use half the recommended amount. last hour of cooking. MILK Milk, cream and sour cream tend to break possible add during last hour of cooking. milk, etc., and can cook for extended times. SOUPS Some soup recipes call for 2 to 3 quarts of water. Add other soup ingredients to Crock-Pot ® slow cooker; then add water only to cover. If thinner soup is desired, add more liquid at serving time. If milk-based recipes have no other liquid for initial or 2 cups water. Then during last hour of cooking, stir in milk or cream as called 2The recipes in this book may be used, as printed, in the 21. 2 - 41. quart Crock-Pot ® slow cooker. For 21. 2 quarts or smaller units, recipes may need to be halved. THE RECIPES POT ROAST OF BEEF 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced 2 large carrots, thinly sliced 1 onion, sliced 1 (2 to 3-lb.) boneless beef rump roast 1 teaspoon salt 1. 2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1. 2 cup water or beef broth Put vegetables in bottom of stoneware. Salt and pepper meat, then place in pot on top of vegetables. Add liquid. Cover and cook on LOW 10 to 12 hours ( HIGH: 5 to 6 hours). BEEF BOURGUIGNON (Beef Stew with Wine) 6 strips bacon, cut in ...