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crockpot tips - do not forgetslow cooker! |
by:
Rob Moore |
Many of your favorite recipes can be successfully adapted tocrockpot or slow cooker if you followfew simple rules. You'll findbasic time/temperature guide for converting recipes, some do's and do nots for specific ingredients andfew tips for making your slow cooker dishes more flavorful.
Liquids
Generally, liquids may be decreased in slow cooking - general rule of thumb is about halfrecommended amount. Unlessdish contains rice or pasta, one cup of liquid is usually enough.
Pasta and Rice
When recipes call for cooked pasta to be added, cook it until just slightly tender before adding topot. Add one/four extra liquid per one/four cup uncooked rice, and use long grain converted rice forbest results. For long-cooking recipes, add cooked rice shortly before serving.
Beans
It is usually best to soak beans overnight before cooking them incrockpot. Before adding sugar or acidic ingredients,beans should be softened first, either inslow cooker or onstove top. If your recipe includes tomatoes, salt, or other acidic ingredients,beans should be tender before beginning.
Herbs and Spices
Ground herbs and spices tend to dissipate over long cooking times, so it's best to add them nearend of cooking. Whole herbs release flavors over time, so aregood choice for crockpot cooking. You should taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary, before serving.
Milk/Cheese
Milk, sour cream, and cream break down over long periods of cooking, and should be added duringlast hour. Condensed cream soups are good substitutions for milk and can be cooked for extended times. "Healthy," or reduced fat cream soups can be used in any recipe assubstitute.
Cheeses do not generally hold up over extended periods of cooking, so should be added nearend of cooking, or use processed cheeses and spreads.
Soups
Add water only to cover ingredients in soup, and add more after cooking if necessary forthinner soup.
For milk based soups, add one or two cups of water and duringlast hour, stir in milk, evaporated milk, or cream as called for.
Vegetables
Dense vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables should be cut no larger than one" thick, and placed inbottom ofpot, since they take longer to cook
Aboutauthor:
Rob Moore cooks up quick and easy recipes from HIWAY-cafe.com,site devoted to Recipes As Fast As Your Life!
Visit for more quick easy crockpot recipes and more!
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