Getting a New Slow Cooker
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Choosing the Right Model For You
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Size Matters
If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, consider how many people you’ll be making food for.
- A 5-quart size slow cooker is a good size for a family of about four.
- If you’re preparing food for company, look for a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
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Portability and Locking Lids
If you and your slow cooker will be traveling together to picnics, campgrounds, or parties, find a version with a locking lid.
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Programmable Models
If you often get home later than anticipated and the slow cooker is on, a programmable model may be for you. It switches over to Warm when the cooking time is complete, preventing food from overcooking and scorching.
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Getting to Know Your New Slow Cooker
When you first bring your slow cooker home, take time to get to know it.
- Read the instructions. Stay nearby the first time it’s used.
- Learn how quickly or slowly it cooks, and for future reference note these times in the recipes you make.
Tips for Using a Slow Cooker
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Ingredients and Prep
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Toast Spices Before
Toast spices in a dry sauté pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
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Cut Vegetables Uniformly
Cut hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to a uniform size. They’re more likely to cook evenly and at the same time.
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Cut Vegetables Large
If too finely diced, they’ll overcook and taste overdone. When kept to a large size, the vegetables’ flavors release more slowly over the long cooking session.
Usage
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Don't Use Too Much Water
Liquids will not reduce in a slow cooker with its lid on. So be sure to add only the required amount of liquids and no more.
(The exception to this is if the food begins to burn. In this case, more liquid can be added until the cooking time is complete.)
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Use a Wooden Spoon
To prevent scratching the crock pot’s insert, use a wooden spoon when stirring.
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Be Safe
- Keep the area around a plugged-in slow cooker clear. The appliance gets hot on the outside.
- Make sure the electrical cord has no pinches or kinks in it.
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