Slow Cooker Q & A’s

Last month, in Ode to the Slow Cooker, I invited readers to submit questions on using a slow cooker.  Here are some of the questions and answers.

 

 

I love my slow cooker, but clean up can sometimes be a challenge.  What can I do?”

Cleaning will be a lot easier if you spray the inside of the crock with non-stick cooking spray.  You can also use a plastic liner specifically made for slow cookers.  For those individuals who are planning to purchase a slow cooker, I recommend one with a removable crock that is dishwasher safe.  My white crock sometimes gets hard to remove stains.  A little white vinegar works wonders on getting those stains off.

“I see the benefit of slow cookers for families, but it’s just my husband and me.  I don’t think it would be practical.”
Many slow cookers are about 4 to 5 quarts.  They need to be filled to a minimum of ½ full and to a maximum of ⅔ full to work best, so you will get more than 2 servings.  This is actually a good thing because many slow cooker meals freeze well.  Simply place leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate or freeze immediately.  Do not let food cool in the slow cooker because it does not cool fast enough, allowing bacteria to rapidly multiply.

Another option is to purchase a small slow cooker.  I’ve seen 1.5 to 2 quart slow cookers at stores like Walgreens and Target for less than $10.  The challenge is that most recipes are for larger slow cookers.  Some recipes can easily be adapted to a smaller slow cooker with simple math.  However, other recipes cannot be reduced in size easily.  These small slow cookers are also great for entertaining.  There are a lot of wonderful dip and appetizer recipes that will work great in this size slow cooker.

“Can I use the slow cooker to reheat my leftovers?”
No.  Slow cookers cook food slowly at low temperatures.  Leftovers need to be reheated to a higher temperature than the slow cooker will reach.

“My slow cooker always seems to take longer than the amount of time stated in the recipe.  Is it just my slow cooker?”
A common reason for longer cooking times is lifting the lid.  Every time the lid is raised, you can add another 30 minutes to your cooking time as it causes a 10º to 15º F drop in temperature.  Now, you may not be lifting the lid, but curious family members may be looking to see the where the delicious smells are coming from.  Tell all family members not to lift the lid.

“How do I know when it’s done?”
Follow the instructions on your recipe.  For those that include beef, pork or poultry, you should check the food with an accurate food thermometer.

“If a recipe says cook on LOW for 8 hours, do I have to be home right when it’s done?  Could it cook a little longer?”
You don’t have to be home when it’s done, but depending on what you’re cooking, the quality may go down the longer you cook it.  If you are home, you can simply flip the switch to “WARM” until you are ready to eat.  If you are in the market for a slow cooker, you may want to consider the models that automatically switch to “WARM” after cooking for the designated time.  They cost a little more, but the feature is helpful if you work all day.

Recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal
– click here –

Coming next month…What’s Your Backup Meal?