Cleaning will be a lot easier if you spray the inside of the crock with non-stick cooking spray.\u00a0 You can also use a plastic liner specifically made for slow cookers.\u00a0 For those individuals who are planning to purchase a slow cooker, I recommend one with a removable crock that is dishwasher safe.\u00a0 My white crock sometimes\u00a0gets hard to remove stains.\u00a0 A little\u00a0white vinegar works wonders on getting those stains off.<\/p>\n
![\"Removable](\"https:\/\/nutritionknowhow.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/removable_crock.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
“I see the benefit of slow cookers for families, but it’s just my husband and me.\u00a0 I don’t think it would be practical.”
\nMany slow cookers are about 4 to 5 quarts.\u00a0 They need to be filled to a minimum of \u00bd full and to a maximum of \u2154 full to work best, so you will get more than 2 servings.\u00a0 This is actually a good thing because many slow cooker meals freeze well.\u00a0 Simply place leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate or freeze immediately.\u00a0 Do not let\u00a0food cool in the slow cooker because it does not cool fast enough, allowing bacteria to rapidly multiply.<\/p>\n
Another option is to purchase a small slow cooker.\u00a0 I’ve seen 1.5 to 2 quart slow cookers at stores like Walgreens and Target for less than $10.\u00a0 The challenge is that most recipes are for larger slow cookers.\u00a0 Some recipes can easily be adapted to a smaller slow cooker with simple math.\u00a0 However, other recipes cannot be reduced in size easily.\u00a0 These small slow cookers are also\u00a0great for entertaining.\u00a0 There are a lot of wonderful dip and appetizer recipes that will work great in this size slow cooker.<\/p>\n
“Can I use the slow cooker to reheat my leftovers?”
\nNo.\u00a0 Slow cookers cook food slowly at low temperatures.\u00a0 Leftovers need to be reheated to a higher temperature than the slow cooker will reach.<\/p>\n
“My slow cooker always seems to take longer than the amount of time stated in the recipe.\u00a0 Is it just my slow cooker?”
\nA common reason for longer cooking times is lifting the lid.\u00a0 Every time the lid is raised, you can add another 30 minutes to your cooking time as it causes a 10\u00ba to 15\u00ba F drop in temperature.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Tell all family members not to lift the lid.<\/p>\n
“How do I know when it’s done?”
\nFollow the instructions on your recipe.\u00a0 For those that include beef, pork or poultry, you should check the food with an accurate food thermometer.<\/p>\n
“If a recipe says cook on LOW for 8 hours, do I have to be home right when it’s done?\u00a0 Could it cook a little longer?”
\nYou 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.\u00a0 If you are home, you can simply flip the switch to “WARM” until you are ready to eat.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 They cost a little more, but the feature is helpful if you work all day.<\/p>\n
![\"Basic](\"https:\/\/nutritionknowhow.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/slow_cooker_basic.jpg\")
<\/td>\n![\"Slow](\"https:\/\/nutritionknowhow.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/slow_cooker_chili.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n