More Tips On Using Your Crock Pot

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

23 Feb 2008 04:24 AM

I've mentioned before that I'm very attached to my crock pot. I actually have two to accommodate home cooked meals and our busy schedule. I admit that I don't know why everyone doesn't love and own a crock pot. If you're not getting the full potential out of your crock pot perhaps you're missing a few tips. Here are a few things to know about cooking in a crock pot that will make your meals not only easy but super delicious as well.

1. You can thicken crock pot juices by removing the lid for the last half hour of cooking and cooking the contents on high. (You might want to put a towel down to catch any splattering.)

2. Always remove excess fats from meats and trim skin off of chicken. Fats melt during the long cooking time and leave the finished product too greasy.

3. Ground beef must always be browned before hand. Larger cuts of meat can be browned, but the step isn't necessary.

4. Seafood, like shrimp, should be added during the last hour of the cooking time.

5. Hot sauce, cayenne pepper and similarly spicy foods, will become bitter if left too long in the crock pot. Add these during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Dairy products should always be added towards the end of cooking--unless the recipe says to do something different.

7. Vegetables can be added during the last hour of the cooking time as well.

8. In general, whatever you put on the bottom will be the most tender because it is submerged in liquid. Therefore, in general, put meats on the bottom, more crisp vegetables in the middle (like onions or carrots), and more tender vegetables on top.

9. Rice in the slow cooker generally does not need extra water beyond what the recipe calls for.

Related Blogs:

5 Great Recipes to Throw in the Crock Pot

Crock Pot Secrets

How to Buy a Crock Pot

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Dale Harcombe (10373) 24 Feb 2008 05:24 PM

I have a crock pot and like you I love it and can't understand why other people don't use theirs more often. It's very easy for hospitality and entertaining, as it leaves the cook free to chat with guests, since so much is done beforehand and if people are late arriving for dinner it doesn't matter. Meat is always so tender you can use cheaper cuts , so it is economical. I appreciated some of your tips I didn't know.

Valorie Delp (49340) 24 Feb 2008 05:50 PM

Thanks Dale. I too love my crock pot. My dh and I have a joke that if there were a fire, (assuming all the people were out of course) I'd go back in for my crock pot and he'd go back in for his fantasy football stats magazine and his School House Rocks DVD. (Crock pot is sooo much more practical!) ;-)