Hamilton Beach 840059300 - Manual (Page 4)

• When removing the Cover, tilt so
that the opening faces away from
you to avoid being burned by steam.
• The sides of the Base of the slow
cooker get very warm because the
heating elements are located here.
Use the handles on the Base if
necessary. Use hot mitts to remove
the Crock.
Adapting Recipes
Some ingredients are not suited for extended cooking in
the slow cooker. Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream
should be added 2 hours before serving. Evaporated milk or
condensed soups are perfect for the slow cooker.
Many things can affect how quickly a recipe will cook. The
water and fat content of a food, the temperature of the food,
and the size of the food will all affect the cooking time. Food
cut into pieces will cook faster than whole roasts or poultry.
Most meat and vegetable combinations require at least 6 to
7 hours on Low.
The higher the fat content of the meat, the less liquid is needed.
If cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick onion
slices underneath, so the meat will not sit and cook in the fat.
Some recipes call for browning the meat before slow
cooking. This is only to remove excess fat or for color;
it is not necessary for successful cooking.
Slow cookers have very little evaporation. If making your
favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce the liquid or water
called for in the original recipe. If too thick, liquids can be
added later.
7 6
Tips for Slow Cooking
• The Cover of the slow cooker does not form a tight fit on
the Crock but should be centered on the Crock for best
results. Do not remove the Cover unnecessarily—this
results in major heat loss. Do not cook without Cover in
place.
• Stirring is not necessary when slow cooking. However,
if cooking on High, you may want to stir occasionally.
• Slow cooking retains most of the moisture in foods. If a
recipe results in too much liquid at the end of the cooking
time, remove the Cover, turn the Control Knob to High,
and reduce the liquid by simmering. This will take 30 to
45 minutes.
• The slow cooker should be at least half-filled for best
results. If less than half-filled, reduce cooking time.
• If cooking soups or stews, leave a 2-inch space between
the top of the Crock and the food so that the recipe can
come to a simmer.
• Many recipes call for cooking all day. If your morning
schedule doesn’t allow time to prepare a recipe, do it the
night before. Place all ingredients in the Crock, cover and
refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place Crock in
the slow cooker and select the temperature setting.
• Meat and poultry require at least 7 to 8 hours on Low. Do
not use frozen meat in the slow cooker. Thaw any meat or
poultry before slow cooking.