Crock Pot Meals Can Offer A
Welcome Change Of Pace
by
Char Gietz
Use some of these helpful tips when you get started!
Whether you have just received a new Crock Pot, or you
found an old one in your pantry and you decided to renew your cooking
creativity, there is literally a whole world of recipes out there to be
discovered! Creating a variety of interesting meals has never been easier.
There are some cooking tips that can save you a lot of
headaches later on, however. While using your slow cooker is a breeze compared
to most appliances, keep in mind these tips before you dive in.
- Browning any meat on the stovetop before adding it to your slow cooker
can give you a better taste, as well as cutting down on the fat. Draining
the meat and patting dry before adding it to the crock pot can help make the
dish healthier.
- To ensure evenly cooked vegetables (especially dense ones like potatoes
and carrots), cut them no larger than in 1-inch thick, and make sure they’re
placed on the bottom so they get even heat.
-
If the recipe calls for any milk or dairy product, don’t add it
until the last hour of cooking. They break down over the long cooking
period.
- Add any noodles to a recipe during the last hour as well. They also
don’t hold up well over long periods of time, and will break down.
- Don’t ever lift the lid to during the cooking process! Every time you
take it off, you lose heat equivalent to 30 minutes of cooking time.
-
Don’t ever subject your crock pot to sudden changes in temperature,
like pouring cold water inside right after it’s done cooking. This can
cause cracks in the ceramic dish.
- Herbs can be tricky sometimes. Any whole herbs, such as cloves, work
best over long periods, so adding them at the beginning of the cycle is a
must. Ground or dried herbs can lose their flavor quickly over the long
haul, so these must be added close to the end of the cycle for best results.
There’s no better way to save time and create great meals than by using a
slow cooker. If you keep in mind these simple tips you’ll be ensured a great
dinner for you and your family!
About the Author
Char Gietz is a
freelance writer and a crock pot
fanatic. She loves cooking with her
Rival crock pot
and writing about creative ways to use
slow cookers. Her
numerous articles offer tips and valuable insight for any busy family.