About the appliance
Before you start cooking, make sure you get comfortable with your specific model of electric slow cooker or Crock-Pot. The three main components of these appliances are the lid, the inner container (or the crock), and the base. The base produces heat that travels through the crock, trapping steam, which allows for an even cook.
Cooking in your sleep
Using a Crock-Pot is so easy, you can do it in your sleep! The long cooking time allows for a rich, developed flavor and ensures a tender result when preparing bigger cuts of meat. The low temperature of a Crock-Pot doesn’t dry out the meat, while the long cooking time breaks down muscle fibers that make the cuts more tender.
Endless recipes
There are countless recipes for these appliances in books and all over the Internet. Crock pots are great for cooking food in bulk, making them perfect for meal-prepping or serving big groups, and there’s lots of room for creativity and adding twists to classic holiday meals. There are many recipes for casseroles, meats, and soups, but it’s less commonly known that you can also make desserts or alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages in a slow cooker!
Avoid making these mistakes
There are a few things to consider when using your slow cooker. If you add dairy products too early, they can break down or curdle, and using frozen ingredients or overfilling your appliance can result in uneven cooking. Choose cuts that are tougher, with more fat, and maintain the appliance correctly, using gentle cleaning techniques like soaking in water, white vinegar, and baking soda for an hour on low before scrubbing.
