Foods and Drink

Crockpots have become a much valued appliance in today’s kitchens. The ease of simply placing ingredients in a pot, plugging it in, turning it on and leaving the cook free to spend the day out of the kitchen is simply remarkable. A delicious homemade meal is waiting as you enter the door from whatever chore or pleasure you have been on. It is no wonder so many people are using crockpots more and more every day.

Just open the front door on a cold winter evening and experience being invited by delicious, comforting smells. It is a dream come true for working mothers, single people and just about anyone who leads a busy life as well as though who have all day to spend in the kitchen but rather not. Using a crockpot makes life easier and more convenient. All you need do is a little planning ahead to save you time later. The crockpot is just as valuable in any season. You will be pleased to smell the delicious aroma in fall, winter, spring or summer.

Crockpot use tips-Look for one with a removable liner. Cleaning is easier, just place the liner in the dishwasher .If you have one without the removable liner, all is not lost, you can line it with a cooking bag or spray the inside with cooking spray before you cook to make cleanup easier .For food safety reasons, cook on HIGH for first hour to quickly bring temperature up to 140 degrees, then turn down on LOW for finish cooking .Defrost frozen foods before putting them in the pot .Remember one hour on HIGH is equal to two hours on LOW .Remove cooked food from the crockpot or liner before you refrigerate.

The liner is made of thick material and food will not cool down quick enough to prevent growth of harmful bacteria. Fill one half to two thirds full. Foods will not cook properly if pot is filled to the brim. If food and liquid level is lower, foods will cook too quickly. Remove skin from poultry, trim excess fat from meats to avoid adding an unpleasant texture to finished dish .Concentrate flavors and thicken juices by removing the lid and cooking on HIGH for the last hour of cooking time .Most meats require 8 hours of cooking on LOW.