OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Using Your Programmable
Slow Cooker
1. Prepare your recipe according to
directions.
2. Place prepared food into the
removable ceramic pot and cover
with the glass lid.
3. Plug the unit into an electrical outlet
and set the time and desired
temperature setting. It is not
necessary to stir the ingredients
during the cooking process.
4. Cooking times may differ by the
amount of ingredients, room
temperature and many other
factors. Adjust the cooking time in
reference to the actual result.
5. Repeatedly removing the glass lid
will decrease the temperature in the
ceramic pot and lengthen the
cooking times.
6. Certain dishes may not cook if the
room temperature is below 41°F or
5°C.
7. When finished, press the "start -
stop" button and unplug the unit.
You can serve the meal in the
ceramic pot.
8. When removing the glass lid, tilt so
that the opening faces away from
you to avoid being burned by the
steam.
Note:
The glass lid and the ceramic
pot are hot. Use a cloth or pot holder
to hold them. Exercise caution to avoid
burns.
9. The sides of the metal housing of
the slow cooker get very warm. Use
oven mitts or pot holders to remove
the ceramic pot.
10. Let ceramic pot and glass lid cool
completely before washing.
11. First remove the glass lid if ceramic
pot is placed in oven to reheat food.
Warning:
If the ceramic pot has been
placed in the refrigerator and is cold,
Always allow the ceramic pot to come
to room temperature before placing in a
hot oven to avoid sudden temperature
changes which could damage or cracks
to the ceramic pot or cause injury.
Note:
The temperature level indicator
lights will cycle during the cooking
process. This is normal.
Guide To Slow Cooking
Always allow sufficient time for the food
to cook. It is almost impossible to
overcook food in a slow cooker,
particularly when using the low or keep
warm settings. Most recipes contained
within this book, can be cooked on any
one of the temperature settings,
however cooking times will vary
accordingly. Each recipe in this book
will give specific instructions indicating
the appropriate temperature setting as
well as the suggested cooking times.
Your favorite traditional recipes can be
adapted easily by halving the amount
of liquid and increasing the cooking
time considerably. See the guide below
for suggested cooking times and
settings when adjusting your favorite
recipes.
Traditional Recipe
Slow Cooker
Time
Recipe Time
4-6 hours on
15-30 minutes
LOW
6-8 hours on
60 minutes
LOW
8-12 hours on
1-3 hours
LOW
Note:
These times are approximate.
Times can vary depending on
ingredients and quantities in recipes.
All food should be cooked with the
glass lid in place. Each time the lid is
lifted, both the heat and moisture in the
food are lost. Cooking times should
thus be extended by approximately 30
minutes.
Liquid Amounts
When food is cooking in your slow
cooker, very little moisture boils away.
To compensate this, it is advisable to
halve the liquid content of traditional
recipes. However, if after cooking, the
liquid content is excessive, remove the
lid and operate the slow cooker on the
high setting for 30-45 minutes or until
the liquid reduces by the desired
amount.
5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Stirring Food
Little or no stirring is required when
using the low or keep warm setting.
When using the high setting, stirring
ensures even flavor distribution.
Basic Cooking Time Guide
H eat
Low
H igh
S etting
3-4 Lb.
6-8 H ours
3-4 H ours
C hicken
3-4 Lb. P ot
6-8 H ours
4-5 H ours
R oast
3 Q t. B eef
8-10 H ours
4-5 H ours
S tew
3 Q t. C hili
8-10 H ours
4-5 H ours
3 Q t.
V egetable
6-8 H ours
3-4 H ours
S oup
Note:
The cooking times given above
should be used ONLY as a guide. It is
recommended that a thermometer be
used to check the temperature to
ensure the food is completely cooked.
Tips for Slow Cooking
•
The cover of the slow cooker does
not form a tight fit on the ceramic pot
but should be centered on the
ceramic pot for best results. Do not
remove the glass cover
unnecessarily - this will result in
major heat loss. Do not cook
without the glass cover in place.
•
Stirring is not normally needed when
using a slow cooker. 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 glass cover,
turn the control knob to high, and
reduce the liquid by simmering. This
will take 30-45 minutes.
•
The slow cooker should be at least
half-filled for best results.
•
If cooking soups or stews, leave a
2-inch space between the top of the
ceramic pot and the food so that the
food may be allowed to simmer.
•
Many recipes call for cooking all day.
You can also prepare the recipe the
night before by placing all ingredients
in the ceramic pot, cover and
refrigerate overnight. In the morning,
simply place the ceramic pot in the
slow cooker and select the time and
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.
•
Trim all visible fat from meat or
poultry.
•
Cook dried beans 1-2 hours on the
high setting, then add remaining
ingredients, cook on low for the
remaining time.
•
When cooking curries and
casseroles, richer, more intensive
flavors will develop when the first
stage is prepared by traditional
methods, i.e. brown the onions, meat
and spices first in a non-stick pan.
DO's
•
Handle the ceramic pot and glass lid
with care.
•
Use oven mitts when lifting the
ceramic pot containing hot foods.
•
Avoid extreme temperature changes
in the ceramic pot or glass lid. For
example, do not place into or under
cold water while still hot.
DO NOT's
•
Use the ceramic pot if chipped or
cracked.
•
Operate the slow cooker without the
ceramic pot in place.
•
Place the hot ceramic pot onto a wet
surface.
•
Use frozen meats or foods in slow
cooker. Always defrost them first.
•
Place the glass lid in oven or
microwave.
NEVER
•
Use abrasive cleansers or metal
scouring pads when cleaning the
ceramic pot.
•
Place water or other liquids into the
base of the slow cooker.
•
Immerse the base, cord or plug of
the slow cooker into water or any
other liquid.
•
Touch hot surfaces with bare hands.
6