7
• All of the recipes contained in this book
have recommended temperature settings.
Most recipes can be cooked on the LOW
setting, however when using the HIGH
setting cooking times can often be halved.
• Cut meat and vegetables into standard size
pieces for even cooking.
• When cooking with vegetables, place them
in the crock insert first, and then place the
meat on top.
• Always ensure that food or liquid comes to
at least half way up the wall of the crock
insert, as the element is located on the
sides of the slow cooker.
• When roasting whole pieces of lamb, beef
or chicken, it is not necessary to add
liquid. Pot roasts and corned meats should
be barely covered with liquid.
• Do not use oven bags when roasting lamb,
beef or chicken.
• When preparing meat for casseroles, lightly
coat the pieces in flour and brown before
adding to the slow cooker. This helps to
seal in the juices and flavours, and keeps
the meat tender.
• Frozen casseroles can be placed in the
cold slow cooker and heated for 5-8 hours,
depending on the quantity. Do not place
frozen food into a heated slow cooker.
• If a recipe results in too much liquid, turn
the slow cooker to the HIGH setting,
remove the lid and cook until sufficient
liquid has evaporated.
• To thicken a casserole, set the slow cooker
to the HIGH setting and stir through a
thickening agent such as cornflour or flour
combined with a little water. Allow to
simmer until thickened, stirring
occasionally.
• Stirring is rarely necessary, as the element
wraps around the sides of the slow cooker,
preventing the food from sticking to the
base.
• Leave the lid on the slow cooker during
cooking to maintain heat and moisture.
• To allow juices and fats to drain from
meats during roasting, place the meat on a
wire rack.
Tips for Slow Cooking