Crock Pot Week- Tips and Tricks

In preparation for the upcoming crock pot recipe exchange, I have put together a list of tips and tricks that will make your crock pot meal taste and turn out better!




















image: amazon.com


1. Maximize flavor

If you have don't have time, then of course you can just dump your ingredients in and run. But if you want to make your meal that little bit yummier, then you this simple extra step. Brown your meat, and even your vegetables. It only takes a couple of minutes. Then you can de-glaze the pan and pour it into the crock pot with your food. 

(Browning your meat also helps to drain out some of the fat that will otherwise sit in your crock pot with your food)

2. Don't open the lid

I have read a few different things on this. Most suggest only opening it with 30 minutes before your cook time is complete. Every time you open the lid you loose 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So if you keep opening it, it will take longer to cook. Personally I follow my nose. If it smells done (weird I know, but normally when it is exceptionally fragrant) then I go and check and normally 8/10 times it is done.

3.  Fill it up right

If you over-fill or under-fill your food will not cook correctly. Crock-pot.com suggests 1/2 to 3/4 full for best results.

4. Over-cooking

I have done this way too much. If you don't think that you are going to be home on time to turn off the crock pot, then invest in a automatic 'running late' feature that switches to warm once your timer goes off. Otherwise you will come home to over-cooked food, that does not taste at all how it should (and will probably put you off crock pot cooking ever again).

Also, if you know that you are going to have to leave it on warm for a while. Adjust the cook time so that it doesn't end up over done. 

5. You can cook most recipes in the crock pot

Did you know this!? But some tips to adjusting your recipes for the crock pot.

Dairy breaks down, so things like milk, yogurt and sour cream should only be added during the last 15 minutes of cooking. 

Liquids are not going to evaporate, so cut back on liquids by 20 percent.

If using fresh herbs, select whole leaves and spices, use half the normal amount.

If using ground herbs, add them during the last hour of cooking.

(these last two seem a little weird....)

I hope that these few tips can help you make your crock pot dinners even yummier!

Sources: eatingwell.com, crock-pot.com, foodnetwork.com