I use my slow cooker a lot during the fall and winter months. Do you? I prep the recipe in the morning and will often use my slow cooker (crockpot) to ensure the meal is hot and ready later in the day. My reasoning: a) my energy levels in the morning are
higher, b) having the aroma of something delicious cooking all day gives my home a feeling of coziness (especially during the colder parts of the year), and c) it's so nice to be able to just sit down and eat after a long day.
There are some common slow-cooker
mistakes to avoid, however, that can end up in a disappointing, or worse...an undercooked...meal.
1. Overloading the Slow Cooker: Are you ever tempted to pack your slow cooker to the brim. Don't. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and the risk of undercooked food. Stick to the
recommended fill level or use a bigger slow cooker if you're whipping up a feast.
2. Skipping the Searing Step: Searing adds flavor and texture. Skipping this step is missing the best part of the recipe.
3. Lifting the Lid Too Often: Patience is a virtue in slow cooking. Opening the lid frequently lets the heat escape, altering your meal's cooking time. Fight the urge to check constantly. Trust the process, and if you're anxious, set a timer to remind you when it's time for a sneak peek.
4. Adding Dairy Products Too Early: Milk or cream added too early is a recipe for a curdled disaster. Add dairy in the final hour.
5.
Choosing the Wrong Size Slow Cooker: Size matters in the slow cooking world. Too big or too little means uneven cooking. Check your recipe guidelines for the right fit. Personally, I have two slow cookers, one 2-quart and the other 6-quart. 6. Not Prepping the Cooker: Many people don't use their slow cooker because clean up afterwards is a bear. A little prep goes a long way for making your crockpot cleanup duties a breeze. Line (with slow cooker liners) or spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before the main act. It saves cleanup time and ensures your meal doesn't stick. 7. Starting off Frozen: Frozen ingredients are a no-go. Sure, slow cookers are magic, but they need a fair start. Thaw your meat for even cooking and (most important) food safety.
8. Putting Dry Pasta in the Slow Cooker: Pasta in at the start? Say goodbye to that perfect al dente. Personally, I like to cook my pasta separate and add it to my recipe right before serving. Alternately, add in your dry pasta into the crockpot during the last 40 minutes of cooking. Your pasta stays firm, and you avoid a mushy mess.
9. Adding Herbs and Spices Too Early: You are wasting your time and the taste of those flavorful spices if you add them in from the beginning. Add them in the last hour.
10. Too Much Liquid: A soup instead of a stew? That's what too much liquid does. Start with less and add more only if you need to.
Slow cooking is an art of patience and know-how. Sidestep these common mistakes, and your slow cooker will keep on being
the kitchen rockstar you want it to be.
