How to Adapt Recipes to the Slow Cooker

Have you ever had a recipe that you wished you could put in the Slow Cooker?  With theses tips, you can adapt most recipes to the slow cooker for hassle-free cooking.

My mother, Sharon McFall,  is a National Best Selling Cookbook Author.   She researched and wrote the Time Guide and tips below.  I liked what she did so much, I included them in my newest cookbook, BUSY WOMAN'S SLOW COOKER COOKBOOK.  Thanks, Mom!

Time Guide
If recipe says cook or bake / Slow Cooker on Low / Slow Cooker on High

15 to 30 minutes                       4 to 6 hours                   1 1/2 to 2 hours
35 to 45 minutes                       6 to 8 hours                   3 to 4 hours
50 minutes to 3 hours               8 to 15 hours                 4 to 6 hours

Tip 1.  Cooking time in all recipes are approximations, affected by how much food is in the cooker, humidity, and the temperature of the ingredients when you add them.   So note that the cooking times in the recipes are ranges only.

Tip 2.  Fill the cooker between half and two-thirds full.

Tip 3.  Cut vegetables in smaller pieces to ensure proper cooking.

Tip 4. Meats will not brown in a Slow Cooker.  If a recipe calls for meat to be browned, brown it in a skillet.  The recipe will be better because it will enhance the flavor and decrease the fat.

Tip 5.  Do not add as much water as regular recipes indicate.  Use about half the recommended amount, unless it calls for rice or pasta.  Liquids don't boil away as in conventional cooking.

Tip 6.  If recipe calls for raw rice, add 1/4 cup extra liquid per 1/4 cup raw rice.

Tip 7.  Processed cheeses tend to work better in Slow Cookers than natural cheeses.

Tip 8.  Juices can be thickened by adding corn starch during the last hour of cooking.  Turn the heat to high.

Tip 9.  It is best to add ground seasoning near the end of cooking.

Tip 10.  Add vegetables to cooker first, then add meat.  Vegetables cook slower than meat.

Tip 11.  In the last hour of cooking it is better to add milk, sour cream, or cream to the recipe.  Dairy products tend to curdle over long cooking periods.  Condensed cream of soup or evaporated milk can be substituted in some recipes. 

On Friday, I will be posting a 

quick and easy slow cooker recipe called, 

Lemon Over Chicken.

Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully 
follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!