Hamilton Beach 33850 Use & Care - Page 7

840086500 Ev04 6/22/01 4:30 PM Page 7 Adapting Recipes Some ingredients are not suited for extended cooking in the slow cooker. Pasta, seafood, milk, cream, or sour cream should be added 2 hours before serving. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are perfect for the slow cooker. Many things can affect how quickly a recipe will cook. The water and fat content of a food, the temperature of the food, and the size of the food will all affect the cooking time. Food cut into pieces will cook faster than whole roasts or poultry. Most meat and vegetable combinations require at least 7 hours on Low. The higher the fat content of the meat, the less liquid is needed. If cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick onion slices underneath, so the meat will not sit and cook in the fat. Some recipes call for browning the meat before slow cooking. This is only to remove excess fat or for color; it is not necessary for successful cooking. Slow cookers have very little evaporation. If making your favorite soup, stew, or sauce, reduce the liquid or water called for in the original recipe. If too thick, liquids can be added later. If cooking a vegetable-type casserole, there will need to be liquid in the recipe to prevent scorching on the sides of the crock. Cleaning 1. Turn the control knob to Off. Unplug cord from outlet. 2. Remove bowls, crock and cover from base and let cool. 3. Wash the bowls, crock and cover in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry. The bowls, crock and cover may also be washed in the dishwasher. 4. Wipe the base with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleansers. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not immerse base in water. Crock and Glass Cover Precautions and Information • Please handle the crock and cover carefully to ensure long life. • Avoid sudden, extreme temperature changes. For example, do not place a hot cover or crock into cold water, or onto a wet surface. • Avoid hitting the crock and cover against the faucet or other hard surfaces. • Do not use crock or cover if chipped, cracked, or severely scratched. • Do not use abrasive cleansers or metal scouring pads. • The bottom of the crock is very rough and can damage the countertop. Use caution. • The crock and the cover can become very hot. Use caution. Do not place directly on any unprotected surface or countertop. • The crock is microwave safe and oven proof, but never heat the crock when empty. Never place the crock on a burner or stove top. Do not place the cover in a microwave oven, conventional oven, or on the stove top. 7