Slow Cooker Cooking Tips

I love my slow cooker.  I put food in during the morning before my head gets too frazzled with everything else that needs to get done for the day.  Then when it is time for dinner and I am tired, often after being up over 12 hours already, I open up the slow cooker and there is a meal waiting for me.  If you are a mom who works outside the home or have kids that are involved in sports during the weekend I am sure the slow cooker can be a saving grace.

Here are some of my best tips when it comes to using your slow cooker:

• You should put your slow cooker on high for the first hour of cooking and then move it to low.  This will help prevent any food safety issues with too low cooking temperatures.  
• One hour on high equals about two hours on low.  If you are using a recipe that does not include cooking on high the first hour you can use this conversion.
• Don't splurge on the meat when using a slow cooker.  The slow cooker allows for moisture retention.  That along with the long cooking times make for tender meats.
• Don't lift the lid during cooking!  Moisture and heat will escape.  This will lead to longer cooking times and less moisture in the meat.
• Converting recipes to a slow cooker recipe.  Reduce the liquid amounts by 1/3 to 1/2 (unless cooking rice or making soup).  

For even more tips check out BusyCooks.