A few tips to converting recipes for the Crock Pot

In most cases, all ingredients can go into your crock pot in the beginning and cook all day.  Many steps in recipes are unnecessary when using the crock pot.  Here are two important things to remember:

• Do not add as much water as some recipes indicate.  Liquids don't boil away as in conventional cooking.  Usually you'll have more liquid at the end of cooking instead of less.
• Vegetables do not overcook as they do when boiled in your oven or on your stove top.

Time Guide:

If the recipe says cook 15-30 min. Cook on low 4-6 hours or on high 1.5-2 hours.  If it says 35-40 min. Cook on low 6-10 hours or on high 3-4 hours.  If it says 50 min. to 3 hours Cook on low 8-18 hours or on high 4-6 hours.

Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations require at least 8 hours on LOW.

Pasta and Rice

If the recipe calls for cooking noodles, macaroni, etc., cook on the stove top before adding to slow cooker.  Don't overcook or cook until just slightly tender.  If cooked rice is called for, stir in other ingredients; add 1/4 c of raw rice.  Use long grain rice for best results in all-day cooking.

Vegetables

Because vegetables take longer to cook than meat, either slicing or chopping them into smaller pieces, or sauteing them before being placed in the crock pot may help.  Generally this is not necessary and vegetables will develop their full flavor potential with slow cooking.

Herbs and Spices

Leaf or whole herbs and spices are preferred, but their flavor power may increase.  Use half the recommended amount.  If you use ground herbs and spices, add during the last hour of cooking as their flavor quality will decrease during longer cooking time.

Milk

Milk, cream, and sour cream tend to break down during extended cooking.  When possible add during the last hour of cooking.  Condensed soups may be substituted for milk, etc., and do better for longer cooking times.

 

Here are two of my favorite crock pot recipes, and my Strawberry-Watermelon Ice Cube recipe.

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

4 medium to large potatoes

1 small onion (optional)

1 pound of fully cooked ham, cut into cubes

1 can of low sodium Campbell's Cheddar Cheese soup

2 cups of water (I used 1 cup water and 1 cup homemade chicken broth.)

Combine potatoes, onion, and ham in lightly greased crock pot.  Mix soup and water (and/or broth) then  pour over potatoes and ham.  Cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Beef Pot Roast

3 medium potatoes

2 large carrots

1 small onion (optional)

1 (2-3 pound) boneless beef roast

Salt and pepper

1/2 c water or beef broth

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Put vegetables in the bottom of crock pot.  Salt and pepper roast, then place on top of vegetables.  Add liquid, and cover and cook on LOW 10-12 hours or HIGH 5-6 hours.

Strawberry-Watermelon Ice Cubes

When mixed with water, this is a refreshing drink that will help combat dehydration and food cravings, or when mixed with caffeine-free soda it's a wonderful party drink.

A handful of seedless grapes

6 frozen or fresh strawberries

2 cups watermelon

3/4 cup of orange or apple juice, or water (more may be needed)

1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Pour through a strainer, then into ice cube trays.