Usually, people start using their trendy slow cooker in the fall. But in my house, I like to use this magic appliance all year around. The slow cooker does all the work of cooking for me while I am busy at work or with my kids and minimize my time spent in the kitchen. I like how they are perfect for stews, soups, and easy chicken dinners. They are also super easy to clean.
Here are some other benefits and safety tips of a slow-cooker for you.
Benefits:
- Helps you to eat more meals at home and eliminates the temptation to order take-out which is often less nutritious and more expensive.
- It usually allows one-step preparation, saving extra prep and clean up time.
- As a result of the long, low-temperature cooking, slow cookers help tenderize less-expensive cuts of meat.
- A slow cooker uses less electricity than an oven.
Safety tip:
- Rub the inside of the stoneware with oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray before using it for an easy cleanup.
- Do not put frozen meat and poultry in your slow cooker. Always thaw the meat and poultry in the refrigerator before hand to ensure proper cooking.
- Don’t fill the slow cooker to less or too full. Cooking too little or too much food in the slow cooker can affect cooking time, quality and the safety.
- Always keep the lid in place during cooking. Removing the lid slows cooking time.
Enjoy and don’t forget to share your favorite slow-cooker recipe.
Neha
Neha is a Special Projects Assistant for NC EFNEP
SOURCE: http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/snack-and-meal-ideas/slow-cooker-tips-for-busy-weeknights