Using a Slow Cooker

 Want to save time and money? Try preparing dishes with a slow cooker! This appliance uses less electricity than an oven, and is ideal for cooking less expensive, less tender cuts of meat. With a little preparation in the morning, you can have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day.
Here are some tips to consider when using a slow cooker:
• To avoid cracking the stoneware, put cold foods in a cold slow cooker, and hot foods in a hot slow cooker
• Fill your slow cooker only half to three-quarters full.
• Do not remove the cover while your food is cooking. A lot of heat will be lost, which could mean an additional 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
• For easy clean up, spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or line it with a cooking bag.
• Use thawed foods. Never put frozen meat in your slow cooker.
• If you prepare the ingredients the night before, keep it refrigerated until they are ready to be placed in the slow cooker.
• Do not store leftovers or reheat food in your slow cooker.
• When adapting your recipes to the slow cooker, you will need to make a few adjustments. Reduce the liquid by one-third to half, and increase the cooking time. For example, if your regular recipe cooks for one hour, you can cook in the slow cooker on high for four hours, or on low for eight hours.
Joy Ahrens is a Registered Dietitian for the WIC Nutrition Program. This program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, checks for healthy foods, and referrals to qualifying women, infants and children under five years of age. To see if you qualify for the WIC Program, call 818-361-7541.