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Utilizing slow cookers is crucial for the holidays because oven space is always limited, especially when you’re the visitor. Fortunately, you can turn just about ANY recipe into a slow cooker recipe.
Utilizing slow cookers is crucial for the holidays because oven space is always limited, especially when you’re the visitor. Fortunately, you can turn just about ANY recipe into a slow cooker recipe.
Cooking Time
Conversions
The biggest change is obviously the cooking time.
Generally, one hour of baking in the oven at 350 degrees is
equal to about 6 hours on the “low” setting of your slow cooker and 3 hours on
the “high” setting.
Oven cooking time
|
Slow cooker setting on low (about 200 degrees F)
|
Slow cooker setting on high (about 300 degrees F)
|
15 to 30 minutes
|
About 4 to 5 hours
|
About 1 ½ to 2 hours
|
35 to 45 minutes
|
About 5 hours to 6 hours
|
About 2 to 3 ½ hours
|
50 to 3 hours
|
About 6 to 8 hours
|
About 3 ½ to 5 hours
|
There are a lot of slow cooker conversion charts online, but
I’ve found that they seem to be a little off, as in the cooking times are much
too long. I used to think it was just my slow cooker, but I have multiple slow
cookers and it’s the same with each one. So just like anything, error on the
side of caution, and check your food at the minimum suggested cooking time.
Don’t Peek
Try your best not to take a sneak peak before the cooking
time is complete. The lid traps heat and when you lift up the lid, you break
the seal and allow cold air in which affects the cooking time.
Moisture
Slow cookers create a lot of moisture and none of the
moisture boils off because it stays in the sealed slow cooker. To reduce the moisture, cut the amount of
liquid in the recipe by 1/3.
Also, keep moisture from ruining your dish by placing a tea
towel under the lid so the condensation doesn’t fall back on top of the dish.
Conversely, slow cooker recipes should start out with some
liquid. If a recipe does not include any liquid, add 1/2 cup of water or broth
before cooking. Moisture is needed to produce the steam that allows the slow
cooker to reach appropriate cooking times.
Cleanup
For the easiest cleanup in all of cooking, use either a slow
cooker liner or make your own makeshift liner with aluminum foil. Aluminum foil
also serves a dual purpose by helping the food cook more evenly
Keep food warm
Additionally, you're slow cooker can be used to keep dishes
warm. You can stick your mashed potatoes in your slow cooker on Thanksgiving
and choose the “warm setting” and it will keep your potatoes warm throughout without
drying them out for several hours.
Here are a few of my favorite slow cooker recipes that I
will be serving this Thanksgiving!
Slow Cooker Corn Casserole
Yield: Makes about 8 servings
Ingredients
1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14.75-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8-ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cup low-fat sour cream
2 Tablespoons Challenge
butter, melted
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Mix together whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, Jiffy corn
muffin mix, sour cream, melted butter, and cheese.
Dump in slow cooker; cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours
(check at 3 hours).
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Yield: Makes about 8 servings
Ingredients
4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Challenge
butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Peel sweet potatoes, chop into 1-inch slices, and add in
slow cooker.
Add water, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cover and cook on high
heat for about 4 hours or until sweet potatoes are very soft.
Mash sweet potatoes until smooth.
Add butter and milk, and stir until combined.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and serve.