How to Convert Recipes to the Crockpot | Lifestyle

by KCKudra

Have you ever been hungry for something special... maybe a roast or a ham, for example... and then figured out you just did not have time to cook it? Unless they have a specific recipe for the crockpot, most people never even think to use it. In reality, many recipes for the oven or kettle can be adapted to the crockpot with delicious results.

In general, the low setting on a crockpot is approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The high setting is usually around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. One hour of cooking on high is about equal to 2 or 2.5 hours of cooking on low. Most recipes you find for crockpots recommend cooking your food for 8 to 10 hours on low.

Advice for Converting Recipes

If you are thinking of trying your favorite recipe in your crockpot for the first time, there is a little advice you may want to follow for the best results. When changing any recipe for the crockpot, you will want to reduce your liquid. The crockpot does not let liquid evaporate like the oven, so you will want to reduce the amount you initially put in by about half. You will be surprised how much liquid is there when your dish is done.

Spice amounts will need to be adjusted accordingly. Powdered spices tend to lose flavor after cooking for long periods, so do not add them until the last hour or so before serving. Whole spices, on the other hand can become overwhelming. Reduce the amount by half.

If you are planning on chicken soup recipes or other one-pot meals, add just enough liquid to cover the other ingredients fully. If you need a thinner soup, you can add more liquid later. For cream soups, do not add the dairy products until the soup is almost done. This will keep the milk from separating or curdling.

Dried beans work well in the crockpot. Instead of spending time soaking them, cook them on low overnight. Put your beans in the crockpot and cover with water. Be sure to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. In the morning, drain the water before adding your softened beans to the other ingredients. Chili, bean soup, and other delicious meals can then continue cooking in the crockpot.

Some foods do not hold up to 8 to 10 hours of cooking. Pasta, rice, seafood, dairy products, and Chinese vegetables will all suffer with such a long cooking time. Add these ingredients a couple hours before serving if your crockpot is set on low. If you set it on high, wait until the last hour to add them into the crockpot. If you really need to use milk in a recipe that must cook for 8 to 10 hours, use evaporated milk.

If you wish, you may brown your meat before adding it to the crockpot. Browning gives your meat an attractive appearance and it helps reduce the fat content of the meat. Taste-wise, browning is optional. Roasts turn out deliciously in the crockpot whether you brown them first or not.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Our international stew cover such wonderful recipes as green chile chicken stew. Also find easy and traditional chicken soup and stew recipes at the site that is all chicken soup, stew and cooking information..