Place the stoneware into the heating base, add your ingredients to the stoneware, and cover with the lid (See Fig. 1). 2. Simply plug the unit in. 3. When cooking is done, unplug your slow cooker and allow it to cool before cleaning. 4 HOWTOUSEYOURSLOWCOOKER USAGE NOTES: • There is one temperature setting. When plugged in, the temperature of this unit is equivalent to the LOW setting on Crock-Pot® slow cookers that have HIGH and LOW settings. • If you suspect that the power has gone out during the day, the food may be unsafe to eat. If you are unaware of how long the power was out, we suggest you discard the food inside. • For recipes that require a range of times, select the mid-range time. For instance, to cook a recipe calling for a cooking time of 7 to 9 hours on LOW, set your slow cooker to 8 hours. • To avoid over-or under-cooking, always fill the stoneware 1.2 to 3.4 full to conform to recommended cook times (with the exception of certain cakes and custards, and as guided otherwise in our slow cooker recipes). • Do not overfill stoneware. To prevent spillover, do not fill stoneware higher than 3.4 full. • Always cook with the lid on for the recommended time. Do not remove the lid during the first two hours of cooking. • Always wear oven mitts when handling the lid or stoneware. • Unplug when cooking is done and before cleaning. • Removable stoneware is ovenproof and microwave safe. Do not use removable stoneware on gas or electric burner or under broiler. Refer to chart below. Part Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Microwave Safe Stovetop Safe Lid Yes No No No Stoneware Yes Yes, but not in the broiler Yes No 5 SCR151_IB_REV.qxd:12226507EM1.qxd 7/2/08 9:40 AM Page 6 HOWTOCLEANYOURSLOWCOOKER • ALWAYS turn your slow cooker off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and allow it to cool before cleaning. • The lid and stoneware can be washed in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaning compounds or scouring pads. A cloth, sponge, or rubber spatula will usually remove any residue. To remove water spots and other stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar. • As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware and lid will not withstand sudden temperature changes. Do not wash the stoneware with cold water when it is hot. • The outside of the heating base may be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Wipe dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners. CAUTION: Never immerse the heating base in water or other liquid. • No other servicing should be performed. 6 HINTSANDTIPS PASTA AND RICE • If you are converting a recipe that calls for uncooked noodles, macaroni, or pasta, cook them on the stovetop just until slightly tender before adding to slow cooker. • If you are converting a recipe that calls for cooked rice, stir in raw rice with other ingredients; add 1.4 cup extra liquid per 1.4 cup of raw rice. Use long grain converted rice for best results in all-day cooking. BEANS • Beans must be softened completely before combining with sugar and/or acidic foods. Sugar and acid have a hardening effect on beans and will prevent softening. • Dried beans, especially red kidney beans, should be boiled before adding to a recipe. Cover the beans with three times their volume of unsalted water and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes, reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer 11.2 hours or until beans are tender. Soaking in water, if desired, should be completed before boiling. Discard water after soaking or boiling. • Fully cooked canned beans may be used as a substitute for dried beans. VEGETABLES • Many vegetables benefit from slow cook times and low temperatures and are able to develop their full flavor, specifically those with roots. They tend not to overcook in your slow cooker as they might in your oven or on your stovetop. • When cooking recipes with rooted vegetables and meat, place vegetables in slow cooker before meat. Rooted vegetables usually cook slower than meat in the slow cooker. 7 SCR151_IB_REV.qxd:12226507EM1.qxd 7/2/08 9:40 AM Page 8 HINTSANDTIPS • Place rooted vegetables near the sides or bottom of the stoneware to facilitate cooking. Stir in chopped or sliced vegetables with other ingredients. • Because eggplant has a very strong flavor, you should parboil or saute the eggplant before adding it to the slow cooker. HERBS AND SPICES • Fresh herbs add flavor and color when added at the end of the cooking cycle but for dishes with shorter cook times, hearty, fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme hold up well. If added at beginning, many fresh herbs’ flavor will dissipate over long cook times. Ground and/or dried herbs and spices work well in slow cooking and may be added at beginning, but use sparingly and taste at end of cook cycle and correct seasonings including salt and pepper. The flavor power of all herbs and spices can vary greatly depending on their particular strength and shelf life and so it is always recommended to taste and adjust seasonings just before serving. LIQUIDS • For best results a...