How to Convert Recipes to the Crockpot
Have you ever been disappointed because you wanted to make a certain meal but you found there just was not time? Most meals can be put in the crockpot, but unless a recipe is specifically written for this appliance, many people do not think to use this timesaving device. In fact, many standard recipes can be easily converted for use in the crockpot.
While crockpots may vary slightly, generally the low setting is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The high setting is approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit. An hour of cooking on the high setting is equivalent to two – 2.5 hours on low. Many recipes that you find written for crockpots suggest your food should cook for 8 to 10 hours on low. This is about how long most people are gone to work or school.
Advice for Converting Recipes
If you want to convert a standard recipe to a crockpot recipe, there are a few tips to know so you get the best results. When you are changing a recipe to suit your crockpot, reduce the amount of liquid called for in the recipe. Liquid does not evaporate out of the crockpot; in fact, you normally end up with quite a bit at the end of cooking. Unless you have rice or pasta in your finished dish, reduce the amount of liquid by half.
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.
You can make dried beans in the crockpot. Cook them overnight on low instead of spending the time soaking them. Add your beans and then cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda. In the morning, drain the beans before combining them with your other ingredients. Bean soup, chili, and other tasty meals can then proceed in the crockpot as usual.
Some foods are too delicate for cooking over long periods of time. Seafood, rice, pasta, some vegetables, and dairy products are just a few. Do not add any of these ingredients until a couple of hours before serving if you are cooking on low or one hour before serving if you are cooking on high. If you really must use milk earlier in the cooking period, consider using evaporated milk.
Browning of the meat is optional. If you choose to do so before putting the meat in the crockpot, it will add a beautiful color to the surface. It also helps reduce the fat content on some meats. If you do not have time for it however, browning is not necessary to have a delicious roast waiting when you come home in the crockpot.
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