SLOW COOKER SECRETS…

• There can be slight variations in cooking times with different brands of slow cookers, so use recipe timings given as a guide and always check to make sure the finished dish is properly cooked.

• Keeping the lid on the slow cooker is key to maintaining the heat and moisture while food cooks, so try to limit the amount of times you lift the lid, especially if you are baking or trying to produce an oven-like environment.

• When making casseroles, curries and soups, always have the slow cooker at least half full. The exception is when making breads, cakes or puddings.

• Before using frozen meat or chicken, make sure that it is completely defrosted as frozen meat won’t reach a safe temperature quickly enough.

• It’s not necessary to brown meats or chicken before adding to a slow cooker, but if you have time, it will add extra flavour and colour to the finished dish.

• When you start to cook, don’t be tempted to add too much liquid, you will need a lot less than you think as it doesn’t evaporate as quickly as when cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. Also, the meat and vegetables will give up a lot of liquid as they slowly cook.