A slow cooker fills the house with mouth-watering smells and has dinner ready and waiting at the end of the work day. When used correctly, the slow cooker can be the fairy godmother of the kitchen.
But that doesn?t mean it comes without pitfalls?common issues include dried-out dishes that lack flavour, or promising-looking slow cooker recipes mysteriously turning into over-cooked, mushy disappointments.
These unwelcome surprises are easily prevented: let the slow cooker earn its place on your countertop, with handy hacks that help make cooking a breeze. From turning out tender roasts to acting as your entertaining sidekick, these slow cooker hacks will help you make the most of this mighty appliance.
Use a slow cooker sling
To use the slow cooker for delicate dishes like salmon, or harder-to-remove items like stuffed peppers and baked goods, line it with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil that is long enough to come over the sides. The cooked food can then be easily lifted out and transferred to a serving platter fully intact. Bonus: it makes clean-up a cinch. Auto-clean it
Are you neglecting your slow cooker because you hate cleaning it" To remove tough residue, fill the slow cooker with water to just above where the leftover food ends and add a combination of ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar for a 3-quart slow cooker (double this for a 6-quart cooker). Cover and set to low for one hour, or up to four. Allow the insert to cool be...