Question: What are some advantages of slow cooking?
Answer: Here are a some of the greatest advantages of slow cooking:
The extended cooking times allow better distribution of flavors in many recipes. The lower temperatures lessen the chance of scorching of foods which tend to stick to the bottom of a pan and burn easily in an oven. Less expensive or tough meats, such as chuck roasts or steaks and stew beef, are tenderized through the long cooking process. The slow cooker is a good choice for cooking many venison dishes. The slow cooker frees your oven and stove top for other uses, and should definitely be considered as an option for large gatherings or holiday meals. Many people swear by their slow cooker Thanksgiving dressing. Convenience! A slow cooker can usually be left unattended all day for many recipes.* You can put recipe ingredients in it before going to work and come home to a meal.
*Note: Whenever you purchase a new slow cooker, use it the first few times, on HIGH and on LOW, before leaving it unattended. I have had emails from people with crockpots actually boiling the food and burning it and one of my own new slow cookers overheated and had to be sent back. Also, remember to place the cooker on a cookie sheet, granite countertop, the stovetop, or a similar surface. The bottom can get quite hot.
Slow Cooker FAQ Index
Slow Cooker Recipe Index
Slow Cooker Cooking Tips
Adapting Recipes to the Slow Cooker
