A timer might be a great convenience when you spend 10 hours away from home and want to cook an 8-hour slow cooker meal. Here are some guidelines to help you do it safely.
A. Some slow cookers have timers, but you might find one that can attach to oyour crockpot at the hardware store. A timer will allow you to cook a dish requiring 6 hours even though you will be away for 8 to 10 hours.
Make sure all ingredients are chilled before preparing the dish. Set the cooking to begin no longer than 2 hours after assembling the chilled ingredients in the crock and setting the timer, but for poultry, no longer than 1 hour later. The hot cooked food should not stand for longer than 2 hours after the cooking time ends. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if your slow cooker includes a timer and/or a "keep warm" setting.
Make sure all ingredients are chilled before preparing the dish. Set the cooking to begin no longer than 2 hours after assembling the chilled ingredients in the crock and setting the timer, but for poultry, no longer than 1 hour later. The hot cooked food should not stand for longer than 2 hours after the cooking time ends. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if your slow cooker includes a timer and/or a "keep warm" setting.
Another alternative for a dish requiring a short cooking time is to cook it the night before, cool for no longer than 2 hours, and refrigerate. Heat it in the microwave the next day.
Slow Cooker FAQ Index
Slow Cooker Recipe Index
Slow Cooker Cooking Tips
Adapting Recipes to the Slow Cooker
