What
is Crock Pot?
In food preparation, a crock-pot (also crock
pot) is the name given by some manufacturers to
their brands of slow cookers. It is a
trademarked term in many countries, but is often
used generically. When used to refer to the
trademarked brand of cooker, both words are
capitalized.
This type of slow cooker consists of a pot
(typically 10" across and similarly high) made
of fired clay and usually glazed, surrounded by
a housing, usually metal, containing a
thermostatically controlled electric heating
element. In some models, the pot is removable
for use in serving and for cleaning.
How
to Use Crock Pot?
In use, the food is placed inside the pot,
immersed in water, the lid applied, and the
unit switched on. Cooking times vary with the
recipe and with the food quantity, but are
typically several hours. Temperatures are low
in comparison with traditional ovens, and with
broiling and baking. Cooking is sufficiently
slow that, if the food is not removed promptly
at the specified time, little harm is done.
The water and its proper level is important,
for it serves both as the heat conduction
mechanism between the pot walls and the food,
and as the flavoring (herbs and spices)
distribution method and a 'basting' mechanism.
No stirring is required (or allowed); removing
the lid during cooking causes significant
cooking delays. The lid is important as it
prevents escape of hot water vapor which
would, if permitted, lead to lowering the
internal water level and to loss of heat.
Recipes for these cookers must be adjusted to
compensate for the nature of the cooking. Most
(probably all) come with recipe booklets; many
cookbooks with crock pot recipes are
available. With some experience, timings and
recipe adjustments can be successfully made
for many recipes not originally intended for
these cookers.
Crock Pot Safety and
Warnings?
Safety: Cooking temperatures are lower
than many other cooking methods, and cooking
times are lengthy, so some have been concerned
about the growth of micro-organisms. If the
temperature control is working correctly, and
if food is not left to stand at room
temperature, there is little problem. Fill the
pot, add water, and promptly turn the unit on
to avoid such problems.
Warning: Because these cookers
are portable/movable, contain large quantities
of hot food and water, and because they are
left unattended during long cooking times,
they are dangerous around small children and
exploratory pets. Cooking areas should be
blocked off -- effectively -- if either might
be present unattended. preview not available.
Click the link for more information.
Where
to Find Crock Pot Recipes?
Please
click here
for authentic and healthy Chinese
crock pot recipes.
Where to Buy
Crock Pots?
ChineseFoodDIY recommends the following source
for buying crock pots:
Buy Crock Pot
