Slow Cooker Thursday- 5 Slow Cooker Hacks You Probably Didn't Know About

1. Get rid of the white film in a slow cooker with baking soda and dish soap.

Have a stubborn white film that won’t come off in a regular washing? Here’s a solution: add about three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap to your pot, and fill it up with water. Turn your slow cooker on low for a few hours. Then, pour out the water and use a non-abrasive sponge and a bit more baking soda to scrub away the film. Rinse and your slow cooker should look like new!

2. Create a barrier with foil to use one Crock-Pot for two dips.

Use heavy duty foil to create a snug barrier that cuts across your slow cooker. Then use a slow cooker liner to keep two different dips separated.

3. Convert any recipe to a slow cooker recipe.

You may have to adjust the amount of liquid called for in the recipe (like adding 1/2 cup water or broth if no liquid is called for), but otherwise, converting a conventional-cooking recipe to a Crock-Pot one is easy. Just use the guide above. Also, if you’re making a stew or soup, just be sure to add the veggies in first and place the meat on top.

 4. Brown meats before placing them in a Crock-Pot for more flavor.

Although you can cook meat fully in a slow cooker, searing meats first will give your dish a richer flavor. The seared pieces help hold in juices, and any extra fatty parts crisp up nicely.

 

5. Cook the main dish and sides at the same time by wrapping individual foods in foil.

Making a roast, and want potatoes not soaked in the juices as a side? Wrap the seasoned roast and potatoes individually, and the flavors will stay separate.