5 things you didn’t know about slow cooking–got a new crockpot and don’t know how to use it? Here are some tips that might be helpful to you!
The other day I was on Fresh Living. I shared some of my crockpot tips and tricks…I bet you didn’t know a lot of these! Watch the video below to find out how to improve your slow cooker recipes. (And in case you’re wondering here’s part 2 of the things you didn’t know about slow cooking).

What are your favorite tips and tricks when it comes to slow cooking?
Now that was interesting. I prefer the IP as a Slow Cooker to a Pressure Cooker but I also prefer my Old Fashioned Slow Cookers of 3.5 and 6.5 Litre Capacity because they are Oval but they do not have a Timer. I am waiting for the Hamilton Beach 6.5 Litre one with a temperature probe to get to the English Market at a sensible price. So the IP is mainly because of the timer.
I cook things like Jacket Potatos in a small crock pot so I am aware that it is an oven in efect but I have not imagined using the smaller pot inside for smaller quantities. This is useful to me thenk you. The other one of baking……. I do not bake but I think I will do now that I can use the Slow Cooker with a Kitchen Towel on top. All I need now is one which is big enough to take a 2 pound loaf tin for easy bread baking. Ido that now but that involves using the big oven and I am a bit tight fisted with the energy cost.
Many thanks for these tips and your youtube site for giving me inspiration.
I work 10 hours a day and am just getting into cooking with crockpot I’m ok with soups but most things says 3- 8 hours. For example lasagna 8 hours I cooked it on low was ready gen I got home but mooshy
Use an automatic light timer
Hi. My question is, how long do I cook the loaf of bread for in the slow cooker?
It depends on each slow cooker but I would suggest 2-3 hours on high.
awesome tips – thanks!
You can use an automatic light timer, to preset a turn on time, and cooking time, for crock-pots without a timer on them.
my mom had a Crock Pot that she had been using for about 35 years, and used an automatic light timer, too!! she refused to upgrade her Crock; “why, when mine works just as well as it did when i got it??” she always said, lol!! that timer gave her a lot more flexibility without having to “go modern!!” ;D
I would never use a dryer sheet in anything dealing with food.
Never use a fabric softener sheet in anything food related. Toxic. Google it. Love the other ideas though.
Ok, thanks for the heads up!
Really great tips! One suggestion though: I would advise against using dryer sheets for any kind of cleaning. In fact, I saw get rid of them all together. They are toxic and can cause a myriad of health problems including headaches, neurological problems, muscular and motor activity problems, depression, lung cancer, and the list goes on. If you do use them to get the crusties off, I recommend a thorough washing after that to try to get rid of as many of the chemicals in the dryer sheet as possible.
Oh thanks for letting me know. I will make sure to wash thoroughly!
Saw this afterwards. Good to see that you adapt to — what I belive to be — knowledgeable comment.
I am exhasted now. Three entries. Must have a sit down :-).
Thanks for your output.
Try Norwex products for cleaning!
I have just left a comment and forgot about my reservations about this so thanks for bringing it up. I do not have any science about this but when something gets rid of something so easily it cannot be anything nice. I am not a perfect house wife on account of being a fella but there are few things that cannot be got off of a ceramic surface with a bit of soaking, more natural products like white vinegar elbow grease and persistance.
Thanks Joan!! I seriously use tapioca all the time!
Great ideas and I like the tapioca idea for thickening.