tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post8770895180058833148..comments2024-03-12T00:27:31.877-07:00Comments on A Year of Slow Cooking: Help! My Slow Cooker cooks too fast!Stephanie ODeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08618710485017373256noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-1894180470097266352024-02-19T12:48:10.993-08:002024-02-19T12:48:10.993-08:00Wow! I've been using crock pots for 40+ year...Wow! I've been using crock pots for 40+ years and didn't understand the basics you write about. I love the idea of using a smaller vessel inside the crock pot for smaller meals - and for sure I haven't been filling mine even half way and wondered why my meal would boil on the low setting in very little time. Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-29706766394017121392022-01-01T17:04:39.228-08:002022-01-01T17:04:39.228-08:00These are great tips! I had a 20 year old crockpo...These are great tips! I had a 20 year old crockpot that I recently had to replace because the ceramic was cracking and it was getting harder to keep clean. I got a bigger, newer one that is programmable and it overcooks everything I have tried. However I did not know about the 2/3 rule. Just wondering if you have any suggestions on what to fill it with…more liquid? Veggies? Any other ideas? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10950355673278160036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-17484463094790021162018-02-20T09:38:54.093-08:002018-02-20T09:38:54.093-08:00Yeah well I had one of those new shiny programmabl...Yeah well I had one of those new shiny programmable crock pots that over cooked everything to death! I tried to out smart it by putting in frozen precooked meatballs with canned spaghetti sauce - set it to warm and came home to a mess. The sauce was boiling! I packed it up and sent it to work with hubby - they "cook" on his shift and thus are there for 8-12 hours so they can keep Elaine in Baltimorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09625630892710548912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-12909971175480157642017-05-30T14:05:05.591-07:002017-05-30T14:05:05.591-07:00Hi Steph, I have a verrry old crockpot and haven&#...Hi Steph, I have a verrry old crockpot and haven't used it much. But I'm inspired by you! I want to make your enchilada chicken recipe. My pot doesn't have "high" and "low" settings...it has tempurature choices, starting at 200 up to 400 degrees. What tempuratures do you think I could use for low and high? Thanks!Vickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14899428997440255961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-50429030915608026132017-01-08T15:33:09.972-08:002017-01-08T15:33:09.972-08:00Suggestion #7 is brilliant!! I was sitting here t...Suggestion #7 is brilliant!! I was sitting here thinking I may need to get a new (smaller) crockpot, but I'm going to try that first. Thank you!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06970025398672532794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8356235981739208002015-08-23T09:24:52.157-07:002015-08-23T09:24:52.157-07:00I have an older slow cooker (and a newer larger on...I have an older slow cooker (and a newer larger one that I haven't used yet as there were only two of us until recently) and it does not have a vent on or near the lid. It rattles and spits all over my counter and drives me bonkers and makes such a mess no matter how full or what temp. Once it starts doing that, I just stick a toothpick or chopstick on one side like I saw you mention in a Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05389330985940218975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-78683560249864950852013-12-06T16:59:02.860-08:002013-12-06T16:59:02.860-08:00If you're worried about the crock pot heating ...If you're worried about the crock pot heating up what its sitting on try inverting a cookie sheet and that should leave enough space to keep the counter or table cool. You could even rest the cookie sheet on a couple of wood dowels to ventilate. Bon Appetite!L.D.Meyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10105002487374371809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-54884923203584846342012-11-07T19:32:16.668-08:002012-11-07T19:32:16.668-08:00Hi somersly, I own three of the ham beach set and ...Hi somersly, I own three of the ham beach set and forgets, and find that they cook beautifully and the probe hole is just the right size to keep the lid from rattling and does not release too much steam. I think you will really like this pot. It's not a Ninja, :-), but a very, very good pot.<br /><br />I hope this helps! Oh, and you need to keep the lid locked while in use.<br /><br />StephStephanie ODeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08618710485017373256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-57074151863877915162012-11-07T19:23:37.667-08:002012-11-07T19:23:37.667-08:00Hello - I have been looking at the Hamilton Beach ...Hello - I have been looking at the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker for purchase. It seems like it has gotten many good reviews. However, in your post above, you mention not liking the slow cookers that have steam or vent holes in the lid because too much steam can escape and the food dries out. This Set and Forget cooker has a hole for the meat probe. If not somerslyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09004560580342101750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-79751939687925888012011-09-02T06:07:15.813-07:002011-09-02T06:07:15.813-07:00Some tips - I've got the 6.5 litre oval Rival ...Some tips - I've got the 6.5 litre oval Rival Crock Pot and I've been collecting accessories for it to let me cook smaller quantities and different things. Rival don't bother making anything, so here are the bits I've found:<br /><br />An oval rack that fits neatly in the bottom and has handles - makes it easier to lift out chickens and joints:<br />http://www.amazon.com/gp/Catt of the Garagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871455868566546787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-78309153769133981282011-09-02T05:55:57.304-07:002011-09-02T05:55:57.304-07:00For people trying to use a smaller insert inside t...For people trying to use a smaller insert inside the crock - if your aim is to make it cook slower, you *need* to put water in around the smaller insert.<br /><br />Slow cookers don't have thermostats. They just pump in a constant power, like a microwave. So the less stuff you put in, the hotter it gets. If you aren't filling it with food, you need water to absorb the excess heat and keepCatt of the Garagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871455868566546787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-34582130243757012412011-08-10T11:12:37.655-07:002011-08-10T11:12:37.655-07:00OH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU!! I had a funny feeling t...OH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU!! I had a funny feeling that my problem with my slow cooker was I wasn't filling it enough, but I could never bring myself to waste that much liquid to fill up the pot. I'm going to invest in a smaller size. Great blog.Making Lemonadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06300501113754547122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-68888588576101206612011-04-22T16:16:35.020-07:002011-04-22T16:16:35.020-07:00Im just wondering if one of the pots I have is act...Im just wondering if one of the pots I have is actually a CROCK POT... It says Hamilton Beach 6.5 Quart Roaster... I have always used if for crock pot recipes but it has temperatures not high low settings... and cooks everything kinda fast...I also have a small crock pot that cooks super slowAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-66502812498613241862010-07-11T15:07:32.988-07:002010-07-11T15:07:32.988-07:00Steph, you're truly amazing! The boys at the f...Steph, you're truly amazing! The boys at the firehouse love when I bring in my crockpot, especially on busy days like today when we dont have time to slave over the stove. These are great ideas, and im trying your Orange Honey Tilapia tomorrow... I'm sure it'll be a hit! Thanks, and Keep Em Comin!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-8234649486509753552010-01-22T09:04:37.354-08:002010-01-22T09:04:37.354-08:00I echo what others have said about the lamp timer ...I echo what others have said about the lamp timer -- it's a saver, especially with chicken breasts or fish, which can dry out easily. <br /><br />When I got my new slow cooker with 3 sizes of crocks, I contacted the manufacturer to find out what the temps were for each setting. By doing that, not only do I know that 2 qt/low runs about 275 and 6 qt/high runs about 375, and all the Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-40009448602167400492010-01-10T08:48:47.578-08:002010-01-10T08:48:47.578-08:00Sorry if some of this repeats earlier posts, but h...Sorry if some of this repeats earlier posts, but here are my lessons learned: smaller pyrex inside my huge 6.5qt pot still burned smaller quantities of chicken, but I did not cover as Lorna from NewZealand suggested (wish I thought of that!). Since Santa did not, I bought myself a 3.5qt Cuisinart crockpot frankly b/c it was smaller than the smallest Rival (5qt) at the store. It still fits a Vitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285090351852137583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-82414102401451417092009-11-14T12:34:37.169-08:002009-11-14T12:34:37.169-08:00I hope some of you with a couple of problems read ...I hope some of you with a couple of problems read this. First off, I'm on my own so a full crock-pot is far too much for me. I prepare my crock-pot meal in a smaller, lidded casserole and stand that inside the crockpot inner and pour water around it then put on the crockpot lid. Sort of like a double boiler. Instead of the casserole lid, you could use a saucer or a double piece of baking Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-48188815480075512982009-11-10T12:39:11.237-08:002009-11-10T12:39:11.237-08:00Like with many things, I go "strictly vintage...Like with many things, I go "strictly vintage" when it comes to crock-pots. I have a kitchen full of 1970's vintage Rival Crock-pots (burnt orange!) and wouldn't give them up for anything. The early sealed models seem to cook more evenly, and cook at a lower temperature. Ok so there aren't fancy timers, but plugging it in to a lamp timer is nearly as good. <br /><br />Most MarkinDCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-35904113124086441662009-09-07T10:00:27.353-07:002009-09-07T10:00:27.353-07:00Variac's are very cheap now. If you don't...Variac's are very cheap now. If you don't want to build a Crock-O-Stat look on Amazon, Ebay, Harbor Freight, etc for a:<br /><br />Router Speed Control<br /><br />Most are $30 with shipping and then you can tune your crock to whatever temp you want and no DIY required!Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11956153781608926895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-86106202942863533242009-08-11T14:14:14.565-07:002009-08-11T14:14:14.565-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sheeri K. Cabralhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13990877688502800403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-14825499268133043142009-07-27T14:24:14.473-07:002009-07-27T14:24:14.473-07:00I wonder if you could use parchment paper in place...I wonder if you could use parchment paper in place of foil. I may try it. I have one that cooks way too hot no matter what though so I may not be a good test.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06194065334105511193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-29800347966039840322009-06-19T08:28:23.825-07:002009-06-19T08:28:23.825-07:00Hi Kelly,
I do that too! It works really well to ...Hi Kelly,<br /><br />I do that too! It works really well to trap in the moisture.<br /><br />There have been internet links to aluminum foil and alzheimers. If you want to google it, you'll find the info. So far my head is in the sand, however...<br /><br />there's always something!<br /><br />xoxo stephStephanie ODeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08618710485017373256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-75669259535471078442009-06-19T06:31:39.725-07:002009-06-19T06:31:39.725-07:00I just found your blog and love it. I am so glad t...I just found your blog and love it. I am so glad to see recipes that don't rely on "cream of whatever" soup! Anyway, I have a 7 quart crock that I have had burning/overdone problems with in the past when I didn't have it at least 2/3 full. What has helped, I discovered, is putting the meal together then covering it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil, No more dried out Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-79525190747128778882009-06-04T18:47:28.092-07:002009-06-04T18:47:28.092-07:00Thank goodness finally some answers to my crockpot...Thank goodness finally some answers to my crockpot dilemma. This has been bugging me for years(well not that many but enough) and I've bought many Rivals and recently I went to All-clad but they may have all been too big and they are definitely STILL cooking too hot! I'm still trying to get my Mom to give me her pea green 1979 Rival crock pot and she thinks I'm nuts!!!Crock Pot Hellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10545285236548972798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5090591139439935093.post-73856283697297216062009-04-25T14:10:00.000-07:002009-04-25T14:10:00.000-07:00I have a Crock Pot cook book of '80 vintage and it...I have a Crock Pot cook book of '80 vintage and it has a "test" you can do to see how hot your crock is really cooking. Since water only comes up to boiling and doesn't get hotter (it turns to steam instead) you really can't determine the highest temperature of your crock being filled with water, but you can with oil. The book basically stated how to fill your crock with vegetable oil, suspend aJudeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10293091887061677442noreply@blogger.com