It is totally fine to cook an extravagant meal now and again. It can be a great way to show someone you appreciate them. What can often happen is “kitchen burnout” while cooking these excellent meals. It is ALSO totally fine to cook one-pot meals that are super easy and simple. Just make sure you aren’t breaking these slow cooker rules!

Make sure that you aren’t breaking these slow cooker rules while stuck at home!

Check out these commonly broken rules that could help you in the kitchen! Some are health risks, and others are wallet risks! Regardless, check these ten out tips and rules if you use a slow cooker.

1. Using frozen meats

The trick with frozen meats is getting them to a safe temperature. Slow cookers are “low and slow” methods that often don’t get meats to high temperatures. When you add frozen meat, the temperature of the meats can spend hours before getting to a temperature that can kill the bacteria growing.

2. Opening the lid

This is SUCH a hard rule to follow sometimes! When the flavors and smells start spreading around the house, you just want to stick your face in the pot! As best you can, don’t open the lid. This releases the heat and can add more time to your finished meal. The same goes for steaming rice. Don’t open that lid!

3. Wasting money on expensive meats

The slow cooker is designed for breaking down tough meats and vegetables. An expensive cut of beef is bred and grown to be tender without cooking! Cheaper cuts of meat work perfectly with low and slow methods because it gives it time to break down the tough bits.

4. Using the wrong size cooker

Having the right tool for the job is essential. If you try to stuff too much stuff into a small slow cooker, you could end up throwing away the entire thing. Based upon your average serving and family sizes, buy the correctly sized cooker.

5. Cooking chicken with the skin on

Chicken skin can be delicious and crispy. Nobody wants slimy and loose chicken skin. A slow cooker is a moist and slow environment, the opposite of what you need to cook skin well. You can always brown the skin in a skillet or oven before putting in the slow cooker.

6. Using fresh herbs

Fresh herbs are suitable for garnishing and ovens. When you throw them into a slow cooker, they can cook strangely. It is usually better to use dry herbs and spices when using this method. If you are going to use herbs, add them at the end for the best results.

7. Not searing meat

This is not necessary, but it is such a flavor boost. The Maillard reaction occurs when the proteins in the meat have time to sear. These protein strands are the delicious flavor components that make meat enjoyable. When you don’t sear your meat, you miss out on so much flavor potential.

8. Layering incorrectly

If you don’t layer certain meals correctly, you can end up with vegetable mush and raw meat. Make sure you follow the directions to get the best results.

9. Dairy products

You usually won’t be using your slow cooker to make anything dairy related. Most recipes that use dairy are cooked beforehand and added after.

10. Alcohol

Many recipes call for alcohol as an essential ingredient. The issue is once again the speed at which slow cookers work. Alcohol needs to burn off at a high temperature, so you don’t have a meal turn out HORRIBLY. Use less total alcohol to ensure all the ethanol burns off.

Check out the video below to check out these tips further!

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Source: Shareably, thekitchn, FSIS