A slow cooker can be a great help for the homemaker with a hectic schedule. By planning ahead, time can be saved later during the busier meal preparation time. As long as correct food safety procedure is used, slow cooking can be a good way to cook the tougher, cheaper cuts of meat. Electricity use is substantially lower than with the oven.
The slow cooker is safest when used for foods with a high moisture content such as soups, stews, or spaghetti sauce. It is important that the ingredients be safely thawed before placing in the cooker. The food should be in small chunks or pieces to allow it to heat through quickly. Whole chickens or roasts are more likely to remain at an unsafe temperature in the center allowing bacteria to reproduce excessively if not started on high and kept there for at least 2 hours if not longer to be safe. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the USDA explains that the slow cooker is safe due to the creation of steam in the tightly sealed covered cooker along with the lengthy cooking time combine to destroy the bacteria. FSIS gives some food safety tips that allow the food to be safely cooked at the lower temperatures.
Place vegetables to be cooked on the sides and bottom of the cooker since they cook slower than the meat or poultry. Add the meat or poultry next, then cover with liquid. The cooker should be no less than ½ full, or no more than 2/3 full. The lid should remain closed except during stirring and testing for doneness. Although it is safe to start and cook the food on low, it is preferable to start the food on high for the first hour to get the food up to a safe temperature more quickly. The high setting cooks more quickly, but cooking on low allows the tougher cuts of meat to be tenderized and allow all-day cooking. If the food has been properly handled, the food will remain safe as long as the cooker is on.
Using a slow cooker can be a safe way to cook while you have to be away from home, if the above safety precautions are observed. A slow cooker is not for reheating cold previously cooked food. To use the slow cooker to keep previously cooked foods warm for a buffet, preheat the cooker, then put hot food that has been cooked in the microwave or stove into the cooker to be held.
Cheesy White Cauliflower Chili Recipe
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 onions finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns 1 can (15 oz. size) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed 3 cups vegetable stock 3 cups cauliflower florets, cooked for 4 minutes in salted boiling water and drained 1 jalapeno pepper, minced (more if desired) 1 green bell pepper, minced 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes and softened 1 can (4 oz. size) chopped mild green chilies finely chopped green onions, optional, for garnish finely chopped cilantro, optional, for garnish
Directions: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, cumin seeds, oregano, chili powder, salt and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to slow cooker stoneware. Add beans and stock and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until hot and bubbling. Stir in cauliflower, jalapeno pepper, green pepper, Monterey jack cheese, and cream cheese and chilies, if using. Cover and cook on high for 25 to 30 minutes, until the green peppers are softened and cauliflower is heated through. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired with chopped green onions and cilantro. If you prefer thicker chili, mash some or all of the beans or puree in a food processor before adding to the recipe
For more info on food safety and using slow cookers call Angela Treadaway your Regional Agent in Food Safety/Preservation and Preparation from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at 205-410-3696.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities), is an equal opportunity employer and educator. Everyone is welcome!