Crock-Pot Cooking Tips

Crock-pot cooking can offer some very tasty meals and desserts however some basic rules should be followed when using a crock-pot to cook with. You should be careful not to over stir their food while it's cooking in a crock pot. Taking the lid off during cooking causes vast amounts of heat to escape, therefore the food should only be stirred if it is clearly stated in the recipe.

Some elements can only be added at the end of the cooking time. When using milk and sour cream be sure to wait until the last fifteen minutes of cooking time before adding these ingredients. Unless the recipe states otherwise, seafood only needs to be included during the last hour of cooking time.

Pasta and rice cook requirements are quite different for crock-pot cooking. For the best results with pasta, cook in boiling water until just tender, and then add the pasta to the main dish during the last thirty minutes of cooking time. You should also try to use long grain converted rice for the best results. If the rice does not appear cooked completely through, you can add another 1-1.5 cups of liquid per cup of rice. Always boil beans before adding them to the crock-pot for cooking.

Frozen foods can be used in crock-pot cooking. When cooking frozen means you should use at least one cup of warm liquid along with the meat. When preparing these types of meals you should all for and additional four to six hours on low temperature or two hours on high.

Contrary to popular belief, cooking raw meat in the crock-pot is very safe. During the cooking process, the meat's internal temperature reaches approximately 170 degrees in beef and 190 degrees in poultry. Two important things to remember however is to always cook the meat for its complete time recommended in the recipe recommend time. Secondly, do not remove the lid on the slow cooker. There is no requirement to brown meat beforehand unless the you prefer the look and taste of browned meat.

When cooking in a crock-pot the best flavors will come from whole herbs and spices. Crushed herbs and spices rapidly lose their flavor during the long cooking time, but whole spices keep their flavor during the entire cooking time because they take longer to let go of their flavor.

Crock-pots can be used to make desserts and baked goods as well. You should be sure not to over beat breads and cakes; and should always follow the recommended recipe guidelines. Never add water to the crock-pot unless it specifically says to do so. Always allow cakes and breads to sit and cool for five to seven minutes before taking them out of the pan.

Vegetables like potatoes and carrots should be cut no larger than 1" thick, and put in the bottom of the pot, since they require more time to cook. Crock-pot cooking can be delicious for both meals and desserts when some basic guidelines are followed.

Food Articles

Sweet Marie Bars

1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 squares semi sweet chocolate
2 tbs butter
2 1/2 cups rice krispies
1/2 cup nuts
1 square of parowax (same size as chocolate)

Put first 4 ingredients in saucepan on low heat.
Stir until dissolved.
Mix in rice krispies and nuts.
Press into pan and let cool.
When cool cut into bars.

Melt chocolate with parowax.
Dip bars into chocolate.
Put on wax paper to harden.

Magic Nanamio Squares

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 egg
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup nuts
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 can eagle brand milk
1/3 cup lemon juice

Melt butter then add sugar,cocoa,egg,graham cracker crumbs & coconut.
Press into pan.

Then:
Mix eagle brand milk with lemon juice and pour over top.

Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over top.

Put in fridge for 2 hours.

Cut in squares and enjoy!

Heavenly Bars

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
2 tsps. soda
1/2 cup butter
2 tsps cinnamon
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 jar of apricot baby food
1 jar of carrots baby food

Mix butter with sugar then add eggs then add dry ingredients.
Stir in baby food.

Bake at 350 F 30 to 35 minutes

Don`t let the baby food in this recipe fool you into thinking (yeah right)
what is this.
Once you try them you will love these bars.

Lucious Lemon Bars

Mix 1 cup flour with 1/3 cup icing sugar and 1/2 cup butter.
Press into a 8 x 8 pan.
Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes

Topping:
4 eggs
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
Mix well and pour over base.

Bake for 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with icing sugar when done.
Cut into bars.

Magic Cookie Bars

Melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs.
Press into 8 x 8 pan
Then pour 1 can of eagle brand milk over top of crumb mixture.
The sprinkle 1 6oz pkg. chocolate chips and 1 1/3 cups coconut on top of milk.

Bake 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Cut in bars when cool.

Marshmallow Cocoa Squares

Mix 1 cup butter with 2/3 cup brown sugar
Add 1 egg,1 tsp vanilla and 2 cups flour.
Bake for 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes

When cooked put 4 cups miniature marshmallows on top and return to oven for 5 minutes.

Then:
Melt 1 6 oz.pkg chocolate chips with 3 tbs butter and 2 tbs. water.
Drizzle over top of marshmallows.
Cut in squares when cool.

Raspberry Squares

3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups oatmeal.
Mix until mixture is crumbly.
Pour 1/2 of mixture into pan and pack down(not to packed)
Spread with 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam
Top with remaining crumb mixture.Pat down.
Bake 375 F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Spicey Orange Bars

Mix:
2/3 cup lard
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
Then add:
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 tbs. orange peel
1 cup raisins
1/4 tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup nuts (optional)
Mix well the add:
2 cups flour

Pour into a 8 x 8 greased pan.
Bake 350 F for 30 minutes.

Frosted Marshmallow Brownies

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup butter
3 squares chocolate melted
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup white sugar
1 1/4 tsps. vanilla
Mix all together put into a 8 x 8 greased pan.
Bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes.

When done remove from oven and put 2 cups miniature marshmallows on top.
Put in oven for 4 to 5 minutes to melt marshmallows.Let cool.

Topping:
2 cups icing sugar
2 tbs butter
1 tsp coffee
1/8 tsp. salt
Mix well and spread over cooled marshmallows.
Enjoy!

Ginger Orange Slices

Mix 2 cups ginger snaps crushed with 1/4 cup orange juice,2 tbs corn syrup.
Put on wax paper and form into a roll 6 inches long.
Roll in white sugar.
Wrap tightly.
Put in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cit in slices and serve.

Frosted Chocolate Squares

Melt 1/2 cup butter with 1 square chocolate.Remove from heat.
Stir in 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crunbs
3/4 cup coconut
3/4 cup nuts
1 tsp vanilla
Press int a 8 x8 pan
Chill for 1 hour

Then:
Beat 1/4 cup butter with 1 3/4 cups icing sugar,1 to 2 tbs milk.
Beat until smooth (i use an electric mixer)
Spread over crumb mixture and drizzle with 2 squares of semisweet chocolate melted.
Chill until icing is firm.

Rocky Road Brownies

In a saucepan over low heat melt:
6 tbs butter
3 squares chocolate
Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
Remove from heat.

Beat together:
3 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
Stir in melted chocolate

Then:
3 egg whites beaten stiff
Fold into chocolate mixture.
Stir in 5 cups tea cookies crushed
Add 1 cup marshmallows
3/4 cup nuts

Grease pan
Spread mixture in pan.
Put in fridge for 1 hour
Cut into bars.

Dream Squares

Base:
1 cup flour
2 tbs icing sugar
1/2 cup butter
Mix together and spread into a 8 x 8 pan.
Bake at 350 F for 12 minutes.Remove from oven.

Topping:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup nuts
1/2 cup cherries
1/2 cup coconut

Mix all together and spread over base.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Butter Fudge Squares

Bottom:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
Mix together and spread into a greased 8 x 8 pan

Topping:
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
3 tbs. cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbs. flour
1/4 cup nuts
1/3 cup coconut
Mix all together and spread over base.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Cherry Squares

Bottom:
1/4 cup butter
2 tbs. brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
Mix together and spread into a 8 x 8 pan

Topping:
2 eggs
1 cup nuts
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup red & green cherries chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
Mix together and pour over base.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

Butterscotch Squares

1 cup flour 1 1/2 tsps soda
1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup nuts
1 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven 350 F

Mia all together
Pour into a greased 8 x 8 pan
Bake 25 to 30 minutes

Cherry Coconut Squares

2 eggs
3/ cup cherries
3/4 cup coconut
1 box Robin Hood Chocolate Pudding Mix

Preheat oven 350 F

Mix all together.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

Coconut & Nut Squares

2 eggs
1/2 cup nuts
1 cup coconut
1 box Robin Hood caramel pudding mix

Preheat oven 350 F

Mix all together
Pour into a greased 8 x 8 pan
Bake 30 to 35 minutes

Chocolate Nut Squares

1/2 cup flour
2 squares chocolate melted
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup nuts
2 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven 325 F

Mix all ingredients together.
Pour into a 8 x 8 greased pan
Bake for 30 minutes.

Chewy Walnut Squares

1 egg
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp soda
1 cup walnuts

Preheat oven 350 F

Mix all ingredients together.
Pour into a 8 x8 greased pan.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes

Rice Krispie Marshmallow treats

Melt together over low heat
1 cup butter
4 cups marshmallows

Then:
Add 1 tsp vanilla
5 cups rice krispies

Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan
Cut in squares or bars.

Spiced Nut Bars

2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsps cinnamon


In a bowl mix 1/2 cup sugar,1cup butter & 1 egg,2 1/4 cups flour.
Press onto a greased cookie sheet Bake 350 F 12 to 15 minutes

Then:
Beat 2 eggs add 1 cup sugar,nuts, cinnamon,salt
Spread on base
Bake 350 F for 20 minutes

Caramel Morsel Bars (Awesome)

1 14oz bag caramels
3 tbs water
1 6oz pkg. chocolate chips
1 6oz pkg. butterscotch chips
5 cups rice krispies
1 cup peanuts

Put caramels and water in a saucepan on low heat until melted.
Mix cereal and nuts and pour into a 9 x13 greased pan
Pour caramels overtop
Sprinkle with chocolate and butterscotch chips
Bake at 200 F for 5 to 10 minutes until chips are melted.

Toffee Bars

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup nuts
2 cups flour

Preheat oven 350 F

Mix all ingredients together.
DO NOT GREASE PAN
pour into a 8 x8 pan
Bake 25 to 30 minutes.

Oatmeal Apple Bars

2 cups flour
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2/3 cup white sugar
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup nuts
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup apple sauce

Preheat oven 350 F

Mix all ingredients together.
Put in a 9 x 13 greased pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Orange Oatmeal Bars

1 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup Brown sugar
1 tbs. orange peel (grated orange)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup white sugar
2 tbs orange juice
1 tsp allspice
1 cup oatmeal
2 eggs
1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven 375 F

Mix all ingredients together
Bake 10 to 12 minutes
Cut in Bars or squares when cool

Chinese Chews

3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup nuts
2 eggs

Mix all ingredients together.
Spread in a 8 x8 greased pan
Bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes

Cocoa Toffee dream Bars

Bottom:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup butter
Mix together and pack in a 9 x 13 pan
Bake at 35 F for 10 minutes Remove from oven.

Topping:
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup coconut
3/4 cup nuts
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
Mix all ingredients and spread over base.
Bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes

No Bake Crisps

2/3 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
2 1/2 cups corn flakes
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup pecans or other nuts

Put peanut butter,sugar and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan.
Cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved,stirring constantly
Stir in cornflakes,coconut and nuts
Drop by teaspoon full onto wax paper.
Chill until set.

Chocolate squares or Drops (Yummy)

1 cup chocolate chips
3 tbs butter
1/4 cup icing sugar
2 cups coconut

Melt chocolate chips with butter.
Blend in icing sugar
Stir in coconut.

You can put these in a greased pan and cut in squares or drop them onto wax paper
by teaspoon full.

Cherry Bars (Awesome)

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 cups flour
1 cup seedless raisins
1/2 6oz. jar of cherries chopped (I just cut them in 1/2)
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
1 can eagle brand milk or sweetened condensed milk

Mix the brown sugar,butter and flour.
Pack in the bottom of a 9 x 12 pan

Pour boiling water over raisins and let stand for 5 minutes (drain off water)
Spread ingredients evenly over bottom in the order given

Bake at 325 F for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
Do not over bake as they will dry out!

Cut in bars or squares.

Peanut Butter Choco Bars

1 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup graham wafer crumbs
4 cups icing sugar
1 1/2 cups melted chocolate chips
1 tablespoon peanut butter
Base:
Mix butter, peanut butter, graham wafer crumbs and icing sugar. Pack into 11" x 16" cookie pan.
Filling: Pour melted chocolate chips and peanut butter on top of base. Cut into tiny squares before cold. Put into fridge until firm.
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Tropical Hot Chocolate

1 quart milk
6 tablespoons pre sweetened instant cocoa powder
1 large banana, cut in pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Marshmallows
Mix 1 cup of milk with the banana pieces and cocoa in a blender until smooth. Heat with vanilla and the rest of the milk. Top with marshmallows. Serves 4.

Banana Nut Chocolate Popsicles

6 medium bananas
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup hot water
6 squares semi sweet chocolate chopped up
Finely chopped walnuts
Cut bananas in half crosswise. Insert a wooden stick in cut end of each banana half and freeze for about 2 hours. Melt butter and chocolate together in a bowl set oever hot water. Stir in hot water. Pour chocolate into a narrow glass. Dip bananas in the chocolate mixture and coat evenly. Then roll in chopped walnuts. Place ona wax paper lined pan.
Serve immediately or store covered in the freezer.
Makes 1 dozen popsicles.

Five Minute Fudge

2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine butter, milk, salt in a medium size pot on medium heat. Bring to a boil. Cook 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in marshmallows, chocolate, vanilla. Stir vigorously for 1 minute until marshmallows and chocolate melt and blend. Pour into 8 inch square buttered pan. Cool. Cut into squares.

Apricot Fruit Spread

15 apricots chopped
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
2 tbs brown sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Put apricots and orange juice in a small saucepan.
Bring to boil and reduce heat.
Simmer for 15 minutes until apricots are soft.Stir often.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Put apricot mixture into a blender and add remaining ingredients.
Process until smooth.

This is great on crackers or toast!

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Spread

1- 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
1 cup of chopped strawberries

Mix strawberries with cream cheese.
This can be used on crackers,bread or rolls.

Makes a nice light snack.

Yogurt & Honey Fruit Dip

1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1 cup light cool whip thawed

Combine all ingredients in a blender.Process until smooth.
Chill before using.

This is great for dipping any of you favorite fruits!

Makes a wonderful light dessert.

Smoked Salmon Spread

2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup plain yogurt (low-fat)
1 - 8oz can of sockeye salmon drained with skin and bones removed
1 garlic clove crushed
1 tsp hickory smoke flavoring
2 tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp finely chopped green onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Combine cheese and yogurt in a blender and process until smooth..
Line a sieve with 2 layers of cheesecloth,place over a deep bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap and let drain for 24 hours.
Put the drained cheese into a medium bowl add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

This is excellent served on whole wheat crackers or melba toast.

This takes a bit of time to make but it`s worth the wait!

Rice Pilaf

2 tbs vegetable oil
1 cup rice uncooked
1cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 10oz cans of chicken or beef broth
2 tbs water
2 tbs chopped fresh parsley
2 tbs sweet basil ( fresh basil is better)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 medium zucchini,halved lenghtwise and sliced
3 medium carrots sliced thin
1 red pepper chopped

Heat oil in a large fry pan or wok
Saute rice for 7 minutes.
add onion and celery,cook for 3 minutes.
Add chicken or beef broth with water,parsley,pepper and basil.Bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Add carrots,red pepper and zucchini.Stir.
Cook for 35 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Low Calorie Jello Salad

1 pks low calorie orange,lemon or lime jello
1 cup boiling water
4 ozs. 2% cottage cheese
1 tbs yogurt
1 cup unsweetened crushed and drained pineapple
1 cup whipped topping (low calorie)

Dissolve jello in boiling water.
Puree cottage cheese and yogurt the add to jello.
Chill until shaky.
Add pineapple and gently fold in topping and chill till set.

This is very good!

Chocolate Nut Brownies ( For Diabetics )

1 square of unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup of butter or margarine
2 tbs liquid sweetener
2 tsps vanilla
1 cup of sifted cake flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Baking soda
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 F

Melt chocolate and butter in sauce pan over low heat.
Remove fro heat add liquid sweetener,vanilla and eggs.
Stir until well blended.
Add flour,salt and baking soda then stir in nuts.
Pour into a greased and floured 9 x9 pan.
Bake for 20 minutes.

Sugarless Beet Pickles

2 cups of water
2 cups white vinegar
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp liquid sweetener or to taste
2 tbs mixed pickling spice (Put in cheesecloth or a cloth bag and tie)

Pour over prepared beets and simmer for 15 minutes.
Pack in sterilized jars and seal.

Nut Cookies (Diabetic)

10 tablets of artificial sweetener
1 tsp orange juice
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup of butter or margarine
1/2 cup walnuts chopped
1 tsp grated orange rind.
1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350F

Crush the tablets and stir in the juice.
Sift dry ingredients together.
Cream butter or margarine with orange juice.
Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Add chopped walnuts and vanilla and rind.

Form into a roll and wrap in wax paper.
Chill about 1 1/2 hours until firm.
Slice at 1/4 inch and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Chili (For 50 people) This can be frozen and used as needed.

6 lbs of ground beef
6 large onions chopped
4 green peppers diced
5 large cans of tomatoes diced
3 tbs salt
1 tbs paprika
2 1/2 tbs worcestershire sauce
2 1/2 tsps sugar
1 tsp oregano
10 tbs chili powder or to taste
12 small cans kidney beans
4 lard cans of tomato soup

Brown beef in large pan.
Saute vegetables until tender and add to beef.
Put in a large pot.
Add soup,tomatoes and kidney beans,cook for 10 minutes over medium heat.
Make a paste of seasonings with flour and water.
Blend into mixture.
Season with salt to taste.
Cook over low heat for 45 minutes.
Stir to prevent from sticking.
Or:
Place pan in oven at 375 F or 1 hour.

Salad Dressing (Diabetic)

2 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups vinegar
2 1/2 cups crisco oil
5 tsps salt
2 1/2 tsps dry mustard
2 1/2 tsps tarragon leaves
2 1/2 tsps sweet basil
3 tbs dried parsley

Put all ingredients in a pot and bring to boil.
Remove from heat and let cool; thoroughly.
Put in fridge until cold.

The amounts in this recipe are for 60 people.
If you want less divide the recipe.

Tea Biscuits (makes 100 biscuits)(Diabetic)

6 1/2 quarts of flour
1/4 cup baking powder
2 quarts of milk
1/2 cup salt
3 cups of shortening

Mix and sift flour,salt and baking powder.
Cut in shortening or mix with fingers.Add milk slowly to make a sort dough.
Roll out on floured board to 1/2 inch thick.
Cut in desired shapes with a cookie cutter or a glass dipped in flour

Bake at 425 F for 10 to 15 minutes.

These can be frozen and taken out as needed!

Jellied Salad (Diabetic)

2 pkgs jello
2 cups hot water
1 can of crushed pineapple
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated celery
1 tbs vinegar
pinch of salt.

Dissolve jello in hot water.
Add vinegar and salt.
Let partially set.
Add remaining ingredients and return to fridge until set.