Crock-Pot SCR151-BP-BR - 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using this product.
2. This appliance generates heat during use. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electric shock, do not place or immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
4. This appliance is not to be used by children or by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.
5. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children. Children should not play with the appliance.
6. Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. To disconnect, turn any control to OFF, then unplug power cord from outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling on cord.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. Do not attempt to replace or splice a damaged cord. Return appliance to the manufacturer (see warranty) for examination, repair or adjustment.
8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
9. Do not use outdoors or for commercial purposes.
10. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
11. Do not place on or near wet surfaces, or heat sources such as a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
13. The heating base is subject to residual heat from cooking cycle. Do not touch heating base immediately after removing stoneware. Allow to cool before handling.
14. Use caution when opening the lid during or after a cooking cycle. Escaping steam can cause burns.
15. Do not use appliance for other than intended use. Misuse can cause injuries.
16. Intended for household countertop use only. Keep 6 inches (152 mm) clear from the wall and on all sides. Always use appliance on a dry, stable, level surface.
17. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods or cold liquids into a heated pot.
18. The slow cooker lid is made of tempered glass. Always inspect the lid for chips, cracks or any other damage. Do not use the glass lid if it is damaged, as it may shatter during use.
19. 
    To protect again electrical shock and product damage, do not cook directly in the heating base. Cook only in the stoneware provided.
20. 
    Spilled food can cause serious burns. Keep appliance and cord away from children. Never drape cord over edge of counter, never use outlet below counter, and never use with an extension cord.

For appliances with locking lids:

21. Never attempt to lift or carry this appliance by the lid handle. Always use the handles located at each side on the base of the appliance.
22. D o not lock the lid while cooking. Locking the glass lid while cooking may lead to glass breakage, which can cause injuries.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

NORTH AMERICAN MODELS WITH POLARIZED PLUGS:
POLARIZED PLUG

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way. If the plug fits loosely into the AC outlet or if the AC outlet feels warm do not use that outlet.

POWER CORD INSTRUCTIONS:
A short power-supply cord is used to reduce the risk resulting from it being grabbed by children, becoming entangled in, or tripping over a longer cord.

NOTICES:

1. Some countertop and table surfaces are not designed to withstand the prolonged heat generated by certain appliances. Do not set the heated unit on a finished wood table. We recommend placing a hot pad or trivet under your slow cooker to prevent possible damage to the surface.
2. During initial use of this appliance, some slight smoke and/or odor may be detected. This is normal with many heating appliances and will not recur after a few uses.
3. Please use caution when placing your stoneware on a ceramic or smooth glass cook top stove, countertop, table or other surface. Due to the nature of the stoneware, its rough bottom may scratch some surfaces if caution is not used. Always place heat resistant protective padding under the stoneware before setting on a table, countertop or other surface.

CROCKPOT^TM SLOW COOKER COMPONENTS

PREPARING YOUR CROCKPOT^TM SLOW COOKER FOR USE

Before you use your slow cooker, remove all packaging components and wash the lid and stoneware with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Assembly

1. Place stoneware into the heating base.
2. Lower the lid horizontally down onto the stoneware.

HOW TO USE YOUR SLOW COOKER

1. Place the stoneware into the heating base, add your ingredients to the stoneware, and cover with the lid (See Fig. 1).
2. Simply plug the unit in.
3. When cooking is done, unplug your slow cooker and allow it to cool before cleaning.

USAGE NOTES:

• There is one temperature setting. When plugged in, the temperature of this unit is equivalent to the LOW setting on Crockpot^TM slow cookers that have HIGH and LOW settings.
• If you suspect that the power has gone out during the day, the food may be unsafe to eat. If you are unaware of how long the power was out, we suggest you discard the food inside.
• For recipes that require a range of times, select the mid-range time. For instance, to cook a recipe calling for a cooking time of 7 to 9 hours on LOW, set your slow cooker to 8 hours.
• To avoid over-or under-cooking, always fill the stoneware ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ full to conform to recommended cook times (with the exception of certain cakes and custards, and as guided otherwise in our slow cooker recipes).
• Do not overfill stoneware. To prevent spillover, do not fill stoneware higher than ³⁄₄ full.
• Always cook with the lid on for the recommended time. Do not remove the lid during the first two hours of cooking.
• Always wear oven mitts when handling the lid or stoneware.
• Unplug when cooking is done and before cleaning.
• Removable stoneware is ovenproof and microwave safe. Do not use removable stoneware on gas or electric burner or under broiler.

Refer to chart below.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SLOW COOKER

• ALWAYS turn your slow cooker off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and allow it to cool before cleaning.
• The lid and stoneware can be washed in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaning compounds or scouring pads. A cloth, sponge, or rubber spatula will usually remove residue. To remove water spots and other stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar.
• As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware and lid will not withstand sudden temperature changes. Do not wash the stoneware or lid with cold water when they are hot.
• The outside of the heating base may be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Wipe dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
  
  Never immerse the heating base in water or other liquid.
• No other servicing should be performed.
• This appliance has no user serviceable parts. Any servicing beyond that described in the Cleaning Section should be performed by an Authorized Service Representative only. See Warranty Section.

HINTS AND TIPS

PASTA AND RICE

• If you are converting a recipe that calls for uncooked noodles, macaroni, or pasta, cook them on the stovetop just until slightly tender before adding to slow cooker.
• If you are converting a recipe that calls for cooked rice, stir in raw rice with other ingredients; add ¹⁄₄ cup extra liquid per ¹⁄₄ cup of raw rice. Use long grain converted rice for best results in all-day cooking.

BEANS

• Beans must be softened completely before combining with sugar and/or acidic foods. Sugar and acid have a hardening effect on beans and will prevent softening.
• Dried beans, especially red kidney beans, should be boiled before adding to a recipe. Cover the beans with three times their volume of unsalted water and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes, reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer 1¹⁄₂ hours or until beans are tender. Soaking in water, if desired, should be completed before boiling. Discard water after soaking or boiling.
• Fully cooked canned beans may be used as a substitute for dried beans.

VEGETABLES

• Many vegetables benefit from slow cook times and low temperatures and are able to develop their full flavor, specifically those with roots. They tend not to overcook in your slow cooker as they might in your oven or on your stovetop.
• When cooking recipes with rooted vegetables and meat, place vegetables in slow cooker before meat. Rooted vegetables usually cook slower than meat in the slow cooker.
• Place rooted vegetables near the sides or bottom of the stoneware to facilitate cooking. Stir in chopped or sliced vegetables with other ingredients.
• Because eggplant has a very strong flavor, you should parboil or sauté the eggplant before adding it to the slow cooker.

HERBS AND SPICES

• • Fresh herbs add flavor and color when added at the end of the cooking cycle but for dishes with shorter cook times, hearty, fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme hold up well. If added at beginning, many fresh herbs' flavor will dissipate over long cook times. Ground and/or dried herbs and spices work well in slow cooking and may be added at beginning, but use sparingly and taste at end of cook cycle and correct seasonings including salt and pepper. The flavor power of all herbs and spices can vary greatly depending on their particular strength and shelf life and so it is always recommended to taste and adjust seasonings just before serving.

LIQUIDS

• For best results and to prevent food from drying or burning, always ensure an adequate amount of liquid is used in the recipe.
• Ensure the stoneware is always filled a minimum of ¹⁄2 full and a maximum of ³⁄4 full, and conform to recommended cook times.

MILK

• Milk, cream, and sour cream break down during extended cooking. When possible, add during last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking.
• Condensed soups may be substituted for milk and can cook for extended times.

SOUPS

• Some soup recipes call for 2 to 3 quarts of water. Add other soup ingredients to the slow cooker first; then add water only to cover. If thinner soup is desired, add more liquid at serving time.
• If milk-based soup recipes have no other liquid for initial cooking, add 1 or 2 cups water. Since milk, cream or sour cream will break down if heated above boiling point, carefully stir them in at end of cooking cycle.

MEATS

• For meats, trim fats, wipe or rinse well, and pat dry with paper towels. Browning meat in a separate skillet or broiler allows fat to be drained off before slow cooking and also adds greater depth of flavor to dish.
• If you select a smaller roast, alter the amount of vegetables or potatoes so that the stoneware is ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ full.
• Always remember, the size of the meat and the recommended cook time are just estimates. The exact weight of a roast that can be cooked in the slow cooker will depend upon the specific cut, meat configuration, and bone structure.
• Cut meat into smaller pieces when cooking with precooked beans, fruit, or lighter vegetables such as mushrooms, diced onion, eggplant, or finely minced vegetables. This will enable food to cook at the same rate.
• Lean meats such as chicken or pork tenderloin will cook faster than meats with more connective tissue and fat such as beef chuck or pork shoulder.
• Meat should be positioned so that it rests in the stoneware and does not touch the lid.
• If you are cooking frozen meats (such as roasts or chickens), you must first add at least 1 cup of warm liquid. The liquid will act as a "cushion" to prevent sudden temperature changes. For most recipes containing cubed frozen meat, cook meats an additional 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH. For large cuts of frozen meat, it may take much longer to defrost and tenderize.

FISH

• Fish cooks quickly and should be added at the end of the cooking cycle, during last fifteen minutes to hour of cooking.

SPECIALTY DISHES

• Specialty dishes, such as stuffed chops or steak rolls, stuffed cabbage leaves, stuffed peppers, or baked apples can be arranged in a single layer so they cook easily and serve attractively.

Visit the Crockpot^TMappliance website at www.crockpot.com for additional hints, tips, answers and recipes or contact us at 1-800-323-9519.