Operating Instructions; Hints For Slow Cooking - Bella 5Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker Instruction Manual

Operating Instructions

NOTE:
When serving from the Programmable Slow Cooker, always place a trivet or protective padding under the
pot before placing it on a table or counter top.
1. Prepare recipe ingredients according to instructions.
2. Press front lid lock button, then use the lid handle to open the Slow Cooker lid.
3. Place food into the stoneware pot. DO NOT FILL THE Pot TO THE TOP WITH FOOD. For best results, the
Slow Cooker should be at least half-filled. When cooking soups or stews, allow a 2 inch space between the
food and the top of the cooking pot, so ingredients can come to a simmer.
NOTE: When cooking a meat and vegetable combination, place the vegetables in the bottom of the
stoneware pot first. Then add the meat and other ingredients.
NOTE: When cooking on HIGH, check cooking progress, as some soups may come to boil. Remember that
frequent lifting of the lid during cooking delays the cook time.
WARNING: The stoneware pot CANNOT stand the shock of sudden temperature changes. If the pot is hot,
DO NOT add cold food. Before cooking frozen food, add some warm liquid.
4. Plug into a 120V AC outlet. The screen will begin flashing until the unit is programmed.
5. Following recipe instructions press the MODE button until the desired HIGH or LOW program indicator
illuminates on the screen.
NOTE: Use the WARM function to reheat or keep cooked food warm.
6. Press the TIME program UP button and "0:30" (30 minutes) will appear on the TIME display. Continue to
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press the or button until the target cook TIME is displayed. The Programmable Slow Cooker can be
programmed in half hour (30 minute) increments from "0:30" (30 minutes) to "20:00" (20 hours). After 2
seconds, the Slow Cooker will begin to heat.
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NOTE: Press the or
NOTE: If the LOW or HIGH MODE is selected without entering a cook time the Programmable Slow Cooker
will heat by default for a time of "08:00" (8 hours) in LOW setting and "04:00" (4 hours) in HIGH.
NOTE: Press the POWER button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF.
7. The TIME on the display will begin to count down in minutes until "0:00" minutes is shown.; cook time is
complete. When the cooking time expires (00:00), the warm setting will flash for 5 seconds and then will
automatically activate the keep warm mode for 4 hours.
NOTE: Press the POWER button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF
8. Press front lid lock button, then use the lid handle to open the hinged Slow Cooker lid.
9. Allow a few seconds for all steam to escape. Inspect and test food for doneness and adjust seasonings if
needed.
10. To manually select the warm setting, press the MODE button until WARM is illuminated.
The Programmable Slow Cooker will WARM by default for "04:00" (4 hours).
NOTE: Press the POWER button at any time to turn the Programmable Slow Cooker OFF.
11. Place the mixing spoon in the spoon rest and serve directly from
the stoneware pot, if desired.
CAUTION: The base unit will get very warm during cooking. This is
where the heating elements are located. When moving the
Programmable Slow Cooker, grasp the unit by the base unit
handles; use potholders or oven mitts. (See Figure 2.) Even when
turned OFF and unplugged, the Programmable Slow Cooker base
unit remains hot for some time after using; set aside and allow
unit to cool before cleaning or storing.
12. Unplug from electrical outlet. Allow to cool completely before
cleaning, see Cleaning Instructions.

Hints for Slow Cooking

• Less tender, cheaper cuts of meat are better candidates for slow cooking than more expensive varieties.
• Meats will not brown during the cooking process. Browning fatty meats will reduce the amount of fat and
help to preserve color while adding richer flavor. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and brown meats
prior to putting into the stoneware pot.
• Whole herbs and spices flavor better in slow cooking than crushed or ground.
• When cooking in a Slow Cooker, remember that liquids do not boil away like they do in conventional
cooking. Reduce the amount of liquid in any recipe that is not designed for a Slow Cooker. The exceptions
to this rule would be rice and soups. Remember, liquids can always be added at a later time if necessary.
If a recipe results in too much liquid at the end of the cooking time, remove the cover and re-program the
Slow Cooker to continue to cook HIGH for 1 hour (1:00). Check every 15 minutes until the amount of liquid
is reduced. Press the POWER button when the desired consistency is achieved.
• Most recipes that call for uncooked meat and vegetables require about 6-8 hours on LOW temperature.
• The higher the fat content, the less liquid needed. If cooking meat with a high fat content, use thick onion
SO-311049 LINEA 5qt Slow Cooker IM.indd 6
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buttons to adjust target cook TIME at any time while the Slow Cooker is cooking.
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Figure 2
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