Crock-Pot 3725 User Manual

For use with 1, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, and 31⁄2 quart round and oval Crock-Pot

Slow Cookers

Owner’s Guide

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Stoneware Slow Cooker

The Original and America’s # 1 Brand of Slow Cookers

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using. Clean all components before use.

2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs. CAUTION: Outside

of unit is hot during use. The lid handle may get hot while cooking, use of an oven mitt while

handling is advised.

3. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug, or

cooking unit in water or other liquid. CAUTION: Never submerge the heating unit in water or other liquid. Never place food or liquid directly into heating unit.

4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.

5. Turn control to OFF, before unplugging from wall outlet. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.

6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Return appliance to the manufacturer (see warranty) for examination, repair, or adjustment.

7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may cause fire, electric shock or injury.

8. Do not use outdoors.

9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch heated surfaces.

10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.

11. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids. Always use hot pads when moving your heated slow cooker.

12. Do not use appliance for other than intended use. Always use the

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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (CONT.)

13. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated

14. To disconnect, turn CONTROL to OFF, then remove plug from wall

15. Place padding under stoneware before setting on counter or table.

This appliance is for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY. No user-serviceable parts inside. Power Unit never needs lubrication. Do not attempt to service this product. Do not immerse base in water or other liquid. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting from entanglement or tripping over a longer cord. AN EXTENSION CORD

MAY BE USED WITH CARE; HOWEVER, THE MARKED ELECTRICAL RATING SHOULD BE AT LEAST AS GREAT AS THE ELECTRICAL RATING OF THE SLOW COOKER. The extension cord should not be

allowed to drape over the counter or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over. NOTE: 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.

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.

stoneware when cooking.

foods into a heated pot.

outlet.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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HOW TO USE YOUR SLOW COOKER

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SLOW COOKER (CONT.)

1. There are two temperature settings. LOW is recommended for slow ”all-day” cooking. 1 hour on HIGH equals about 2 to 21⁄2 hours on LOW.

2. Frozen foods such as vegetables and shrimp may be used as part of a recipe. However, do not cook frozen meats (such as roasts or chickens) unless you first add at least 1 cup of warm liquid. The liquid will act as a “cushion” to prevent sudden changes in temperature. Cook recipes containing frozen meats an additional 4 to 6 hours on LOW, or 2 hours on HIGH.

3. Always cook with the lid on.

4. Follow recommended cooking times.

5. Do not use slow cooker stoneware for storage of food.

6. Do not reheat foods in your slow cooker.

7. Unplug unit when cooking is done and before cleaning.

8. Removable stoneware is ovenproof and microwave safe. Do not use plastic lids in microwave or conventional oven. Do not use removable stoneware on gas or electric burners or under broiler.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SLOW COOKER

Unplug unit. CAUTION: Never submerge heating unit in water or other liquid.

1. Fill stoneware with hot or warm soapy water to loosen food remains. Do not use abrasive compounds — a cloth, sponge or rubber spatula will usually remove the residue. If necessary, a plastic cleaning pad may be used. Use a non-abrasive cleaner (such as Bon-Ami

Polishing

Cleanser) or vinegar to remove water spots or other stains.

2. The outside case may be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Wipe dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

3. The lid may be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher.

CARE OF STONEWARE

As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware bowl will not withstand the

shock of sudden temperature changes.

• If the stoneware has been preheated or is hot to the touch, do not put in cold foods. Do not preheat slow cooker before using unless specified in the recipe. The stoneware should be at room temperature before adding hot foods.

•To wash your stoneware right after cooking, use hot water. Do not pour in cold water if the stoneware is hot.

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HINTS

•Trim fats and wipe meats well to remove residue. (If meats contain fats, brown in a separate skillet or broiler and drain well before adding to cooker.) Season with salt and pepper. Place meat in cooker on top of vegetables.

• For roasts and stews, pour liquid over meat. Use no more liquid than specified in the recipe. More juices in meats and vegetables are retained in slow cooking than in conventional cooking.

• Most vegetables should be thinly sliced or placed near the sides or bottom of the stoneware. Meats generally cook faster than most vegetables in a slow cooker.

• Use whole leaf herbs and spices for the best and truest flavor for all-day cooking. If ground herbs and spices are used, they should be stirred in during the last hour of cooking.

• Because there is no direct heat at the bottom, always fill the stoneware at least half full to conform to recommended times. Small quantities may be prepared, but cooking time will be affected.

•A specific liquid called for in a recipe may be varied if an equal quantity is substituted. (Such as substituting a 10 plus 4 ounces of water for a 141⁄2 beef or chicken broth for

ounce can of tomatoes OR

cup of wine, etc.)

⁄2

⁄4 ounce can of soup

cup

⁄2

• Beans must be softened completely before combining with sugar and/or acid foods (NOTE: 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 3 times their volume of unsalted water and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes, reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer 1

/2 hours or until beans are tender. Soaking in water, if desired, should be completed before boiling. Discard water after soaking or boiling.

• The lid handle may get hot while cooking, use of an oven mitt while handling is advised.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

“What if the food isn’t done after 8 hours…when the recipe says 8 to 10 hours?”

This is due to voltage variations which are commonplace everywhere; altitude; or even extreme humidity. The slight fluctuations in power do not have a noticeable effect on most appliances; however, it can slightly alter the cooking times. Allow plenty of time, and remember, it is practically impossible to overcook. You will learn through experience whether to decrease or increase cooking times.

“Must the slow cooker be covered? Is it necessary to stir?”

Cook with the cover on. The slow cooker will not recover heat losses quickly when cooking on LOW setting. Significant amounts of heat escape whenever the lid is removed; therefore the cooking time must be extended. Avoid frequent removal of the cover for checking cooking progress or stirring. Never remove cover during the first 2 hours when baking breads or cakes. It is not necessary to stir while cooking on LOW heat. While using HIGH heat for short periods, occasional stirring improves the distribution of flavors.

“How about thickening the juices or making gravy?”

Add some quick-cooking tapioca to any recipe when you want to make a thick gravy. Add the tapioca at the beginning and it will thicken as it cooks! Or you may remove the solid foods, leaving the juices. Prepare a smooth paste of approximately

⁄2 cup flour or

cornstarch to 1⁄2 cup water or 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pour mixture into liquid in the stoneware and stir well. Turn to HIGH and when it comes to a boil (about 15 minutes) it’s ready.

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