SLOW COOKER ANSWERS

At any time of year, a slow cooker can make life a little more convenient because by planning ahead, you save time later.  And it takes less electricity to use a slow cooker rather than an oven.

IS A SLOW COOKER SAFE?

Yes, the slow cooker, a countertop appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature - generally between 170 and 280 degrees F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

SAFE BEGINNINGS

Begin with a clean cooker, clean utensils and a clean work area.  Wash hands before and during food preparation. Keep perishable foods refrigerated until preparation time. If you cut up meat and vegetables in advance, store them separately.

THAW AND CUT UP INGREDIENTS

Always defrost meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker.  Choose to make foods with a high moisture content such as chili, soup, stew or spaghetti sauce. Cut food into chunks or small pieces to ensure thorough cooking.

USE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FOOD

Fill cooker no less than half full and no more than two-thirds full.  Vegetables cook slower than meat and poultry in a slow cooker so if using them, put vegetables in first, at the bottom and around sides of the utensil. Then add meat and cover the food with liquid such a broth, water or barbecue sauce.  Keep the lid in place, removing only to stir the food or check for doneness.

CROCKPOT EASY BEEF STEW

4 medium red potatoes                      1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat            1/3 cup flour                                    salt and pepper to taste                   1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes,               undrained                                    3 cups frozen stir-fry bell peppers and   onions

Scrub potatoes and cut each into quarters.  Place in bottom of 4 quart slow cooker. Mix flour, salt and pepper and toss with beef to coat. Add to crockpot. Add undrained tomatoes.

Cover crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours until beef and potatoes are tender.  Add stir fry vegetables.  Cover and cook on low for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are hot and tender.

                     4-6 servings

Calories: 550        Fat: 20 grams       Sodium: 300 mg   Vitamin C: 60% DV Vitamin A: 25% DV                 

FALL WATERING & FERTILIZING

Fall watering will be extremely important this year. Begin that as soon as leaves on deciduous trees begin to drop, and continue with an inch of water per week until the ground freezes.  Anytime you have a thaw this winter, go ahead and water as much as you can.

If you are following a moderate fertilization program for your lawn, now is the time to make the final application of fertilizer this year.  Around Columbus Day apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.

For questions or for more information contact your Extension Office at 778-7110.

RSVP Volunteer Opportunities

Card Recycling: Are you a crafter? Volunteers are needed to help recycle greeting cards. They will get together on the 1st and 3rd Tues. of each month from 9:30-11:00am at the Baker Senior Center. Please join them