America's Test Kitchen Slow Cooker Tip

[Kerfuffle-Upon-Wincle]

America's Test Kitchen TV (Facebook page) Slow Cooker Week Tip February 17, 2011:

Most slow cookers have a hotter side (typically the back side, opposite the side with the controls) that can cause dense dishes, like casseroles, to burn. To avoid this problem, layer and fold sheets of aluminum foil into and a rough 16 by 4-inch strip and press it into the back side of the cooker... before adding any ingredients; the collar will form a barrier to help prevent food from burning while cooking.

SOURCE: http://www.facebook.com/#!/AmericasTestKitchenTV ~ scroll down to February 17, 2011 posts!

[Kerfuffle-Upon-Wincle]

HELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! This post will totally DIE unless somebody acknowledges it!

THIS TIP IS WORTH ADDING A STICKY!

[Red Apple Guy]

Hey Kerfuffle,
Sorry I missed the post.
There's a lot more to American Test Kitchens than I knew.
I use foil a good bit with my slow cooker (you just gave me another use).
Sticky? Sure.
Red

[QuirkyCookery]

I had no idea there was a hotter side to crockpots. I just assumed they would heat evenly.

[Red Apple Guy]

Hey Quirky, I love your profile.

Red

[QuirkyCookery]

Thank you! <3

[Ben the Crock Pot KIng]

Love the tip, will spread the word thank you so much for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bonnie G #2]

What a great idea, I just got a Ninja Crock Pot and wondering if it will apply to this one?

[Red Apple Guy]

The ninja cooking system looks terrific. I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with them to opine on that. Some reviews talk about burning on the bottom (due to operator error), so at least one heating element operates on the bottom.
Red

[Bonnie G #2]

Yes, I think it's supposed to have more elements or something which allows it to brown, steam, and slow cook - but sure wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

[plimouthpride_4700749]

I love slow cooker and crock pot cooking. I am a family of one but share with other people, as they share with me. I can remember a hot spot on a previous crock pot right across from the dials too. I just bought a new crock pot and have not found that to happen yet. I love the America's Test Kitchen and their advice. I listen to them on PBS on Sunday afternoons on the radio as I don't have a t.v and haven't for about 15 years now. I love their program and their idea and suggestions.

[Bonnie G #2]

I'm currently cooking for one too, that is except when my DGSs come to visit and love the crock pot for making meals I can freeze and put away for when I don't feel like cooking. I really need to investigate more ways to use it. I've heard it makes great baked potatoes too.