Contributed by Angela Cleveland

Over the course of a busy day, it’s often hard to find a way to spend quality time in the kitchen. While finding the time may not be conceivable, a quality dinner is still possible…if you have a slow cooker.

While the terms “slow cooker” and “crock pot” are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. Most crock pots have heating elements not only on the bottom, but also on the sides. Since heat surrounds the food, it brings it to a safe temperature quicker. Slow cookers have heating elements on the bottom, but not on the sides. Slow cookers are recommended for soups, stews or any dish where the food is cut small.

Regardless of which appliance you have, here are some cooking tips for a great slow cooked meal:

1. Only fill the appliance one half to two thirds full. The foods will not cook properly if the appliance is filled to the brim. If the food and liquid level is lower, the foods will cook too quickly.
2. Remove skin from poultry, and trim excess fat from meats. Fats will melt with long cooking times, and will add an unpleasant texture to the finished dish. Fatty foods will also cook too quickly.
3. You can thicken the juices and concentrate flavors by removing the lid and cooking on HIGH for the last half hour of cooking time.
4. Follow the layering instructions carefully. Vegetables do not cook as quickly as meat, so they should be placed in the bottom of the appliance.
5. Don't lift the lid to stir, especially if you are cooking on the low setting. To check progress without lifting the lid, spin the cover until the condensation falls off. Then it's easy to see inside.

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