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PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of Morning Squeeze V9 - FALL maskmatters.org 87
cuts of meat and the densest root veggies come
out perfectly cooked.
While slow cookers are about as low
maintenance as cooking gadgets get, there’s still
some planning and prep work involved, as well
as a few do’s and don’ts to up your slow-
cooking game:
DO preview recipes for
unexpected steps. Some call
for browning meats on the
stove prior to putting them
in the pot. While this isn’t
necessary and mostly affects color, it’s
good to leave enough time if you’re
a real recipe rule follower. (Some new
models have a brown/sear function that allows
one-pot prep and the ability to deglaze for even
more flavor).
DO dice your onions, peppers and other
veggies the night before, or buy them pre-
chopped to speed things up in the morning.
DO preheat your slow cooker for
improved food texture and consistency.
DO add pasta, rice, less structured
veggies and soft, fresh herbs at the end of the
cook time—usually the last 15 to 30 minutes—
to maintain their intended shape, flavor and
fragrance. Another last-minute add-in: dairy
products, which may separate and curdle if left
in the cooker all day.
DO make sure the counter is clear of
items. While slow cookers are designed to be
left on and unattended all day, they do get pretty
warm during the cooking process and certain
items may be damaged if left near the slow
cooker.
9 DON’T lift the lid to check progress.^
Doing so allows heat and moisture to escape and
slows down cooking time. Wait until you think
it should be about done. (Glass lids solve this
problem).
9 DON’T overcrowd the contents. There
should be room for liquid to bubble in and
around the ingredients.
9 DON’T add too much liquid, spice
or alcohol. Since the sealed lid prevents
evaporation, flavors get more intense over time,
so a little of each goes a long way.
9 DON’T forget to plug it in and/or turn
it on! Best laid plans and all that...
If you haven’t used your slow cooker in a
while, back-to-school season is an excellent time
to get reacquainted with this time-saving, time-
tested old friend. Don’t have one? Check out
some reviews or browse the aisles of your local
big box store to see all the options. You’ll love
knowing dinner is doing its thing while you’re
doing yours.
OVERNIGHT OATS
1 cup rolled oats
1-1/4 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp. agave
Strawberries
Blueberries
q^ Put rolled oats in a bowl and pour in coconut milk.
Cover bowl, refrigerate and let soak for at least five
hours. If needed or desired, strain excess milk from
oats. Top with fruit and drizzle with agave.
Tips: Make oats in a mason jar; it’s easy to keep
covered and ready to grab in the morning. Also,
customize flavors by adding vanilla or cinnamon while
it soaks, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt when it’s
ready to eat.
Morning Squeeze // 4223 N. Scottsdale Road,
Scottsdale // 690 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
// morningqueeze.com
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