I've just been given my first slow cooker (Morphy Richards 2.5l). It has 3 heat settings but no integral timer...so I was also given a plug in external timer to use with it (as I'm often out of the house for hours longer than the recipes require).
My queries:
-The manufacturers instructions state that only hot liquid should be put in the crock. Is this absolutely necessary? What are the implications of a) adding cold liquid but increasing the cooking time or b) adding hot liquid then letting it sit before the timer switches on?
-How long will the crock safely keep food hot once switched off?
I'm happy to experiment but obviously want to avoid poisoning!? I'd be really grateful for any pointers please. Thanks!
My queries:
-The manufacturers instructions state that only hot liquid should be put in the crock. Is this absolutely necessary? What are the implications of a) adding cold liquid but increasing the cooking time or b) adding hot liquid then letting it sit before the timer switches on?
-How long will the crock safely keep food hot once switched off?
I'm happy to experiment but obviously want to avoid poisoning!? I'd be really grateful for any pointers please. Thanks!