Crockpot expert Karen Petersen shares the solutions for these common slow cooker problems: 1. What kind of slow cooker should I buy?1 to 2 Quart Mini Slow Cookers: 1-2 people. Also good for dips and spreads.3 to 4 Quart Slow Cookers: 3-5 people. I personally use my 3 quart slow cooker most often. It is perfect for my family of 4. These sizes also work well for larger quantity dips or appetizers, such as meatballs or chicken wings.5 to 6 Quart Slow Cookers: 5-7 people This size is useful when trying to make complete meals that consist of meat, potatoes and vegetables in the slow cooker.7 to 8 Quart Slow Cookers: 7 people. These are nice when making meals for large families or when you are having extra guests.2. How do you get stuck on food off? Karen uses a dryer sheet to get crusty food off her slow cooker. She says it works better than anything else she has tried.3. Solving the watered down mess- If you are using chicken.first I would pat the chicken dry before placing in the slow cooker. (I wouldn't throw the chicken in frozen because that will add more liquid when the ice crystals melt.)- Dredge the chicken in a bit of flour before placing in the bottom of the slow cooker. (No need to brown. Just dredge in the flour and stick it in the crock-pot)- Add in 1-2 Tbsp quick cooking tapioca with the tomatoes and other ingredients. (This is my favorite trick. It thickens things up very nicely.)4. Cooking for two in a large slow cooker.You can use any oven safe dish in your slow cooker! So take out that corningware and cook for two in a huge crockpot!For more great tips, go to www.365daysofcrockpot.com(Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcasting Group.)
