Cook's Companion
8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker with Locking Lid
1 Year Limited Warranty
Course Housewares, LLC warrants this Cook's Companion® 8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker with Locking Lid product to be free from manufacturer defect for up to 1 year from the original date of purchase. If a defect is found to exist, Course Housewares will, at its option, either repair or replace the product or the defective component, including labor. Replacement will be made with a new or rebuilt product or components. This warranty does NOT cover (a) ordinary wear and tear (such as scratches, chips or stains), (b) impact damage or breakage, (c) heat discoloration, minor imperfections and slight color variations in the ceramic, metals or glass, which are a normal part of the craftsmanship, (d) extreme temperature or resulting damage to the 8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker with Locking Lid and included ceramic pot and lid, (e) improper cleaning methods causing scratches, or (f) accessories, even if sold with the 8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker with Locking Lid, (g) any unit that has been tampered with, (h) damages incurred through improper use and care and (i) faulty packaging by you or mishandling by any common carrier. Failure to follow the accompanying Care and Use instructions or commercial use will void this warranty.
Course Housewares' sole obligation and your exclusive remedy under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement, at its option, of the defective 8.5QT Slow Cooker with Locking Lid. You will be responsible for any shipping and handling fees. Products returned to us that are not found to be defective in material or workmanship will be returned to you. If your particular product is found defective but is no longer available and cannot be repaired, a comparable product, at our discretion, will be sent as a replacement. This warranty extends only to the product's original purchaser, US residents only and does not cover damage caused by improper use or accidental damage. This warranty covers the 8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker and the included ceramic pot and lid only.
COURSE HOUSEWARES, LLC MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE PRODUCT OR RELATING TO ITS QUALITY. PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, COURSE HOUSEWARES, LLC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES WHETHER A CLAIM IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE, IN NO EVENT WILL LIABILITY EXCEED THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT. THE DURATION OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PROVIDED HEREIN. COURSE HOUSEWARES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other legal rights, which vary from State to State.
To Process a claim: Do not return the product to the retailer from which it was purchased. Your retailer has no liability for this warranty. Please contact the Course Housewares customer service department for assistance and to ensure the fastest possible resolution to the problem. Please have your purchase information available to speed this process.
OR
Send your name, physical address, phone number, original purchase receipt and the safely packaged item prepaid to: Course Housewares, LLC 1715 Lake Drive West Chanhassen, MN 55317 (866) 325-1659 Return shipping and handling charges may apply.
MADE IN CHINA
MODEL: CCDSC/B411024
Warnings
- CAUTION - Hot Surface: The Slow Cooker body, lid, and ceramic pot interior and exterior will become very hot when in use.
- Be very careful as steam and touching the casing or interior of the Slow Cooker can cause serious burns and injuries. Always use the lid handle when opening or covering the ceramic pot. Always use oven mitts or a towel when transferring the ceramic pot or moving the Slow Cooker.
- Keep away from pets and children at all times. Do not let children operate the Slow Cooker. Do not allow children near any component of the Slow Cooker during or after using, as it will become very hot.
- Do not place anything on or in the Slow Cooker base or Ceramic pot that is not made for its intended use.
- Follow all Care & Use instructions at all times.
- Never place/use or store the Slow Cooker on, in or near other appliances.
- Never wrap the power cord around or place in the Slow Cooker.
- Never turn the Slow Cooker on without the Ceramic Pot in place.
- Never turn the Slow Cooker on without food or liquid in the Ceramic Pot.
- Ensure the Slow Cooker is turned to OFF before plugging the power supply cord into or removing from an outlet.
- Do not allow the power cord to touch hot or wet surfaces.
- Do not allow the power cord to hang or sit where it can be tripped or pulled over. Never pull directly on the power cord to unplug the Slow Cooker.
- Never immerse the Slow Cooker or electrical cord in liquid/water to avoid risk of electrical shock, fire, or injuries. Always keep the Slow Cooker away from water when in use to avoid injuries and damage to the slow cooker.
- Never leave the Slow Cooker plugged in when not in use or when cleaning.
- Do not transfer the Slow Cooker when in use.
- Intended for household use only.
- It is not recommended to use an extension cord or extended outlet with the Slow Cooker.
- Do not use the Slow Cooker if: the electrical cord, plug, or outlet has been damaged, the appliance malfunctions, you do not have the correct amount of voltage needed or unit has been damaged in any way.
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing Cook's Companion® 8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker with Locking Lid. The Slow Cooker will perform best when used as intended. To ensure the best performance of your Slow Cooker, please consistently follow these instructions.
Components:
- Glass Lid
- Lid Release/Open Button
- Lid Handle
- Locking Hook
- Ceramic Pot
- Slow Cooker Handle
- Slow Cooker Base
- Slow Cooker Control Dial
Before using, remove any labels/packaging and wash and dry the lid and pot. Ensure all exterior parts are wiped dry before using. Assemble the Slow Cooker after reading all instructions, before first use.
Care & Use
- Always place your Slow Cooker on a flat, clean, heat resistant surface. Ensure the area is cleared of all flammable material (i.e. cloths, oven mitts, etc.) at all times.
- Your Slow Cooker requires a voltage of 120V~60Hz/ 380W. Before plugging your Slow Cooker into the outlet, ensure that your outlet is compatible and the Slow Cooker is OFF.
- Always keep the Slow Cooker away from any other appliances, such as gas/electric burners, ovens, and stovetops. Never store or place your Slow Cooker directly underneath your kitchen cabinets as the slow cooker and contents will become very hot.
- Always allow the ceramic pot to cool before removing it from the Slow Cooker. When removing the ceramic pot, always use oven mitts, as it will become very hot.
- Allow the ceramic pot and lid to cool completely before immersing the ceramic pot or lid into water.
- The ceramic pot and glass lid are not dishwasher safe and should be hand washed with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
- The base of the slow cooker, once completely cooled, can be wiped with a damp cloth and then dried completely before storing or using again if needed.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on any part of the Slow Cooker or ceramic pot. This will damage the surface and beauty of your product, as well as void your warranty.
- Never use the Slow Cooker if any part is broken, cracked, or chipped.
- The Slow Cooker should always be unplugged before placing the ceramic pot in side and when removing. As well as if it appears to be malfunctioning, when not in use, and before/during cleaning.
- Never transfer the Slow Cooker when in use. Always use caution when handling the ceramic pot, as it will become very hot.
- The control buttons on the Slow Cooker all have different uses. Follow the instructions in the 'How to Use' sections for how to use the controls and their functions.
- Never pre-heat the ceramic pot before adding ingredients. If browning or pre-cooking foods is needed prior to Slow Cooking, this must be done in a separate pan not in the Slow Cooker.
- Never place a hot ceramic pot or lid in cold water, as this can cause the enamel to crack or the lid to shatter.
- Do not allow the ceramic pot to soak in water for a long period of time. The exterior base of the ceramic pot must remain unglazed for manufacturing and performance purposes. This unglazed area is porous and therefore will soak up water. However, the interior is protected from liquid damage.
- The ceramic pot should be at least half full for the best results.
- For best results, do not remove the lid from the ceramic pot when cooking.
- When cleaning the ceramic pot, if there is food cooked onto the interior lining, allow the interior of the pot to soak with warm soapy water. Do not allow the exterior of the ceramic pot to soak in water.
- Allow the Slow Cooker to cool completely before handling or storing.
- Never place items on top of the slow cooker when storing, as this can cause damage to the slow cooker.
- Store the Slow Cooker in a dry location away from other appliances.
- You may notice minor surface blemishes on the ceramic pot; this is normal as the stoneware is fired at very high temperatures.
- Never place the Ceramic pot or any part of the Slow Cooker in an oven, freezer, microwave, or on any stovetop.
- NOTE: During the first few uses, you may notice a faint odor. This is completely normal and will disappear.
How to Use Your 8.5QT Digital Slow Cooker
Control Panel Overview
- 1. High temperature button
- 2. ON/OFF button
- 3. Low temperature button
- 4. Delay time button
- 5. Cooking time button
- 6. Keep warm button
- 7. Timer up button
- 8. Timer down button
- 9. Indicator Light
How to Use the Cooking Time Control
To set the cooking time on your slow cooker, first plug the slow cooker into an outlet that will support at least 380W.
Next, turn on the Slow Cooker by pressing the ON/OFF control one time; the indicator light will light up next to the ON/OFF control.
Once the Slow Cooker is turned on, the display will show "00:00."
Press the Cooking Time control one time. You will notice the "00:00" on the display screen is now blinking "00:30."
Using the UP and DOWN arrows, choose your desired cooking time. The timer will start at 30 minutes and, in 30-minute increments, will go up to 18 hours.
Once you have reached your desired time, select which temperature setting you would like to Slow Cook with. See the "HOW TO USE YOUR 8.5QT. DIGITAL SLOW COOKER" for setting descriptions.
When the cooking timer is up, your Slow Cooker will automatically switch to the KEEP WARM setting for 5 hours. After the 5 hours is up, your Slow Cooker will automatically shut off.
How to Use the Delay Time Control
You can delay the beginning of your cooking time by setting a delay using the DELAY TIME control on your Slow Cooker.
Please note this can be done before or after setting the COOKING TIME. However, the delay and cooking function will not start until a temperature setting has been selected.
Press the DELAY TIME control one time. The display will now show "00:30" and will be blinking.
Using the UP and DOWN arrows select how long you would like to delay the start of your cooking. You can set the delay anywhere from 30 minutes to 18 hours, in 30-minute increments.
Once you have selected the amount of time you would like to delay cooking, press the COOKING TIME control and follow the instructions in "HOW TO USE THE COOKING TIME CONTROL" section.
Next, select which temperature you would like to begin slow cooking (HIGH, LOW, KEEP WARM). For temperature descriptions see the "HOW TO USE YOUR SLOW COOKER" section.
Please note, when using the HIGH and LOW settings, once the cooking time is up the Slow Cooker will automatically switch to KEEP WARM for 5 hours. If you do not want it to switch to the KEEP WARM setting, you will need to turn the Slow Cooker off at the end of the cooking time. After the 5 hours on KEEP WARM has lapsed, the Slow Cooker will automatically shut off.
Cooking Tips
- When cooking soups, leave at least a 2" space between the top of the ceramic pot and the soup to allow simmering and prevent over-boiling.
- Pieces of food cut up into small pieces will cook faster, so some trial and error may be needed.
- When cooking with pasta, cook everything else first and then add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time. Again, this will need trial and error depending on temperature setting, amount of liquid/sauce, and type of noodle.
- Vegetables can take longer to cook, depending on type, try and place the vegetables towards the bottom of the ceramic pot to cook evenly. It will also help to cut vegetables into smaller pieces.
- We recommend cooking with some sort of liquid (i.e. gravy, sauce, stock, etc.) to help retain moisture and avoid damage to the ceramic pot.
- Pre-brown meats in a separate pan on the stove in order to help retain juices and reduce the fat content.
Locking and Releasing the Lid
How to Lock the Lid
- When you have placed all of your ingredients into the ceramic pot and have set your cooking time, delay time (optional), and temperature setting, place the lid on top of the ceramic pot.
- Next gently push the silver hooks into the Red locks on each side of the lid.
- You will hear a slight clicking noise, letting you know the hooks are latched onto the lock.
- For best results, do not remove the lid until your food is fully cooked.
How to Release the Lid
- When you are ready to open the lid to the Slow Cooker, press down on the OPEN/ Lid Release button on top of the Lid Handle.
- Once the button is pressed the locks will release the hooks.
- Do not pull on the locks or bend backwards.
- Never force the locks into the lid.
- For best results, do not remove the lid until your food is fully cooked.
Recipes
Slow Cooked Herbed Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2lbs. Boneless Chicken (Breast or thighs will work!)
- 3/4 Cup Melted Butter
- 8 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2lbs. Small Red or Gold Potatoes
- 4-6 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
- 2-3 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary
- 1/2 Cup of Stock, separated into (Chicken or Vegetable will work the best)
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions:
- First, place the stock and potatoes into the Slow Cooker. Season with Salt and Pepper and place 1/4 of the minced garlic on top of the potatoes.
- Cover the Slow Cooker and set to HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- When the timer is up, place the chicken on top of the potatoes and then add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Pour melted butter over the top of the chicken and potatoes.
- Lock the lid and set the timer to 2 hours on HIGH.
Cooking Tip:
When a recipe calls to cook on the HIGH setting, you can always adjust the recipe to use the LOW setting by adding 1-2 hours of cooking time. For this recipe, if you would like to use the LOW setting, slow cook the potatoes for 3-4 hours and the chicken for 3-4 hours as well.
Slow Cooked Easy Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4lbs. of Eggplant, peeled and sliced into 1/3" Rounds
- 1tbsp. Salt (or to taste)
- 2tsp. Italian Seasoning
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Milk (whole milk works the best)
- 1 1/2 cup of homemade or store bought breadcrumbs
- 3 ounces of Parmesan cheese
- 4 Cups of Marinara Sauce
- 16 Ounces of Mozzarella cheese
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil, chiffonade (optional but a must try!)
Directions:
- Prep the eggplant by layering in a colander and sprinkling each layer with salt. Let the eggplant sit for at least 30 minutes and then pat dry.
- While the eggplant is prepping, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In a separate bowl mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- When you have finished prepping the eggplant, place 1/2 cup of sauce in the slow cooker and then layer 1/3 of the slices of eggplant in your slow cooker.
- Top the eggplant with 1 cup of sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat this two more times.
- This recipe is best to cook on LOW for eight hours, but you can cook this recipe on high for 6 hours for a faster result.
- Let the Eggplant Parmesan rest for 10 minutes when it has finished Slow Cooking.
- Cut into squares and sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Enjoy immediately!
"Better Than Grandmas" Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 -2 loaf Texas Toast Style Bread
- 8 Egg Yolks
- 4 Tbsp. Dark Brown Sugar
- 5 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- 4 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 Cups Half & Half
- 4 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 2 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- Maple Syrup for Serving (optional but a Must Try!)
Directions:
- Spray the interior of the Ceramic Bowl with a non-stick Baking Spray.
- In a small bowl, gently mix the brown sugar and the cinnamon together. Reserve 2 teaspoons for later.
- Begin by slicing the bread diagonally and arrange 1 layer of the bread on the bottom of the Slow Cooker.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp. of the brown sugar & cinnamon mixture on the first layer. Continue layering the bread and sprinkle the mixture in between each layer.
- When you have finished layering, combine the whipping cream, half and half, vanilla, and salt over medium heat in a medium saucepan. When the mixture begins to boil, lower the heat to low.
- While the cream mixture is coming to a boil, mix together the egg yolks and the granulated sugar.
- Combine 1/2 cup of the cream mixture to the egg mixture while whisking the egg mixture quickly. Then combine the egg mixture into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Increase the heat and stir until the sauce thickens. Do not let the sauce boil.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the nutmeg.
- Pour mixture over the bread in the Slow Cooker and lightly press down on the bread. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
- Set the timer on your Slow Cooker to 3 1/2 hours and set on LOW. To test if the bread pudding is done, prick with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean turn the Slow Cooker off and let rest, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes.
- Drizzle some maple syrup over the top (optional) and enjoy!