BELLA 5qt Slow Cooker Instruction Manual

Important Safeguards

WARNING: When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs or appliance in water or other liquid.
4. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
5. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
6. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Bring it to a qualified technician for examination, repair or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
11. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
13. To disconnect, turn OFF/LOW/HIGH/WARM control dial to OFF, then remove plug from wall outlet.
14. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
15. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as adding refrigerated foods into a heated stoneware liner.

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Additional Important Safeguards

CAUTION HOT SURFACES: This appliance generates heat and escaping steam during use. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent the risk of burns, fires or other injury to persons or damage to property.

1. A person who has not read and understood all operating and safety instructions is not qualified to operate this appliance. All users of this appliance must read and understand this instruction manual before operating or cleaning this appliance.
2. If this appliance falls or accidentally becomes immersed in water, unplug it from the wall outlet immediately. Do not reach into the water!
3. When using this appliance, provide adequate air space above and on all sides for air circulation. Do not operate this appliance while it is touching or near curtains, wall coverings, clothing, dishtowels or other flammable materials.
4. Do not leave this appliance unattended during use.
5. If this appliance begins to malfunction during use, immediately unplug the cord. Do not use or attempt to repair a malfunctioning appliance!
6. The cord to this appliance should be plugged into a 120 V AC electrical wall outlet.
7. Do not use this appliance in an unstable position or inclined surface.
8. Never use the stoneware liner on a gas or electric cooktop or on an open flame.
9. Lift off lid carefully to avoid scalding, and allow water to drip into stoneware liner.
10. CAUTION: To protect against damage or electric shock, do not cook in base unit. Cook only in the stoneware liner provided.

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Notes on the Cord

The provided short power-supply cord (or detachable power-supply cord) should be used to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Do not use an extension cord with this product.

Notes on the Plug

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way.

Plasticizer Warning

CAUTION: To prevent Plasticizers from migrating to the finish of the counter top or table top or other furniture, place NON-PLASTIC coasters or place mats between the appliance and the finish of the counter top or table top. Failure to do so may cause the finish to darken; permanent blemishes may occur or stains can appear.

Electric Power

If the electrical circuit is overloaded with other appliances, your appliance may not operate properly. It should be operated on a separate electrical circuit from other appliances.

Getting to Know Your 5 Quart Slow Cooker

Product may vary slightly from illustration.

Figure 1: Slow Cooker Components

• Lid Knob: The handle on top of the glass lid.
• Tempered Glass Lid: Allows viewing of contents while cooking and traps heat and moisture.
• Liner Handles: Handles on the sides of the stoneware liner for lifting it out.
• Base Handle: Handles on the sides of the main unit for carrying.
• Control Dial: A dial with settings for OFF, LOW, HIGH, and WARM.
• Base Unit: The main electrical component housing the heating elements.
• Polarized Plug: The power plug for connecting to an electrical outlet.

Introduction to Slow Cooking

Slow cooking occurs at temperatures just around boiling. The Slow Cooker can operate at LOW all day or night if required. Cooking on HIGH is very much like cooking in a covered pot on the stove top. Foods will cook on HIGH in about half the time required for LOW cooking. Additional liquid may be required as foods do boil on HIGH. When cooking is complete, food can be kept on WARM for short periods of time. To turn the Slow Cooker OFF, turn the control dial to the OFF position. Always unplug from electrical outlet when not in use.

Before Using for the First Time

1. Carefully unpack your Slow Cooker and clean, see CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS.
2. It is necessary to operate the Slow Cooker one time before placing food in the stoneware liner. Pour 4 cups of water into the stoneware liner and place it inside the base unit. Cover with the glass lid.
3. Plug into a 120 V AC outlet.
4. Turn the control dial to the HIGH position and allow to heat for approximately 30 minutes. You will notice a slight odor; this is normal and should quickly disappear.
5. Turn control dial to OFF position and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
6. Wearing oven mitts, grasp the liner handles carefully to lift and remove the stoneware liner from the base unit; pour out the water from the stoneware liner.
7. Rinse stoneware liner, dry thoroughly and replace inside the base unit.

Operating Instructions

1. Prepare recipe according to instructions.
2. Place food into the stoneware liner and cover with glass lid. DO NOT FILL THE LINER TO THE TOP WITH FOOD. Remember that frequent lifting of the lid during cooking delays the cooking time. When cooking a meat and vegetable combination, place the vegetables in the bottom of the stoneware liner first. Then add the meat and other ingredients.
3. WARNING: The stoneware liner CANNOT stand the shock of sudden temperature changes. If the liner is hot, DO NOT add cold food. Before cooking frozen food, add some warm liquid.
4. Plug cord into a 120 V AC outlet.
5. Turn control dial to select temperature setting: LOW or HIGH or WARM.
6. Cook according to recipe instructions.
7. CAUTION: The base unit will get very warm during cooking. This is where the heating elements are located. Use pot holders or oven mitts when moving or handling the unit (see Figure 2).
8. When cooking time is complete, turn the control dial to WARM for a short time before serving or to the OFF position, and unplug from electrical outlet.
9. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the glass lid by grasping the lid knob and lifting the lid slightly away from you. This will allow the steam to escape before removing the lid.
10. Allow to cool completely before cleaning, see CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS.
11. NOTE: If you are moving the Slow Cooker, grasp the unit by the base unit handles; use pot holders or oven mitts (see Figure 2).
12. Even when turned OFF and unplugged, the Slow Cooker remains hot for some time after using; set aside and allow unit to cool before cleaning or storing.

Hints for Slow Cooking

• Meats will not brown during the cooking process. If you desire browning, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and brown meats prior to placing into the stoneware liner.
• Whole herbs and spices flavor better in slow cooking than crushed or ground.
• When cooking in a Slow Cooker, remember that liquids do not boil away like they do in conventional cooking. Reduce the amount of liquid in any recipe that is not designed for a Slow Cooker. The exceptions to this rule would be rice and soups. Remember, liquids can always be added at a later time if necessary. If a recipe results in too much liquid at the end of the cooking time, remove the glass lid and turn the control dial to HIGH. After about 30-45 minutes the amount of liquid will be reduced.
• Most recipes that call for uncooked meat and vegetables require about 6-8 hours on LOW temperature.
• High fat meats can result in dishes with less flavor. Pre-cooking or browning will help reduce the amount of fat and help to preserve the color. The higher the fat content, the less liquid needed. If cooking meat with a high fat content, use thick onion slices under it so that the meat will not sit and cook in the fat. If necessary, use a slice of bread, a spoon, or a straining spoon to skim off excess fat from top of foods before serving.
• Foods cut into uniform pieces will cook faster and more evenly than foods left whole such as roast or poultry.
• Use the WARM setting to keep cooked food at the perfect serving temperature. DO NOT cook foods on the WARM setting. NOTE: Do not keep foods on the WARM setting for more than 4 hours.

Converting Standard Recipes to Slow Cooking

• Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, turnips and beets require longer cooking time than many meats. Be sure to place them on the bottom of the Slow Cooker and cover them with liquid.
• If adding fresh milk or yogurt, this should be done during the last 2 hours. Evaporated milk may be added at the start of cooking.
• Rice, noodles and pasta are not recommended for long cooking periods. Cook them separately and then add to the Slow Cooker during the last 30 minutes.

User Maintenance Instructions

This appliance requires little maintenance. It contains no user serviceable parts. Do not try to repair it yourself. Any servicing requiring disassembly other than cleaning, must be performed by a qualified appliance repair technician.

1. Avoid sudden, extreme temperature changes. For example, do not place a hot glass lid or stoneware liner into cold water or onto a wet surface.
2. Do not use the stoneware liner to store food in the refrigerator, and then reheat in the base unit. The sudden temperature change may crack the liner.
3. Avoid hitting the stoneware liner and glass lid against the faucet or other hard surfaces.
4. Do not use stoneware liner or glass lid if chipped, cracked, or severely scratched.

CAUTION: NEVER IMMERSE BASE UNIT OR CORD IN WATER OR OTHER LIQUID.

1. Always unplug and allow to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Both the liner and the glass lid may be cleaned in the dishwasher. To clean by hand, wash the stoneware liner and glass lid in warm, soapy water.
3. If food sticks to the stoneware liner, fill with warm soapy water and allow to soak before cleaning with a plastic scouring pad. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
4. Wipe interior and exterior of the base unit with a soft, slightly damp cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads to clean the base unit, as they may damage the surfaces.

Storing Instructions

1. Be sure all parts are clean and dry before storing.
2. Store appliance in its box or in a clean, dry place.
3. Never store Slow Cooker while it is hot or wet.
4. To store, place stoneware liner inside the base unit and the glass lid over the stoneware liner; to protect the glass lid, wrap with a soft cloth and place upside down over the liner.
5. Never wrap cord tightly around the appliance; keep it loosely coiled.

Recipes

Black Bean Soup with Mojo Herb Sauce

Puerto Rican Mojo Herb Sauce, commonly used as a dip for tostones, makes a luxurious topping for this nutritious, slow cooked comfort soup.

Makes: 12 - 16 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dried black beans, picked over and rinsed
• 3 lbs. turkey or chicken thighs, skin removed
• 6 cups water
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 head garlic, unpeeled, halved horizontally to expose the cloves
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 packets Sazon con azafran seasoned salt
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 whole serrano pepper

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into the stoneware liner.
2. Cover in covered Slow Cooker on LOW, about 7 to 8 hours.
3. Prepare Mojo Herb Sauce. Place olive oil and garlic cloves in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 1 to 2 minutes, until garlic is golden. Mash garlic into salt and lime juice. Add chopped cilantro and mix well. Set aside until ready to serve.
4. When beans are tender and meat is falling off the bones, remove garlic halves; squeeze garlic paste into a small bowl and set aside. Discard garlic husks. Remove and discard bay leaves.
5. Carefully remove all meat, bones, cartilage, and half the cooked beans from the Slow Cooker to a bowl. Discard bones and cartilage. Using 2 forks, or your fingers, shred meat.
6. Using a potato masher or a handheld immersion blender, puree the beans and garlic paste into the soup remaining in the stoneware liner.
7. Add cleaned, shredded meat and unprocessed beans back into the Slow Cooker. Stir to mix well. Keep soup on WARM for up to 4 hours before serving. To avoid over-salting, add salt, if needed, before serving.
8. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls. Drizzle Mojo Herb Sauce over soup before serving and enjoy with crusty, artisan bread.

Asian Rib Tips

Makes: 6 - 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 3 tablespoons grape jelly (or any flavor jam or fruit preserves)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 orange, juiced and zested
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sambal olek chili paste (or more, to taste)
• 4 lbs. rib tips
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and halved crosswise
• 1 small Napa cabbage (about 1 lb.), quartered

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, molasses, jelly, vinegar, orange juice and zest, garlic, ginger, and chili paste in the stoneware liner. Mix well.
2. Arrange rib tips and carrots in a single layer. Lay the quartered cabbage on top.
3. Cook in covered Slow Cooker on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours (or on LOW for 7 to 8 hours), or until the rib tips are tender.
4. Remove the cabbage, rib tips, and carrots from the stoneware liner. Using a large spoon or ladle, skim the fat from the cooking liquid.
5. In a medium saucepan, whisk the cornstarch with warm water until smooth. Add the de-fatted cooking liquid and cook on high heat until reduced to half. Add sesame oil last.
6. Return rib tips, vegetables and sauce to the Slow Cooker. Stirring every 30 minutes, keep food on WARM for up to 4 hours before serving. Spoon sauce over the meat and vegetables. Sprinkle with scallions before serving. Enjoy as an appetizer or serve with rice and fresh Asian salad.

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Makes: 10 - 14 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 7 lb.) pork butt (or pork shoulder)
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or water
• 2 cups barbecue sauce, jarred or homemade
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 6 jalapeno peppers, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Trim excess fat from pork. Add onions to the stoneware liner. Place pork on top, sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Add broth, cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until meat falls apart.
2. Remove pork from Slow Cooker. Trim all fat and muscle tissue.
3. Using 2 forks, or your fingers, shred (pull) pork. Using a large spoon or ladle, skim the fat from the cooking liquid.
4. Add remaining ingredients to the stoneware liner and mix well. Return pulled pork to Slow Cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook on LOW for 1 hour.
5. Pile pulled pork onto toasted sesame buns and top with fresh slaw.

Beef Provencale with Artichoke Hearts and Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (3 - 5 lb.) beef chuck roast
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 2 rounded teaspoons instant espresso
• 1 (14-1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, Italian style
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 parsnips
• 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 cup Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade (recipe follows)
• 4 cups frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and drained
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade Ingredients:

• 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained (reserve the oil)
• 5 tablespoons oil, from the sun dried tomatoes
• 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons drained capers packed in brine
• 2 tablespoons herbs de Provence
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle salt, pepper and flour onto the meat. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef on all sides.
2. Transfer the browned meat to the Slow Cooker. Prepare Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade. Add all tapenade ingredients to the bowl of a small food processor and process until smooth. Smear the meat with half of the prepared tapenade.
3. Add the remaining Beef Provencale ingredients, except artichoke hearts and parsley to the Slow Cooker. Cook on HIGH for the first 4 hours.
4. Transfer the meat to a cutting board. With a large spoon or ladle, skim the fat from the cooking liquid. Stir the remaining tomato tapenade into the vegetables and sauce in the Slow Cooker. Generously season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Turn the temperature down to LOW and continue to slow cook until the meat is very tender, 2 to 4 hours (for a total of 6 - 8 hours). During the last hour of cooking, add the artichoke hearts and parsley to the Slow Cooker.

Ginger Glazed Ham

Try this new and simple twist on your next holiday ham.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4 - 7 lb.) bone-in smoked ham shank
• 4 quarts dry ginger ale*
• 2 cups orange marmalade
• 3 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
• 4 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix orange marmalade, ginger, mustard, brown sugar and cloves into a thick glaze.
2. Place the ham flat-side-down into the stoneware liner. *Add enough ginger ale to cover the meat.
3. NOTE: It may be necessary to trim the ham to fit into Slow Cooker. Cook in covered Slow Cooker for 3-1/2 4 hours; test to make sure ham is tender.
4. When ham is fully cooked, gently lift it out of the Slow Cooker. Carefully cut away the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat. Brush a generous coat of glaze onto the ham and place on a foil-lined baking tray. Place ham under the broiler for 20 minutes until outside is brown and crusty. Enjoy hot or cold. Serve with remaining glaze.

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Buckle

This single chocolate layer cake is rich with cherry lava. Serve with ice cream and sprinkle with crushed cookies for a crunchy, decadent topping.

Makes: 8 - 10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (20 oz.) can cherry pie filling (may substitute low sugar)
• 1 cup (8 oz.) frozen cherries, no sugar added, thawed
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves (any flavor on hand)
• 1 (8 oz.) can cola (may substitute diet cola)
• 1 (18.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
• 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 16 chocolate sandwich cookies
• spumoni ice cream (may substitute any flavor)

Instructions:

1. Spray Slow Cooker stoneware liner with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine pie filling, cherries with juice, fruit preserves, diet cola. Pour into prepared Slow Cooker. Sprinkle cake mix over fruit mixture. DO NOT MIX.
3. Dot the top of the dry cake mix with butter. Place 8 layers of paper towels over the full length of the stoneware liner, and secure with lid to trap steam. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
4. IMPORTANT: DO NOT lift the lid to check cake for the first 3 hours. During the last half hour of cooking, remove the lid and allow chocolate cherry mixture to cook uncovered.
5. Place cookies in a zippered bag and crush. Serve warm chocolate cherry buckle topped with crushed cookies and spumoni ice cream.

Limited One-Year Warranty

SENSIO Inc. hereby warrants that for a period of one year from the date of purchase, this product will be free from mechanical defects in material and workmanship, and for 90 days in respect to non-mechanical parts. At its sole discretion, SENSIO Inc. will either repair or replace the product found to be defective, or issue a refund on the product during the warranty period. Any refund to the customer will be at a pro-rated value based on the remaining period of the warranty.

The warranty is only valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty validation. Retail stores selling this product do not have the right to alter, modify, or in any way revise the terms and conditions of the warranty.

Exclusions:

The warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use of the product, use of improper voltage or current, improper routine maintenance, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair, or alteration by anyone other than qualified SENSIO Inc. personnel. Also, the warranty does not cover Acts of God such as fire, floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

SENSIO Inc. shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Apart from the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in time to the duration of the warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, and therefore, the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you. The warranty covers specific legal rights which may vary by state, province and/or jurisdiction.

How to Obtain Warranty Service:

You must contact Customer Service at our toll-free number: 1-866-832-4843. A Customer Service Representative will attempt to resolve warranty issues over the phone. If the Customer Service Representative is unable to resolve the problem, you will be provided with a case number and asked to return the product to SENSIO Inc. Attach a tag to the product that includes: your name, address, daytime contact telephone number, case number, and description of the problem. Also, include a copy of the original sales receipt. Carefully package the tagged product with the sales receipt, and send it (with shipping and insurance prepaid) to SENSIO Inc.'s address. SENSIO Inc. shall bear no responsibility or liability for the returned product while in transit to SENSIO Inc.'s Customer Service Center.

Contact Information

For customer service questions or comments, contact the customer service department:

Phone: 1-866-832-4843

Website: www.sensioinc.com

Social Media: facebook.com/Bellalife, twitter.com/Bellalife

©2013 Sensio.

BELLA® is a registered trademark of Sensio, Inc., Montréal, Canada H3B 3X9