The Easy Way to Adapt a Recipe for Your Slow Cooker

Here are some more tips:

Always chop your fruits and veggies into the same shape and size so that they cook evenly.

Add softer fruits and vegetables -- like peaches, peas, corn, greens, squash, peppers, plums and tomatoes – around the last 30 minutes of the cooking time.

Add tougher produce -- like carrots, apples, onions, potatoes and fresh green beans -- at the beginning because they take longer to cook.

Add milk products during the last 30 to 60 minutes of the cooking time to prevent curdling.

Brown or sear meats on the stove before adding them to the slow cooker. This will give the finished dish more flavor and better texture.