Secrets to Slow-Cooked Pork Perfection

(Family Features) There’s nothing better than a juicy, flavorful rack of pork ribs hot off the grill. Whether saucy or spicy, wet or dry, ribs are a versatile pork cut that can take on many of your favorite flavors. But if standing over a grill isn’t an option or appealing this time of year, there’s good news. The perfect rack of pork ribs isn’t exclusive to hot grates over an open flame. You can also whip them up in your oven or utilize a trusty slow cooker. The path to perfect ribs is simplified with some easy slow-cooking techniques. If you opt for the oven: – Heat can circulate on all sides when the ribs are lifted above the baking sheet on a rack. – When cooking, cover ribs with aluminum foil halfway through to preserve moistness. – Brush ribs with a marinade or coat with a dry rub the day before and refrigerate for more flavor. Slow Cooker Hawaiian-Style Ribs add another layer of ease as this Asian-infused recipe boasts a citrus-filled flavor while simmering away in your counter-top slow cooker. What is your favorite way to prep ribs? Share your recipes and discover others from across the country … Continue reading →

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February 26 – This week in AFC History

A look back in Apron Free Cooking History Since I’ve been writing on Apron Free Cooking (AFC) for two years now, I though it might be interesting to look back in the archives and see what was happening during this week in history. This weekly feature will include links to popular or entertaining posts from 2011 and 2012.       2012 Wacky Cake - a family tradition as well as cool science experiment Irish Bram Brack – in preparation for the upcoming St Patrick’s celebration Vegetable Beef Soup - cold weather makes good soup a favorite meal 2011 Thank You and Cheese Danish – why it is important to remember your manners and express gratitude.   Pin It … Continue reading →

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How to Convert Slow Cooker Times to Oven

Have you pulled out a favorite recipe and wanted to fix in your slow cooker? Do you have a crock pot recipe that you want to convert to bake in the oven? This chart will help you determine how to adjust the cooking and baking times. One thing to remember is that every slow cooker and crock pot may have a different temperature setting. However, the difference should be a minor one. If you have the owner’s manual, check the temperatures for low and high settings. Generally low is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit and High is 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Given this information, the simplest conversion is to set the oven at the same temperature as your slow cooker and bake the dish for the same amount of time called for in the recipe. If you want to shorten baking time by using a higher temperature in the oven, you’ll have to do a little bit of math. Don’t worry, the math is simple division. For low setting, divide the time by 4 and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. For high setting, divide the time by 2 and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are converting an oven recipe to crock … Continue reading →

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