18Soups, casseroles and stews• Do not cook casseroles over 2.7 kg(6lb).• Bring to the boil on the hotplate thencook on slow cook.• Cook on the middle shelf of the oven orabove.• Cover food with a tight fitting lid or tinfoil.Vegetables• Cut into small pieces.• Dried beans must be pre-soaked thenboiled in an open pan for 15 minutesbefore adding to any dish.• Place vegetables under meat incasseroles.• Cover food with a tight fitting lid or tinfoil.Milk puddings• Cover the cereal with boiling water andleave it to stand for 30 minutes.• Drain and make the pudding in theusual way.General pointsFrozen FoodsThaw thoroughly before cooking.ThickeningToss meat in flour for casseroles.Alternatively blend cornflour with water andadd it at the end of cooking.FlavouringFlavours are held in the food because thereis little evaporation. Adjust flavouring at theend of the cooking time.LiquidUse slightly less liquid as there is littleevaporation during cooking. Always add milkand milk products, for example creamtowards the end of cooking to prevent themfrom curdling.ReheatingCool left over food quickly and then put it inthe fridge. Do not reheat food using the slowcook setting. Reheat food in the usual wayor in a microwave. Only reheat food once.