what is slow cooking?

Ask Jeeves Answer - what is slow cooking?: "There are several advantages to using a slow cooker, or crock pot. It can reduce the time you spend in the kitchen by almost half. A slow cooker takes less electricity than an oven, and produces less heat during the warmer months. It also improves the variety and flavor of foods. Since this appliance cooks foods slowly at a low temperature, it tenderizes the less expensive and leaner cuts of meat and reduces shrinkage.
A slow cooker is designed for long hours of unattended cooking so don�t remove the lid until it�s time to check food doneness, unless you need to stir during cooking. This is because heat builds up slowly inside the cooker, and every time you uncover the pot it loses enough heat to slow the cooking process by 30 minutes or more.
It usually takes several hours for food to reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature at which heat begins to destroy any bacteria present. Some bacteria can survive at temperatures up to 140 degrees F. A slow cooker should heat to 125 degrees F within three hours and to 140 degrees F within four hours, according to food safe"