Can you add evaporated milk to the crock pot at beginning when making potato soup?

Adding evaporated milk at the beginning of your crock pot potato soup is not recommended. Here's why:

* Evaporation: The name "evaporated milk" is a bit of a giveaway. It's been heated to remove some of the water content. If you add it to the crock pot early, it will continue to evaporate during the long cooking time. This will lead to a thicker, potentially burnt soup.

* Curdling: Evaporated milk is more prone to curdling than regular milk, especially at high temperatures. Putting it in the crock pot at the beginning exposes it to a long period of heat, increasing the chances of curdling.

Instead, add the evaporated milk towards the end of cooking:

1. Start your soup: Make your potato soup base with potatoes, broth, onions, and any other desired vegetables.

2. Cook until almost done: Let the soup cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender, but before you want to add any creaminess.

3. Add evaporated milk: Add the evaporated milk within the last hour of cooking, stirring well to combine.

4. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to incorporate the evaporated milk without overcooking.

Alternatively, you can use heavy cream or regular milk for a similar effect:

* Heavy cream: This will give a richer, smoother texture to your soup.

* Regular milk: This will add a lighter creaminess and is a good option if you want a less-rich soup.

By adding the evaporated milk towards the end, you can avoid evaporation and curdling while still achieving the creamy texture you desire.