Quick crock pot question

[Nikia]

I made chili for the chili cook off tomarrow at work. The crock pot is completely full and in the fridge where it has been for 2 and a half hours. It is still warm. Would it be safe and better to plug it in and let it cook on low all night? I had wanted to cook it longer anyway because I used real steak and didn't cut the garlic, onions, and peppers small enough. It has plenty of liquid in it. Is this a good or bad idea? If I leave it in the fridge, what should I do to cool it quicker. It has already in the danger zone temperature too long. I am betting on it being safe since it is high acid and was cooked and will be cooked again, but at this rate it won't get there for a few more hours.

[illini]

1. Let it Cook.

Chilli is always better if cooked slow for a long time. HMMMMMM Tender Steak

[MADem]

2. TASTE IT

If it is too "crunchy" go ahead and take some out, add a little liquid, and put it on low just before you crash. Alternatively, get up early, and let it rip for a few hours.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Either...

take the stuff out of the crockpot and put it in several smaller containers or keep the crockpot running all night.

Probably better to chill the stuff in the smaller containers and reheat it later-- it should taste better. Bring it up to safe heat on the stovetop before putting it back in the crockpot if you really want to be safe.

[baby_bear]

4. Why do you assume it is high acid?

Canned tomatoes or tomato products used to be high acid many years ago, but they are no longer considered to be so. I agree with another poster here that you should bring the mixture to heat (relatively quickly, but independently froom the crock pot), then put it back in the crock pot to further cook it and keep it at a good temp.

It's that in-between temp where the bugs grow. So just make sure you minimize the time for that temp.

I'd love to have a cup of your chili, by the way.

b_b

[Maddy McCall]

5. Let it cook on low overnight.

It won't hurt at all. Then, tomorrow afternoon, if it needs more liquid in it, add beef broth instead of water.

sounds YUMMY!

[Nikia]

6. Thanks, all of you

I cooked it on low all night and it turned out very well, especially the meat part of it. I'll have to find out tomarrow to see how I did but several people liked it.