I've only ever done this once (at Xmas). I'd intended to boil it first, but came home a bit tipsy on chistmas eve and couldn't be bothered. I rinsed it with boiling water, got the fat off, chucked it in the slow cooker and poured a can of cider over it, urned the slow cooker onto medium and went to bed. When I woke up the next morning (to a decidedly strange smell) I took it out and got off any last traces of fat and let it cool down ready for Xmas teatime and it was blooming marvellous. Everyone was very impressed.