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I never thought I would buy a crock-pot, but when I found one at a garage sale for fifty cents, I couldn't resist. When I got home, I cleaned it up, and immediately put it to the test. My all time favorite red beans and rice recipe would help me prove that my old ways of cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven were the best way. But to my surprise the crock-pot did not fail. In fact, the meal was just as delicious as ever without the constant attention. What a wonderful appliance it turned out to be! Everything is effortless; you let time do the work.

ADVANTAGES OF A CROCK-POT

Crock-pot cooking is healthy, because you control the ingredients. Because of the slow cooking aspect, vegetables are tastier because they take on the flavors of the meats and their juices.

It is economical because you can make delicious stews and soups using the less expensive cuts of meat. The slow cooking tenderizes the meats and the flavor is superb.

If you put it on in the morning, when you come in later, there is a tantalizing aroma in your kitchen.

Crock-pot cooking also offers portability. You can make your dish, refrigerate it in the pot, and bring it with you. Just plug it and reheat it at your destination.

Another marvelous benefit of the crock-pot is its ease of cleanup. It is just one pot to clean. You can even buy crock-pot liners if you want an easier clean up.

Most importantly, a crock-pot is quick and easy to use.

HOW TO USE A CROCK-POT

Planning ahead is important when using a crock-pot. Defrost and brown your meat thoroughly the night before and assemble all your vegetables and seasonings. Put all the ingredients in the icebox overnight and in the morning on your way out, place them in the crock-pot, plug it in, and turn it on. At suppertime just open the pot and serve.

Imagine hearty soups on a cold day, waiting for you to arrive and sample them. You could make a new crock-pot dish every day without repeating yourself. Spaghetti sauces and pulled pork recipes are easier than ever. Cassoulets and curries can be made in a leisurely way, just remember to plan ahead.

If you have a crock-pot up in your attic or down in your cellar think about retrieving it. It can be a productive cooking ally to have in your kitchen. It frees up space in your oven or on your stove. Once you try a crock-pot, you will want to use it regularly. It surprisingly supports today's busy lifestyle.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Stemke.
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