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You can minimize your time in the kitchen, save money and still turn out nutrious, delicious meals, if you must invest in a family-size crock pot. This is a necessary kitchen item that should be included for use by every cook. Here are a few reasons why.

You can buy the cheapest, toughest piece of pork, chicken or beef and turn it into a delicious, tender meal using a crock pot. All good cooks know, slow cooking does wonders when it comes to tenderizing meat. When you buy the cheaper cuts of meat, you will save money. Also, when shopping for meat, watch for "manager's specials" which is meat nearing expiration dates. Simply take home and put in the freezer.

It is quick and easy to cook using a crock pot. The night before, or early the next morning, prepare your meal and let it cook all day without your help. Place your meat on the bottom, add frozen or fresh vegetables, add a cup of water or canned broth for steam and turn it on and forget it until supper time.

It is easy to make chili in your crock pot. Soak raw kidney beans overnight in cold water. The next morning rinse the beans, break up a pound of hamburger, add a can of chopped tomatoes and chili powder and/or salsa to your liking. Let this cook slowly all day and another fine meal is done without a hassle. You can also make a quick corn bread mix and throw that in the oven for 20 minutes to compliment your chili.

A side word about the raw bean family. Raw beans are very inexpensive, high in protein and low in fat. They are also versatile, meaning you can use them in soups, stews, casseroles or used as a side dish. For over five hundred inexpensive bean recipies go to www.biblebean.com and take a look around. Also, on every package of beans, one or two recipies are on the package to get you started. Simple to cook with your crock pot.

Roast a turkey. Cook your turkey for at least 20 minutes for every pound at a temperature of 325 degrees. Make sure you let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes or longer, after coming out of the oven. If you carve the turkey sooner than that, you will end up with dry meat. The meat needs to rest in order for the juices to resettle back in the meat, keeping it moist.

Turkey can be sliced for sandwhiches, cubed for soups, stews or casseroles. Because turkey freezes really well, you have at your fingertips, quick ways to cook up inexpensive dishes.

Get a spice rack. It saves time in the kitchen if you are organized. You can make home made spaghetti sauce in your crock pot quick and easy. Put about 4 to 5 tablesoons of good olive oil in, for every large can of tomatoes add in a can of tomato paste with a teaspoon of sugar to cut down the acidity. When you are ready for dinner, just boil your spaghetti. Also, freeze leftover sauce.

When you make a salad make a big one and divide up in plastic containers. They stay fresh longer and just pop one out of the fridge when you want one.

Know where everything is in your kitchen. Organization will save time and frustration. The same goes for your meal planning. Know what you need to buy and put things away, the same time every time.

Start with a clean, organized kitchen, fridge and stove. Put your pots and pans, dishes, silverware in easy reach.

Save your leftovers! Every night put leftovers in microwavable containers, date and freeze them. Not long after, you realize you saved a variety of assorted meals and end up not having to cook some nights at all.

Cooking does not mean enslavement. The more you do it, the more proficient you become doing it. This will make you smile and your family smile as you crank out those good, tasty meals, without suffering "kitchen burnout." Happy cooking!

Learn more about this author, Victoria Rose Perkins.
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