Top Kitchen Appliance: The Slow Cooker

I recently purchased a slow cooker (also called a Crock Pot), and I can tell you it is one of the best kitchen tools when you're cooking for just yourself. A small, 2-quart, cooker is ideal for making meals for one or two people. All you need to do is toss the ingredients in, turn it on, and walk away. If you set it up i the morning, you can have a delicious meal by dinner. What better way to save time and eat well after a long day?

Many people stay away from slow cookers because they think the options for what you can make with them are limited. Actually, though, you can cook almost anything in a slow cooker. Soups, stews, and chili still top the list for traditional slow cooker recipes. However, you can also use a slow cooker to prepare oatmeal, roast meat, make casseroles, prepare hot drinks, and even bake cakes.

Did I mention how inexpensive slow cookers are? I got mine on Black Friday for $4, but you can find much better quality models for around $15 or $20.

Looking for some great recipes for a slow cooker? Check out SlowandSimple.com or my personal favorite recipe site, Recipezaar.

Remember, a lot of slow cooker recipes are made for larger appliances (5 and 6 quart models that feed a whole family). However, you can simply cut your favorite meals in half to fit your single-person cooker.