All Hail the Crockpot

I don’t know about you, but without my crockpot there are some days when my family would not have a hot meal.  I’ve used my crockpot for a long time, and when I was single it was nice to come home to hot dinner just waiting for me.  Now that I cook for my husband and mom, I especially appreciate the ability to “cook” dinner without having to do more than just throw a few items into the machine.

I have several crockpot cookbooks now, but I tend to shy away from those that require any prep work.  Call me lazy, but I can’t see frying up meat and onions or whatever, and then throwing into the crockpot.  I want to throw it all in, and walk away.  That’s it. 

I’ve come across a few good recipes for this, many of them from right here at b5.  For example:

• 50 Awesome Crockpot Recipes to Keep You Warm and Full
• Crockpot Chicken Creole
• Andouille & Lentil Stew
• and even, Crock Pot Creme Brulee

I created a recipe myself and can direct you to many more free crockpot recipes over at Simply Thrifty.

Lately, I’ve finally discovered that you can cook rice (and pasta) in with your meal as well.  (You guys probably already knew that!  I’m slow sometimes… :)  I can’t tell you how delighted I was to learn that!  It meant I could truly make a one pot meal right in the good ole slow cooker.

What’s your favorite crockpot meal?  Is there a recipe online you can share?  Or better yet, add it to the comments below!

Image from Morguefile.