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.

Post from: Blisstree

All Hail the Crockpot

I caught an interesting article the other day regarding a study from the University of Cambridge that said “most Britons believe that family life suffers if women work, prompting headlines about the death of ‘Supermum’.”

Ooooh… that word…. “supermom.”  It makes me cringe.  Because WHY does it always seem to be the women that deal with this issue?  You don’t hear of many dads that are called “superfathers.”  (And I know you’re out there guys so please do speak up – we need your opinions on this as well.) 

In the article, women chat about daycare, working, and how they made the decision to either stay home or work.  I don’t think this is an easy decision for anyone.  Several of the women say they worked out the idea of who was going to stay home with the kids before they even got married. 

I think this article helps prove that perhaps more than anything it’s the “supermom” title that’s been beaten to death.  Moms are just trying to do the best for their kids and family, regardless of where they end up.  The answer is simple – there isn’t one clear cut decision you can make as a parent about staying home or going to work.  Everyone does the best they can, and whatever their decision, it’s the best for their own family.  We can’t as outsiders look at someone else and judge the situation.

What are your thoughts on this title of “supermom“?

Post from: Blisstree

Death of the “Supermom”?