So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

I have a 1yr old DS and I think that using a crock pot may make my life easier.

But, I've never owned a crock pot before, never used one, and don't think I've ever eaten a meal from one either (mom never owned one).

Can you tell me what you like about using it? What types of meals do you make? Which one should I buy? Where do I get the recipes? Any tips/pointers?

Thanks! I'm venturing into new territory here

Re: So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

I love mine. I mostly use it to make soups and stews, but am looking at some new recipes for other things too.

I love it because many of the recipes are quick and easy to prepare and low fat - they use more broth and water than oils. I made a goulash for DH over the weekend that literally takes about 10 minutes to throw in there and turn it on.

The only downside for me is that I don't always like to leave it on when I am not home - I am a little paranoid about fires, so I really only use it when I know someone will be around all day. I know lots of people who leave it on when they are not home, though.

ETA - I have a Better Homes and Gardens slow cooker cookbook and the few things I have made from there have been great.

Message edited 10/18/2010 11:42:33 AM.

Re: So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

My favorite part - dump all ingredients into the pot and leave it.

Re: So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

I adore mine bc I make all my sauces in it and it doesn't splash all around and ruin my cleaned kitchen. I also like just leaving the house and knowing that everything will be cooked.

Re: So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

I love mine... its a kitchen aid one... the largest one they make. I love to entertain so i can make 2 rack of ribs, tons of sauce, big pot of chili...etc.

I have been trying new things... but this is what we have used it for:
chili
ribs
pulled pork
pork loin with apples
chicken cacciatore
marinara sauce
chipotle chicken (trying this week)
pepper steak


lots more on my list to try!

Message edited 10/18/2010 1:40:45 PM.

Re: So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

I love mine with a deep passion. lol. I work late 2 nights a week and don't get home till 8:45pm. So I love that I get get everything together the night before and leave my DH very very simple instructions for getting it going in the morning. And he gets it together and can leave. I love that it has a setting to keep the food warm after it is done cooking.

Re: So I think I may buy a crock pot - can you tell me why you love yours

I love the fact that it take me 15 min in the morning to set up everything and when I get home dinner is ready to serve