The new Slow Food Revolution, focusing on real ingredients, has brought slow cookers out of the back closet. Processed foods with a list of ingredients that look like they came out of a chemical factory may be convenient, but they’re not as nutritious or tasty as a home-cooked meal simmered for hours. Not surprisingly, a programmable crock pot is still very convenient for men and women who like to cook, but who have to go out to work every day. A simple pot roast — no chopping or measuring needed — can be thrown together in a few minutes on your way out the door.
You’ll need a roast of beef, a pot roast or another inexpensive cut, which actually work better in a slow cooker. Your grocer likely has boxes of already chopped mushrooms and ready-to-use sweet baby carrots. Pearl onions are available canned or frozen, with no peeling required. Red or yellow fingerling potatoes can be found in many grocery stores, or just choose small potatoes. This is the only ingredient that might need a rinse. Put everything in the pot, along with any herbs or spices that sound good, and black pepper and a little salt. Add a little bit of water (red wine or broth are good if you have them handy), and your “cooking” is over for the day. The low power setting will simmer your roast all day. If you want it down in a few hours, depending on the size of the roast, turn that power button up to high.
Modern cooks are cooking all kinds of meals (side dishes, desserts and beverages, too) in slow cookers. Chinese classics like Sweet and Sour Chicken or Lemon Chicken work well, as do French classics like Onion Soup or Beef Burgundy. How about Spiced Chi Tea or Crock Pot Caramel Apples for the kids? The Internet has thousands of crock pot recipes available with a simple search.