Millions of crock pots were sold after they were introduced to the mass market in 1971. They were so popular that the best-selling slow cooker cookbook ever, “Crockery Cookery”, knocked off the classic “The Joy of Sex” from the No. 1 spot on the best-seller list in June 1971. Consumers also loved the convenience of another 1970s kitchen appliance innovation, the microwave oven. Processed foods, ready to eat in only a couple of minutes, filled the shelves at the grocers, and most cooks lost interest in crock pots.
Everything old becomes new again, they say, and nowadays, the crock pot is back. People are looking for that delicious homemade taste, and the good nutrition of “real” food, instead of processed foods with a long ingredient list of words you can’t pronounce. Women are still working, though, (not to mention men who cook for their families), and the convenience of a programmable crock pot is part of the charm. Most of the recipes you make can be done in a few minutes with your work clothes on — nothing needs to be chopped or measured.
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.
It’s not just stews and roasts that modern cooks are cooking in slow cookers. If you search for “recipe crock pot” on the Internet, you will find a huge variety of interesting recipes, some with an international touch. Dum Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower that benefits from slow cooking. The adventurous cook might try Birra Seca, a Mexican dish made with goat meat. Apricot Chicken looks delicious and easy, another no-chop recipe.