A lot of us have a very efficient and time saving appliance sitting high on a kitchen shelf collecting dust. What is it? It's the crock-pot! I have taken mine down from that high shelf and have actually purchased another one because I have found them to be so helpful. How are they helpful? Read on.

There are a lot of days that it's very hard for me to get a meal on the table either because I lack the motivation or because we are busy. Lacking motivation stems from being tired at dinnertime. I have had an active day and by 5:00 p.m., I'm just plain worn out and am not in the mood to cook. Because of this, we end up eating fast food more often than we should or we eat a meal that tastes like there was no effort put into it.

I have found a solution to this problem and that is the crock-pot! In the morning when I am ambitious and creative, I prepare the basis of our meals by adding meat, liquids, seasonings or other ingredients to the crock-pot. Then at dinnertime, all I have to do is prepare side dishes such as heat and serve rolls and a green salad. Sometimes I even prepare the side dishes early too so that way I have hardly anything to do at mealtime when I'm lacking energy. If you have two crock-pots, use them both at the same time with the main dish in one and a side dish in the other.

Another benefit of the crock-pot is that it doesn't heat up the kitchen. This can be valuable in the summer but don't limit it to summertime cooking. It's an any-season appliance. You'll be pleased smelling the delicious aroma of your food cooking all day long in the fall, winter and spring. You can even cook desserts in them such as apple dumplings.

For those of you that work away from home, the crock-pot is safe enough to leave turned on low all day. When you get home, most of your dinner is cooked and ready to eat!

You can buy crock-pots at any retail store for around $30.00 for the average size and more or less for a bigger or smaller one. But why spend $30.00 when they are abundant in thrift stores and yard sales? I purchased my second one at a thrift store for $2.99! If you decide to purchase one at a thrift store or yard sale, be sure to plug it in and see if it heats up.

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