The Crock Pot is Back!

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
What could be easier than firing up the grill, and cooking your favorite foods with almost no cleanup? I have two words for you: crock pot! While these slow cookers have been around for decades, crock pots are enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in American kitchens.



For those who are concerned with leaving an appliance plugged in all day, unattended, it’s not a worry – the power is that of a single light bulb. Flip the switch in the morning, go about your day, and when you return home 8 – 12 hours later, you’ll have a healthy, flavorful meal, ready to serve.

A crock pot meal can be as easy as 3 ingredients - a lean protein (skinless chicken, lean beef or pork), fresh or frozen vegetables, and liquid to cover (low-sodium broth, canned tomato sauce) – or a complex one with a variety of ingredients.

There are dozens of crock pot recipes available online, in books, and in the newspaper. My personal favorites have come from those small “slow cooker” magazine-like books found at the check out counter in the supermarket.

While I’m not a fan of cooking everything, from appetizers to desserts in the crock pot, I think it’s a great tool for main dish “one-pot shopping” and eating! An added plus for beef-lovers: ultra-lean cuts of beef that are tough when grilled, cook tasty and tender with liquid and many hours of simmering.

Are you a crock pot lover? Please share some of your favorite recipes!

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