With the cold season upon us, a nice hot meal becomes increasingly enticing. Busy days and even busier nights can sometimes make cooking a nutritious meal difficult. If you don’t already own a crock-pot, consider purchasing one. Perfect for tenderizing meats, blending flavors together for soups or stews, and making weeknight meals a breeze, the crock-pot can be a life savor -- and its uses are truly endless. A small amount of prep can make the rest of your week thought free while also staying nutritious and fulfilling. Not in the mood for prepping ingredients ahead of time? That’s okay too. Fifteen minutes of chopping and you can throw everything in the pot and forget about it until enticing aromas fill your home and remind you of dinner time.
First, what is the difference between a crock-pot and slow cooker? The two titles are often used interchangeably but there are slight differences. A crock-pot is a type or style of slow cooker. Crock-Pot is also a brand name, first introduced in 1970. Crock-Pot and crock-pot style slow cookers have a ceramic pot that will sit inside the heating unit. Traditional slow cookers have a metal pot that sits on top of a heating unit.
While you have complete freedom to use your creativity with a crock-pot, a recipe makes life even easier. Pinterest is typically loaded with easy meals to throw together. Popular trends right now include ‘dump dinners.’ You can do all your prepping prior and freeze ingredients in one bag. When it comes time to cook, just dump them in the pot. Remember, a crock-pot or slow cooker can be good for more than just stews and soups. Here are some unique recipes to try out!
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers • Spinach and Feta Crock Pot Lasagna • Herbed Crock Pot Bread
Written by: Rachael Sharpe, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
Source: The Kitchn