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December 30th, 2002

Slow Cookin’

Paul’s car broke down on the way to the Ping, so I’m filling in for him today.

With all the emphasis and shelf space that is given to microwave foods and quick-fix dinners, one method of cooking?a philosophy, really?is still alive and kicking, bucking the trend of “gimmie now!”: slow cookers and crock pots.

Most of us don’t think about dinner until we’re already home from work and are scrounging for something to eat. This usually results in throwing in a quick microwave meal, heating up some leftovers, or at the best, stir-frying whatever’s at hand and throwing it on some rice. All of these things are fine, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to take some time and cook a meal. Like, how about 8-10 hours?

We bought a crock pot earlier this year with money from our wedding. I remembered my grandfather always making soups with his and I thought a slow cooker would be just the right thing for preparing a nice stew or soup ahead of time. It took a while for me to find a vegetarian slow-cooker cookbook, but I got one for Christmas and this morning I fixed some potato, leek, and spinach soup that will be ready by the time I get home tonight. While I found myself a little rushed this morning (I definitely should have chopped the leeks and potatoes last night before bed), I liked the whole method and philosophy of preparing a meal far ahead of time, allowing it to cook slowly over the course of an entire day, and having it be ready to eat after a day at work. Really, it’s probably faster than a microwave meal if measured from the point I get home. Plus, there’s the added bonus of walking into a house that smells like soup… mmm…

Does anyone else swear by the slow cooker? What are your favorite recipes?

Posted in Food and Beverage

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