These drawbacks are relatively minor compared to positives which I will list now.

- The slow cooker needs virtually no tending while it cooks, freeing you up to do other chores or recipes.

- The slow cooker will tenderize less expensive, tough cuts of meat and make great stews out of them.

- The slow cooker allows you to be out of kitchen for extended periods of time -sometimes even all day.

- Burning your food is rarely a problem. The slow cooker will make many dishes for you better than any other appliance -especially those that tend to stick to bottom of a pan.

In my opinion slow cooker is one of most under-utilized and yet superior of kitchen appliances. When used for what it does best, you will find that you are able to prepare great dishes in less time than you though possible!

Tony has been working diligently to provide free cooking related resources for the 'chef' in all of us. His website www.my-crockpot-recipes.com is a 'labor of love' which provides delicious and easy to make crockpot recipes and related tips and advice.

Add your spices at end.

If a stovetop recipe calls for 15-30 minutes, crockpot should cook it for 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hrs at a high temperature and 4 - 8 hours at its low temperature setting.

If a stovetop recipe calls for 35-45 minutes, crockpot should cook it for 3-4 hrs at a high temperature setting and 6 - 10 hours at its low temperature setting.

If a stovetop recipe calls for 50 min to 3 hours, crockpot should cook it for 4 - 6 hrs at a high temperature setting and 8 - 16 hours at its low temperature setting.

Following these guidelines will allow you to be able to convert a stovetop recipe to its delicious slow cooking counterpart!

Tony www.my-crockpot-recipes.com

Tony has been working diligently to provide free cooking related resources for the 'chef' in all of us. His website www.my-crockpot-recipes.com is a 'labor of love' which provides delicious and easy to make crockpot recipes and related tips and advice.