In Praise of Slow (The Slow Cooker, That is)

It may seem like a bit of a paradox, we live busy lives that by all accounts are fast paced, how can something called a slow cooker make our lives any easier? Well, yes, the appliances are aptly named as a slow cooker is just that: Slow. But oh what a wonderful world of possibilities they open up. Here are three reason why a slow cooker is perfect for your busy life.

Set it and forget it. Not many of us remember Ron Popeil’s infomercial for his "Showtime Rotisserie," but the phrase lives on in kitchens throughout the globe thanks to slow cookers. It really is that simple, you set your meal to start cooking in the morning, forget about it as you go about your day, and when you get home? Bam! A piping hot home cooked meal ready to serve.

Batch cooking for your busy week. Batch cooking is one of the many perks of the usually amply sized slow cooker. Rather than slave over the stove to cook a single meal you can spend the same amount of time on prep and have meals for the rest of the week. Pretty much a no brainer.

Batch prepping is a thing too. If you’re willing to devote a day to chopping, why not prepare several batch meals in advance? Ingredients can be stored in a ziplock in the freezer and pretty much cooked from frozen in most cases. Just imagine, a month’s worth of food prepared in a single day!

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Easy Dinner Ideas for Those Lazy Nights

You may have had a busy day, or a busy week, or maybe you’re just tired from a long night, but whatever the reason once in a while you just don’t feel like cooking an elaborate meal, and it’s totally understandable. It may be tempting to order in, but a healthier alternative (not to mention a way to prevent overeating) would be something quick and easy. Here are three quick and easy dinner ideas you can make tonight.

One pot beef and broccoli. A little bit of beef, a little bit of broccoli, chopped up and thrown into a single pot. What could be easier? Get the beef started a bit before the broccoli as it will take just a little longer to cook, and season with your favorite sauce and spices, or just a bit of salt and pepper if you’re craving something simple.

Roasted veggies and sausage. All it takes is a bit of chopping time and a bit of patience for it to cook, but roasted veggies and sausage is otherwise effortless. Cut the veggies and sausage into equal pieces, toss in some oil, salt, and pepper, and pop it in the oven until done. A delicious and hearty meal that isn’t too much work.

Savoury salsa omelette. If you’re all about no fuss, look no further than a tasty omelette! Beat a couple of eggs and get them cooking, then throw in some salsa, sliced olives, grated cheese, and any other nacho fixings you have in the house. Top with more grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream, et voila!

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