Slow Cooking for a Fast Meal

A couple times a week we are in a bigger hurry than usual to eat dinner before rushing off to our son's guitar class. On those days I am particularly thankful for the slow cooker my mother-in-law gave me last Christmas. (Actually, I've used it quite a lot!) With this helpful contraption the family can have a lovely, sit down dinner that didn't come from a can or a box and still have time to meet our commitments.

Tonight's masterpiece was a pot roast I purchased a couple of weeks ago on a buy-one-get-one-sale and stashed in the freezer. I've always loved a bargain and subscribed to the idea that clothes, home decor, gadgets, etc. are better when purchased at a thrifty price. I'm beginning to think the same principle applies to food. Somehow it just seems to taste better when I know it was cheap. (I hope I'm not turning into Scrooge, though! Maybe it's just a sign of the times.)

To make the whole process easier, I prepped the ceramic pot insert last night, stashed it in the fridge, and pulled it out to cook this morning when we left for school. In addition, while I peeled shallots and cut up red potatoes and carrots, Jeff tossed in some simple seasonings: salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash. Next he poured chicken broth over everything while I added a little blackberry-ginger vinegar and some vegetable juice for a tomato base. This conglomeration simmered on low all day, which leads me to the best part of crock pot cooking - the aroma. The second we opened the door, Jeff and I were greeted with the scent of tender, luscious pot roast permeating the house. It took only a few minutes to set the table, put the veggies and roast in a dish (though this was bit tricky since it kept falling apart!), and thicken up some gravy. One of the true joys in life has to be the welcoming warmth of a home-cooked meal after a long day of labor (especially if I didn't have to stay home to cook it).

Thus, we all enjoyed a good dinner with time to talk about the day's events. In addition, we had three helpings left to go to school tomorrow for lunch. The extra is for Jeff's mom (who volunteers in his classroom a couple days a week) because we thought she'd enjoy the tasty treat that came from her 11-month old gift that continues to make our lives easier.