A food-lovers must-have

Hattie Kemp

Christmas is only 18 days away, and I haven’t begun my shopping yet!

It’s not that I don’t enjoy shopping because I really do. In fact, my kids have nicknamed me Discount Diva for my innate ability to find a bargain.

I’m proud to proclaim my excuse this year is a lack of free time due to an over-abundance of homework.

How many 55-year-old women do you know who can make that claim? LOL!

This non-shopping episode is not an annual occurrence, because I will buy items throughout the year when I happen to stumble upon the perfect gift for someone on my Christmas list.

An item I would like to suggest for you to add to your wish list from Santa is a must-have for busy people of all ages. This item can literally change your life. Not only can it save you an immeasurable amount of time but also countless dollars as well.

There is a stigma attached to this item although undeservedly so in my opinion. This item has acquired the reputation of an appliance only used by older women, specifically grandmothers and moms. But this simply isn’t so!

Have you guessed what it is yet?

The answer is a slow cooker. My favorite brand is a Crock-Pot with a removable crock. I own three of various sizes but for beginners I’d recommend a medium-sized one with a four-quart capacity.

Please don’t say bah humbug to my suggestion before hearing me out.

My top five reasons you should own a slow cooker are the following:

A slow cooker is so easy to use. Just place the ingredients into the crock, refrigerate overnight, remove and place on the countertop while you get ready to start your day, then place into the slow-cooker base on the low setting before you leave.

Come home after 8-12 hours to a hot, ready-to-eat meal. The removable crock makes clean up is a breeze. Inexpensive cuts of meat are perfect for slow cookers as they become tender when cooked for a long time at a low temperature.

This can cut dollars off your grocery bills each week. Recipes are super easy and are plentiful on the Internet by searching for “slow-cooker recipes” or “Crock-Pot recipes.”

Slow cookers save time. I personally don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to save time. I come home many times and am just too tired or have too much homework to spend time in the kitchen cooking a complete meal.

These reasons are why I love my slow cooker. It’s become my lifesaver and best bud in the kitchen since my return to academia. I wish you happy holidays during our much-needed break.