Make it slow and easy

Not a stranger to kitchen tools of convenience, I admit to using a microwave on occasion to cook my oatmeal and I openly profess my love for my slow cooker. I'm a busy bee and I need to eat. I'm not the biggest fan of packaged or canned foods, but sometimes in these hectic times our only option is to add canned beans to a recipe or steam frozen veggies instead of running to the store to buy fresh. What could be more convenient than turning on a slow cooker before you leave for work and come home to a fully cooked main course? I used to use my slow cooker just on St. Patrick's Day—it makes the most perfect corned beef, potatoes, and cabbage—but it is truly the best friend of the working gal (or guy).

This is why A Year of Crockpotting is my new favorite website. These recipes are not only delicious and easy, they are gluten-free. Thank you to my Twitter friend, CyndiinBC for introducing me to Stephanie and her crockpots! I made my own pantry's version of Clean Out Your Pantry CrockPot Chili. Two cans of beans, rinsed (black and white kidney), 1/2 can of chopped green chilies, 1 tsp crushed garlic, 1 can of tomato sauce, 1/2 large onion, sauteed, 2 lbs of ground supercow, browned. Combine in slow cooker pot, add water (I used a tomato sauce can-full), spices to taste (Italian seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper), and go!

What is your favorite slow cooker recipe?