Scene: It’s 9 p.m., you are winding down for the night and thinking about what is in store for tomorrow. You remember you have a client meeting at 5 p.m. the next day, which means you won’t be home before 7 p.m. You think about what you will have time to make for dinner at that point and about how tired you are going to be. Thoughts of which foods you will be able to put together for a quick dinner swirl in your mind, then a battle of which foods actually sound good to you ensues.

I thought you were trying to wind down for the night!?!

Enter Genius Thought: The crock-pot!

Using a crock-pot to prepare a meal, especially when you know time is going to be short the following day, is easy and reduces some of the stress involved with cooking.

If you are not already aware of the wonders of the crock-pot, please allow me to enlighten you. All you have to do is find a recipe for something that sounds delicious (try checking out the recipes at www.crock-pot.com). There’s even an app for that – simply search “Crock-Pot” in the app store and you will find the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker Recipe Finder app.

Once you decide on a recipe, make sure you have all necessary ingredients. Then in the morning before you take off for the day, pop the ingredients into the crock-pot, turn it on and let the crock-pot do it’s thing while you are away doing your work for the day. When you return home, you will have a delicious meal waiting for you.

Of course, you need a crock-pot to do this and if you do not already have one, I can tell you from experience that it is one of the best investments you will ever make. I love mine and there are so many great recipes to cook- from appetizers to full meals to soups, and even desserts. It’s true, there is no end to the possibilities!

I would like to share some of my favorite crock-pot recipes with you every now and then to help you discover new and delicious things to make. So…drum roll please…my first crock-pot recipe to share:

Classic Roast Beef

Note: The measurements are for a piece of beef rump roast that is approximately 3 lbs. – feel free to adjust accordingly (or just invite some friends over for dinner, or take leftovers for lunch the next day)

Ingredients

3 lbs. boneless beef rump roast, brisket or shoulder
1/2 cup beef broth
2 potatoes, cut into wedges
Carrots, thinly sliced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

1. Put vegetables in bottom of stoneware.
2. Salt and pepper meat, then place in pot on top of vegetables.
3. Add liquid.
4. Cover and cook on LOW 10–12 hours (HIGH: 5–6 hours). Makes 12 to 14 servings.

This classic roast beef recipe is one of my favorite meals to make and it is quite delicious! You can even make mashed potatoes instead, if you prefer (obviously not in the crock-pot). And, if you are feeling ambitious, make a pot of gravy to go with this – a tasty way to add some extra flavor.

Enjoy! Don’t forget to share your favorite crock-pot recipes as you explore the world of crock-pot cooking.

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2. Super Bowl From a Woman’s Perspective
3. International Food Series: Taco Night
4. Men Cooking for Women in Small Spaces
5. Tacos for One on Homemade Flour Tortillas

Tags: Cooking, crock pot, dinner, food, ingredients, on-the-go, recipe, roast beef, Slow cooker, smart phone app