Most of my friends work outside of their homes. Thats not unusual. There are a few of us, however, who have chosen to stay at home with our young children. Were the minority, but still not unusual. What should be considered unusual is the discovery recently uncovered among my group of busy female friends. We-who-work-at-home utilize our crock pots approximately 75% more frequently than those who have traditional j.o.b.s.! This statistic is of course in no way official, just a quick sampling of local gals; but a shocker nonetheless. We also thought the new cupcake carrier was awesome. Go figure. Why then, do the moms-who-work choose to neglect the one piece of equipment capable of solving a multitude of meal-planning/creation problems with just the flip of a button? After a brief survey, I have concluded that their error in meal prep judgment stems from merely a lack of information. Even in the twenty-first century, a large number of intelligent mothers still think that the lowly crock pot stashed away in their attics is useful only on occasions calling for meatball appetizers or baked beans to take to Aunt Shirleys house on Labor Day. What? How can this be? Naturally this information gave way to many shouts of oh, no and my goodness from the moms-who-stay-home but yet use their slow cookers religiously. I too used to be one of the fast cookers who worked away from home. During those years I probably used my crock pot two or three times a year. We also ate way more fast-food in those days than we do now. Running around like I did from job to home to kid activity, its a wonder we werent malnourished. Dominoes did a very brisk business on our street as well. Strangely enough, many folks believe that since Im home all day, just playing with kids and checking my email (yeah right,) meals should be a total breeze. Heck, to hear them tell it I should be preparing gourmet meals everyday with a smile on my face while sporting a pearl necklace and high heels. Again I say, what? Hello, twenty-first century here people. If were working at home these days, most likely youre finding us not only minding our young children, but simultaneously running successful home businesses. Without some effective meal planning, wed still be keeping the pizza delivery guy running in style. So how does the crock pot make life easier? Not rocket science folks. I dont even spend time planning out a months worth of meals. As long as I have a good supply and variety of meats and other staples in my kitchen, along with some simple crock pot recipes that my family will actually eat, Im set. Getting it all started in the morning takes anywhere from five to ten minutes. While Im making coffee and listening to my little ones enjoy yet again another episode of Dora, I plop the ingredients into the pot, and after putting the lid on and setting the button on low, Im done. Theres nothing more to think about, and my house smells fantastic all day long. Get that crock pot down from the attic, dust it off, or better yet clean it first, find yourself some delicious recipes and youll be on your way to joining the ranks of the moms of the Slow Cooking Renaissance. Enlighten yourselves to the benefits of crock pot cooking and watch your lives improve and your families beam with joy as they devour your results. |
