Recently, I’ve had some requests for crock pot meals and it has reminded me just how handy this method of cooking really is. Though there is some prep required, the crock pot cuts back on the active time in the kitchen. The main beauty of using a slow-cooker—in my opinion at least—is walking in the door after a long day and having dinner ready, waiting on you. It’s almost magical in a way, opening the door and having the smells of a home-cooked meal greet you. When you’re feeling energized in the morning, you start the meal; that way, you can come home and relax—dinner is already made!