Slow cookers, in my opinion, are amazing kitchen time
savers. You can quickly prep food in the morning, and have a wonderful meal all hot and ready for your family at the end of the day.
But, did you know you could also use your slow cooker in
these five creative ways?
1. Ease muscle and joint pain: Dampen some wash towels (not too much), roll them, and add them to your slow cooker. Optionally add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil, like peppermint or lavender. Heat on low for 30 minutes or so. Remove with tongs. These warm wash towels
can be used as warm compresses to help ease muscle or joint pain. Unravel and wait to put them on your skin until you're sure they're not too hot.
2. Make your home smell like fall. Fill a small crockpot with water, approximately 3/4 full. Place slices from two oranges in the water,
layer on 6 cinnamon sticks, and two tablespoons of whole cloves. Lay a few sprigs of fresh rosemary on top. Turn the temperature to high and leave the lid off. Check hourly to adjust the water level.
3. Hydrate dry air. A slow cooker filled with water actually makes a wonderful
humidifier. Fill it about three-quarters full with hot water, cover with the lid, and turn it on high. Remove the lid after 15 minutes, allowing the steam to add moisture. This is wonderful during the dry fall and winter months.
4. Roast nuts: Grease the bottom of your slow
cooker. Add five cups of raw seeds and/or nuts and one tablespoon of olive oil. Stir. Add seasoning and stir again. Put the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. Spread the warm seeds/nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and allow to cook completely before enjoying. You can store these in your pantry in mason jars.
Seasoning for savory spiced nuts:
1 tsp each: brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried rosemary OR 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
5. Use it as a food warmer: For foods that are already cooked, but that you're trying
to keep warm, the slow cooker is the perfect helper. Mashed potatoes, side dishes, buns...even some desserts, can be kept warm using your slow cooker. Just put the food inside your crockpot, cover it, and turn on the warm setting until you're ready to eat your full meal. It will keep for an hour or two.
