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A 5-quart family reunion mainstay

I don't know a single mother who has managed to survive the early years without a crock-pot. Although I got mine as a wedding present, I have used it most frequently since having children.

My particular crockpot is 5 quarts, so I'm sure I could contribute to a family reunion including both sides of our Irish and Slovak Catholic families; the meals I've made for just us could feed us for three days, and still seem paltry sitting prepared in the bottom of the pot!

Prep time for most dishes is minimal, unless some recipe requires meat-browning. It is generally no problem to ask youngsters to watch a video during vegetable- or meat-chopping--though in some cases, the kids may be able to help, or at least enjoy watching.

The one problem I have with the Rival is the chips along its outer rim. Granted, the crockpot is nearly eight years old, but I don't treat it any differently than I do my other (unchipped) dishes. Additionally, any crockpot in use becomes hot and heavy--and should thus be placed well away from curious little hands.

Nonetheless, the crockpot is a simple tool for both at-home and out-of-home parents. It can save both time and grocery costs by creating plenty of good leftovers. And the Rival in particular lends attractiveness to any working kitchen.