Crock Pot – I wish I’d gotten one of these years before I did. You can make a huge variety of things in it beyond just soups, stews and casseroles. I’ve made sauces, appetizers, side dishes, and you can use it for hot drinks (like cider) or even desserts. Use it for parties and it’s one more thing you can prepare ahead of time. It’s a great gift for someone with a baby, too. I can quickly prepare dinner early in the day, during a nap or when my daughter is playing, and avoid having to cook in the evening when babies and toddlers are usually so clingy and fussy.
Rice Cooker – Throw away any ideas you have about rice cookers being a big waste of counter space. We use ours to cook varieties of rice, but if you’re adventurous and trying to improve your diet, you can also use it to explore other whole grains, like quinoa, spelt, bulgar, or millet. Cooks perfectly every time. You can steam vegetables in it, as well. You can mix in spices or veggies in to make Mexican rice or a pilaf. Unlike most of them, this cooker does not have an aluminum pot, which is a big bonus.
Scooter
