All hail the slow cooker, the perfect small appliance for summer! What, you say? The slow cooker is not just a winter thing, best saved for cold January days when there’s nothing better than a hearty stew to fend off the chill of a polar vortex? Of course, that aspect of slow-cooking is legit, and there’s nothing like loading up the cooker on a chilly morning and having a delicious dinner eight hours later. But I think the slow cooker has a chance to play an unexpected role in the summer. For starters, it doesn’t heat up the entire kitchen in already-warm conditions. It’s also a great way to turn peak-season ingredients into delicious meals with minimal prep time. After you enjoy these dishes, I bet your slow cooker won’t take a seasonal hiatus again.
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RecipeSlow Cooker Mole Pork Tostadas with Mexican Crema and Jícama Relish
Pulled pork is known to be excellent in the slow cooker, and here it simmers in traditional mole spices. Piled on a crisp tostada and drizzled with crema, it's perfect for a summer barbecue. -
RecipeSlow Cooker Farmers’ Market Ratatouille
Ratatouille seems made for the slow cooker, as its flavor only gets better as tomatoes, eggplant, and other vegetables simmer over low heat. -
RecipeSlow Cooker Cheesecake with Macerated Peaches
While making a cheesecake is definitely not a traditional use for this appliance, its low, even heat creates the perfect environment for a rich cheesecake served with sweet macerated peaches
