~Crockpots...So Much More Than Slow Cookers~

I don't know about you, but I currently have six, yes six, crockpots. I love them and use them a lot. Over time, I have learned that not only can you make great frugal meals in crockpots, but you can do so much more! Here's some ideas:

1. Use for simmering potpourri ~ Expecially great now that crockpots come in those itty bitty sizes. Just add liquid potpourri and keep on the warm setting. Better yet, make your own by adding cinammon sticks and orange peels to water. Your house will smell wonderful!

2. Wash dishes ~ I take one of my larger ones when we go camping. I actually plug it in outside on the picnic table and fill it with water and a little dish detergent. I can quickly wash up (or soak) the individual dishes that are sporadically used throughout the day without wasting water. The dishes go into the strainer and get a quick blast with the hose to rinse.

3. Use as a roaster ~ Did you know that you can roast a chicken in a crockpot? Ball up some tin foil or use halved onions on the bottom of the crock. Put your chicken on top (so it's not sitting in the grease when cooking). Rub the chicken with herbs of your choice and cook on low for 4 to 8 hours, depending on the size of your chicken. It will come out so moist and tender. Don't forget to use the juices that collect on the bottom for gravy or broth!

4. Make soap ~ For you soap makers out there, your crockpot can help. (I'd certainly use an old one that you won't be putting food back into) Just search for instructions on the web, as I found quite a few different ones.

5. Bake potatoes ~ Instead of heating up your oven (especially during the summer months), bake potatoes in the crockpot! Wrap the potatoes in foil, add to the crockpot (do not add any water) and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 4 hours.

6. Dye yarn ~ Another idea for crafters. Here's some links to get you started:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8546.asp and
http://www.allfiberarts.com/library/aa04/aa022304.htm

7. Plant something ~ So let's say your crockpot stops working. Not to fear! Reuse the inner crock for a planter. Fill the bottom with a layer of gravel or stone and plant your favorite flowers or herbs. Even easier - to hide the ugly green plastic containers that come with the plants, just sit the whole thing inside the crock. That's what I did here:

The crocks are usually so pretty, that it's a shame not to show them off! Look at the detail on this one...

If your plant is going to be in the kitchen, go ahead and keep it in the whole crockpot to match the kitchen theme.

8. Use in the oven ~ If all else fails, you can use the inner crock as a traditional crock in the oven for casseroles, etc. Make sure you give the outer portion to a scrapper so it ends up getting recycled!

If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them! One of my six crockpots is bound to die one of these days!