5 Easy + Tasty Ways Your Slow Cooker Can Earn Its Keep This Winter

If I could keep only one thing from my kitchen, it would be my slow cooker. Mainly because it’s hard to mess up a slow cooker recipe, but I’m also too lazy to cook sometimes. And, as if you needed another reason to use it, the recipes are virtually limitless, including dessert and drink options galore. I came up with a list of my favorite Food Network slow cooker recipes I think is perfect for cold weather.
Sausage, Bean and Pasta Stew

Tara Donne
Placing a parmesan rind in the slow cooker while the rest of the ingredients cook gives this stew a bold flavor. To tone down the spiciness, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot.
Make This: Your New Favorite Recipe
Chicken Chili

The secret ingredient in this flavorful chili is lager-style beer. Top it with jalapeños, sour cream and extra chili powder to boost the flavor even more.
Make This: Healthy + Comforting Recipe
Apple Butter

Brian Kennedy
What's better than a homemade apple butter recipe? A slow-cooked one! Serve on biscuits, scones or eat it plain.
Make This: For Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner!
Chocolate Fondue

Marshall Troy
There are a number of desserts you can try in a slow cooker, but chocolate fondue is my favorite. It’s even better than an actual fondue set because it keeps the chocolate at the perfect dipping temperature for hours.
Make This: Chocolate-y Goodness
30 Cold-Weather Appetizer Recipes
See All PhotosSlow-Cooker Sangria
Is there anything better than warm, spiced wine on a cold night? Yes: Prepping it in the slow cooker. While the spices and citrus peels infuse into the wine, it will double as an air freshener. It's a win-win.
Make This: Slow-Cooker Sangria