National Slow Cooking Month

National Slow Cooking Month, also known as National Slow Cooker Month, takes place throughout January and encourages people to prepare meals in a slow cooker. The appliance cooks food at a low temperature over an extended period, making it suitable for soups, stews, main dishes, sides, and desserts. Its convenience and ability to prepare a meal with minimal attention have made it a useful kitchen tool for busy households.

The modern slow cooker traces back to Irving Naxon, who received a U.S. patent in 1940 for a slow bean cooker inspired by his grandmother’s cooking in Lithuania. The device was initially called the Beanery; after the patent was sold to Rival, it was renamed the Crock Pot in 1972. A brief history of the appliance describes how it later became especially popular during the 1970s energy crisis, when slow cookers used less energy than ovens.

January is a good time to bring this countertop appliance back into use and explore its range. Recipes shared for the month include beef stew, chili, soups, lasagna, loaded mashed potatoes, and even chocolate desserts. These recipe ideas from Tastefully Simple show that slow cooking can go well beyond a basic pot of stew.

How to Observe National Slow Cooking Month

Celebrate by dusting off your slow cooker and trying a new recipe during January. Make a soup, stew, chili, roast, side dish, or dessert, or invite friends to a slow-cooker potluck. You can also try a recipe from this collection of slow-cooker ideas.

For safe preparation, use fully thawed meat and vegetables, avoid overfilling the cooker, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours of turning off the appliance, as advised by McCaffrey’s Food Markets.

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