Crockpot

Based on a Swiss alpine recipe, this requires a cake tin that holds 7 cups so be certain your crockpot is big enough!

Be sure to soak the beans the night before you plan on making the recipe. The beans taste better the longer they sit, so make them a day or two ahead or freeze for later.

I like to add a can of pineapple pieces then substitute pineapple juice for the water.

Traditional Bavarian Roast Pork.

This is a classic but still one of the best ways to create an amazing beef dish - very cheap to make too!

Get your butcher to tie into a neat roll. Use shoulder end of a chuck. Make sure it will fit into your crockpot.

With this recipe, beans simmer away on the low heat setting all morning. By afternoon they will turn into a delicious sweet and tangy crockpot full of  beans to go with whatever you cook on the grill.

This slow cooker method not only saves your oven space, but it also results in the most fall-apart tender and flavourful ham ever.

This is a sweet and spicy stew that you start in the morning and let the slow cooker do the rest.

When money is tight, throw together this little beauty. 5 fed for less than $10.

For a lighter-coloured broth, omit the roasting step and use peeled veggies. Make sure about half your bones are collagen-rich, such as chicken backs, feet, or wings.

Gooey, sticky and delicious. Provide a finger-bowl and napkins.

A beef strip variation that is as good as the original.

Use a lean pork belly that will lie flat in the bottom of your crockpot.