In my 20+ years of being out on my own,  I’ve avoided buying a crock pot, viewing it as a tool for the home cook and not the utensil of the “serious chef” (Funny how I tend to borrow and use my co-worker’s slow cooker more than she does).  Well,  I ran into this little cutie today at the supermarket  – 1.5 quarts and only $9.99.  How could I resist?  I’m in a stew mood and I can’t wait for Fall.