I couldn't tell you if a dutch oven is more work than a crockpot, but the crock pot (like the Foreman Grill but more so) just screams "TIMESAVER!" at me. A quick burst of "do" and then leaving the kitchen for the "cook" is perfect.

Except, of course when you a) are hungry or b) can smell the process.

How was it, DJ? And yes, please do tell us about the paramedic. Please tell us about your tattoo. What is THE DINNER?

ita, is your pain management place in an In 'n Out?

Ah, the Dinner must be a MG thing. Welcome back, Daisy!

Isaac just woke up for no descernable reason. He still wants to sleep. I don't understand.

The crockpot has saved my marriage.

Honestly.

I toss veggies and meat and sometimes a sauce into the thing while Em eats her breakfast and by the time I get home, PRESTO! Dinner. Sometimes Joe makes a rice or potato, but more often than not, they are already in the pot.

Aiiieeee! Just got an email from my mom. Another younger cousin is expecting a baby in July (a boy.) This is a HUGE surprise. Really big. I'll bet her dad is plotzing.

Given she's graduating from law school in May, I may have to point her Stephanie's way for planning advice.

Eeps. I remember when she was born.

I can try to describe THE DINNER, but I wouldn't really be doing it justice.

We had Chartruse before dinner, wild mushroom risotto, turtle soup, crabcake and seared foie gras for starters, then carmel something crusted pork chops, blackened redfish with mashed potatoes mixed with truffle oil, and mushroom and greens salad with creamy vinegrette, I can't remember the name of the wine we had with dinner, but it was a really nice and smooth red, then for dessert we had real Irish coffee, vanilla bean creme brule, something that was a hard chocolate shell around a peanut butter mousse and flan. After that we had champagne at the bar.

I don't see the point in ever eating again.

ita, is your pain management place in an In 'n Out?

I was wondering the same thing.

Perkins, I had sushi last night and thought of you.

I would assume the crock pot is easier since there's no hot oven. But I wonder, when you braise in a crock pot do you still need to turn the meat every 1/2 hour?

Burrell, I haven't and everything I've done has turned out great.

Perkins, I had sushi last night and thought of you.

Aww.

The benefit of the crock pot for me is you don't worry about burning the house down as something cooks all day in your absense.

Mostly.

I don't like how slow cooking tends to make things stringier, though. It's a mouthfeel thing. I've never liked pork done in the crock pot.